J's Musings

Book Review by Janx

I love thrillers. It’s my favourite genre. It’s also a very vast and complex genre. It is difficult to pull off and can end up being a hot mess.
When I read this book in February, I had read at least 6 emotional or cozy books. Very slow, sad, tear-jerkers.
So, a thriller was extremely satisfying. In order to not end up giving an influenced or biased review, I waited and re considered my experience with the writing, plot, characters and even the setting.
After 2 months, I can confidently say; this is one of the best thrillers I have ever read.
That being said, this is still slightly based on the fact that limited proximity makes thrillers more enjoyable for me. And un reliable narrators are kind of my favourite trope.
The plot goes like this: Anna is an alcoholic – agoraphobic, who lives her life in a vertical 4000 square feet townhouse in NYC. Wine in one hand and a camera in the other, her only connection to the outside world is her window. She peeks out, zooms in using her camera, and peeks at lives that replicate the one she had. All is normal… Until one day, Dr. Anna Fox witnesses a murder.
I really like the writing in this book. The agoraphobic premise is in stark contrast with the claustrophobic writing.
Almost the entirety of the book takes place in Anna’s living room, kitchen and at times her work room or bedroom.
The first hundred pages are gripping, curious, and capture the reader’s attention. Like any good thriller, T.W.I.T.W. is both fast paced and creates a sense of mystery in everyday moments.
To explain and review the details, lets start with the plot. I like the way the story goes, its fun, easy, thrilling and has an edge. We follow Anna through highs and lows.
“Who knows what goes on in a family?”
– A.J. Finn
True to the tagline, Anna witnesses a murder, but who will believe an alcoholic woman with a loose mind? And of course, Anna cannot trust herself either. We are also left with no option but to trust Anna, because most of the book we only have her word to go on; with little dialogue from other’s.
To be fair, I did figure out one plot twist at the beginning. Though that could very much be because I read a spoiler.
I don’t remember for sure if that’s true. 🙂
The setting plays a large role in the experience of the book. The setting starts from Dr. Fox’s kitchen cum living room [or maybe separate kitchen]. 90% of the book, as mentioned, takes place in Anna’s house. The setting proves claustrophobic to the reader, but [allegedly] safe to our MC.
The contrast creates an atmosphere of excitement and restlessness to get to the end and get the suffocation over with.
The writing complements the unsettling story, creating a simply delightful narrative.
Lastly, the characters. Anna is an amazing narrator. I personally didn’t find her in a “pitiable” state, but depends on the reader. She is addicted, determined and fierce. A bit twisted and very scared. All necessary for the full experience.
Her husband and daughter are there, but don’t have any major contribution.
Revealing too much about characters can give away about the book, so I shall refrain from that.
A warning: after like, 100 pages, the narrative gets a bit slow and lengthy. Personally, the sneak peak into everyday moments added to the eeriness of the vibe. The movies that she describes go with the plot and just make the edge of the seat vibe stronger.

A tiny tip would be to read this when you are free, rather than during work breaks or weekdays. Maybe the weekend or during a holiday. The more at ease you are while reading this book, the better it’s going to be.
I absolutely demolished this book, and I hope you can at least enjoy it.

Wishing you a not so suffocating read,

Janhavi