Friend Request Review

3.5 stars!!! I think when I first started reading this book, I was expecting a very different outcome. Sadly, this was a rather average read for me. There were some parts of the novel that I could relate to perfectly. But my major disappointment was the ending as I felt it was pointless. I guess I expected a bigger resolution but instead got something that was just very bland. Firstly, I liked the way the book was structured. I thought the pacing of the chapters flowed easily enough and Marshall's writing style is pretty solid. The concept of the novel was very relevant. So, it was easy to relate to the characters. The emotional side of social media - the constant comparing, the portrayal of airbrushed lives and the way social media platforms have practically invaded our lives was depicted in very real terms. I thought the characters were well fleshed out. I could really relate to the MC Louise. I could feel her pain and struggle as she tried to navigate her life and how she constantly tried to measure up to her peers. Secondly, I also liked the multi-layered plot as the author not only delves into the issues of social media and privacy, but she takes the act of bullying in a rather deep way. The characters in the novel have had to deal with the disappearance and death of an old school mate. We can clearly see how this has impacted their lives even in adulthood. And as things unravel in the story, their perfectly structured facades start to crumble and we see them for who they are. As a reader, we get plenty of plot twists and reveals. But, I guess the question is were they the right ones? Personally, I didn't see the route the author was taking at all, but once it went down that path, I was dismayed. Thirdly, I liked the idea of how the author took on the issue of identity on social media in the story. The idea that anyone can pose as someone else was pretty alarming. There were some heart stopping moments and I liked how that aspect was shrouded in mystery. As a reader, I got the full effect of how Louise was dealing with it and how it affected her. We see the fragmentation of her emotional state. As the situation is revealed even further, I got caught up even more and was pretty psyched to find out what really was going on. This is where the negatives come in. With all the build up to the ending, as a reader you anticipate to be thrown a bombshell revelation that leaves you speechless. Unfortunately, this isn't delivered well. You are left sitting there wondering why you even read the book because clearly the overall plot is a smoke-screen for something else. That's the main reason for why I have given this book a 3.5 star. Overall, the book is enjoyable but the ending is unsatisfying to say the least. I wouldn't classify it as a psychological thriller because it just doesn't have that dark atmospheric feel to it that reeks of depravity. It's more of a mystery. That being said, it's good for a one time read if you have nothing else going on.

#mystery #LauraMarshall #adult #socialmedia #thriller #bullying #contemporary