As we embrace the arrival of the new year, a palpable thrill and eager expectation fill the air for the yet-unwritten tales that lie ahead in the world of books.
The realm of literature is in constant flux, with writers challenging norms, venturing into uncharted genres, and immersing themselves in contemplative storylines.
Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or someone aspiring to develop a fresh reading routine, 2024 holds the promise of an extraordinary journey through the realms of literature.
Today’s pick is INVISIBLE WOMAN BY KATIA LIEF
In the wake of yet another Hollywood rape scandal, Joni Ackerman, a former filmmaker now married to Paul Lovett, a powerful TV executive, finds herself at a crossroads.
As the news breaks, Joni reaches out to an old friend, urging her to expose a truth they have both harbored for decades.
The accused CEO, a known sexual predator, had assaulted Joni’s friend Val Graham at a party almost 30 years ago.
Val, an aspiring actress at the time, chose not to report the rape and eventually left Hollywood. Joni, honoring Val’s wishes, remained silent for years.
Her silence was not only to protect Val but also because she feared her husband Paul might love her less if she revealed the secrets of another man.
Now, living in New York for Paul’s job, Joni feels adrift in her marriage, her career, and as a parent with her younger daughter away at college.
Seeking solace, solidarity, and hoping to uncover another secret—the identity of the second man present during Val’s assault—Joni contacts Val.
The novel is a gripping blend of domestic thriller and psychological mystery, anchored by the complex and flawed character of Joni herself. As Joni grapples with her own uncertainties, she rediscovers Patricia Highsmith’s novels, delving into the darkness of her own soul.
Her journey is shaped by the sacrifices she made for her husband’s career, the burden of keeping the secrets of monstrous men, and the challenges of being in a marriage where she is expected to play a supporting role.
Caught in the nefarious web of the patriarchy at every turn, Joni finds inspiration in Highsmith’s work as a means to fight back and reclaim her agency.
The narrative explores her struggles against societal expectations and her quest for personal empowerment.
Highsmith’s influence on Joni’s perspective becomes a driving force, empowering her to confront the shadows of her past and present.
While the story navigates Joni’s intricate journey, an unexpected twist arises, flirting dangerously with the stereotype of the hysterical female.
However, this revelation ultimately serves as another layer to Joni’s narrative, a surprising piece in the puzzle of her life.
The novel emerges as a compelling portrayal of its time, reflecting the prevalent issues within Hollywood and society at large.
It becomes a timeless exploration of women’s stories across different eras, intertwining the personal struggles of Joni with broader themes of empowerment and resilience.
Joni’s evolution as a character resonates as a testament to the strength and complexity of women navigating a world shaped by gender biases and power imbalances.
In the end, the novel weaves a tapestry of suspense, self-discovery, and empowerment, offering a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Joni’s journey becomes a reflection of the broader narrative of women reclaiming their stories and agency, making the novel both timely and timeless.
About Katia Lief
Katia Lief is a fiction writing instructor at The New School in Manhattan, residing in Brooklyn with her family. Under the pseudonym Karen Ellis, she has authored A Map of the Dark and Last Night.
Her previous notable works comprise bestsellers like Five Days in Summer, One Cold Night, and The Money Kill, the latter receiving a nomination for the Mary Higgins Clark Award.
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
