Liz Loves Books.Com.

Publication Date: Available now from Cutting Edge Press.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy.

Alex, a career officer in an elite regiment, returns from Afghanistan a changed man. He has left the Army behind and is attempting to forge a civilian career as a security advisor. His wife, Juliet, is delighted. She, Alex and their son Ben now live in a well-appointed house in a leafy London suburb.
But all is not well. Juliet’s research on the internet suggests that Alex is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but pride means that he will not seek professional help.
Finding solace in web forums, Juliet is offered the use of a cottage and is urged to remove Ben to a place of safety. After a lot of secretive planning and the financial support of Alex’s mother who had suffered at the hands of her husband, Juliet and Ben escape the tyranny of their home with the hope of starting afresh…

I read Elizabeth Forbes debut novel “Nearest Thing to Crazy” and loved it dearly, but with “Who Are You” Ms Forbes has upped the ante and given us an edgy, chilling and absorbing story, much darker in tone but equally addictive, that will leave you reeling.

It is always terribly difficult to review a novel that is as utterly captivating as this one is – especially when the subject matter is one close to the heart of some real life issues – and captures the essence of trauma so perfectly that you just know every single thing here could absolutely be true. The most emotional thing for me was the real authenticity the tale as a whole had – the basis of it being how you can lose someone completely even as they are standing right next to you..

Alex and Juliet found each other, two people who were escaping difficult times, got married and were seemingly set for Happy Ever After. Then Alex returns from war a changed man. Violent and unpredictable,  it makes Juliet fear for her life and for her son, yet she cannot quite bring herself to leave. As she seeks solace online, events begin to spiral out of control and she realises that she cannot stay for love alone.

Extremely cleverly constructed – getting the point of view as we do from both Juliet and Alex – the line drawn between what Juliet does and what Alex perceives gives the whole thing an added depth and it is page turning stuff. Brutal in places this is not always easy reading but it is ever compelling and absolutely captures the realities behind PTSD and all its consequences. The characters live and breathe inside your head, and the moral compass is blurred. I often felt sorry for Alex despite his actions and also quite often disliked Juliet intensely despite what she is going through. As in real life, right and wrong are not always clear cut. Completely fascinated, even during the heart stopping moments, I could barely look away.

Overall this is superb. Yes its a psychological thriller in many ways – it twists away and turns things around on you – but the soul of it is something very different. A tale of the human spirit this one will stay with you long after finishing it.

Not to be missed.

Happy Reading Folks!