This novel is completely out of my comfort zone. For one, the genre for this novel most closely resembles realistic fiction, and I don’t usually read novels from this genre. This novel is also very different for me as it deals with cinematography, which is something I am completely unfamiliar with. When I first picked up this novel, I had done so without reading its premise so I was quite surprised to find out it had to do with the movie-making industry. Nevertheless, I continued reading the book – and I am so glad that I did!
Sophie Stark is a force to be reckoned with in the film making industry. She is able to reach into a hidden place inside of those around her – her crush, her girlfriend, and her husband – to create stories for her movies, which then bring her critical acclaim and recognition. But as her career trajectory rises, Sophie’s dedication to her movies leads to betrayal of the people she love the most. At the end of it all, the only thing Sophie will wonder is was the relentless pursuit for the truth worth it all?
This was by far one of the most amazing novels I have ever read. I am so glad that I did not turn away from this book and I gave it a chance. From the first page, it sucked me right in. Told in the perspectives of those who loved Sophie, it shows us both how we can know a person through the views of others as well as how little we actually know about someone. This novel is paradoxical in the sense that it appears to seek to explain Sophie and ends up not really doing so. And this very paradox is the inherent characteristic that makes Sophie Sophie. I loved how the story moved along and I loved reading how each character interacted with Sophie; while each character’s experience was unique, they all shared commonalities due to Sophie’s unchanging personality. I was mesmerized by the way the art of the movies was described and it gave me a real appreciation for this niche area. Anna North writes a spellbinding story, and I am utterly bewitched. If you are looking for a unique, and brilliant read that will captivate you from the start, then this is the novel for you!
Happy reading ~