Thank you Libro.fm / Macmillan Audio for the ALC and Minotaur Books, #partner, for the advanced copy of Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Minotaur Books / Macmillan Audio
Published: February 6, 2024
Summary:
What if everything you know about the worst night of your life turns out not to be true?
Nine years ago, with the world’s eyes on her, Charlie Colbert fled. The press and the police called Charlie a “witness” to the nightmarish events at her elite graduate school on Christmas Eve—events known to the public as “Scarlet Christmas”—though Charlie knows she was much more than that.
Now, Charlie has meticulously rebuilt her life: She’s the editor-in-chief of a major magazine, engaged to the golden child of the publishing industry, and hell-bent on never, ever letting her guard down again. But when a buzzy film made by one of Charlie’s former classmates threatens to shatter everything she’s worked for, Charlie realizes how much she’s changed in nine years. Now, she’s not going to let anything—not even the people she once loved most—get in her way.
My thoughts:
I was immediately drawn to this one because of the title…how can you not be? And then to find out it is a debut? I was sold and I’m so glad I took a chance on it because it totally delivers! It’s an impressive debut and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This book kept me engaged and wanting more the entire time! I found myself not wanting to put it down once I started it – always a good sign. I was so invested in what was going on, despite the fact that it is a bit of a slow-burn. I loved the unreliable narrator angle and found it really kept me guessing as to whether I could fully trust Charlie. The press have called her a survivor from the events of “that” night, but while she can’t remember all that happened, she does know she lied to the police.
Having the story alternate between the past and the present really help to build the suspense and fill in pieces of the puzzle, while also adding to the tension of what was to come next. I also loved the inclusion of Charlie’s therapy sessions as she desperately tried to get those memories back from that night. Memory is such a fascinating concept and I love when authors play around with it…and Hollander does such a good job using it here.
This book was such an addictive, entertaining read. The reveals were well placed and I was satisfied with the ending. I very much enjoyed this debut and am looking forward to seeing what this author writes next!
Audio thoughts:
This was narrated by Marisa Calin and I thought she did a great job bringing the story to life. Her pacing and intonation were spot on and I thought she did a great job infusing just the right amount of tension and emotion into her voice as needed.
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