While I appreciate Jane Harper’s descriptions of Evelyn Bay, a small coastal town in Tasmania, in The Survivors, I found the story extremely slow moving until the explosive drama of a grieving mother’s speech. That occurred two thirds of the way through the book.
When Kieran Elliott was eighteen, he made a mistake that changed him, two families, and the town forever. He’s never felt comfortable with people in town, and he left years ago for Sydney. Now, twelve years later, because his aging parents need help with their move, he, his girlfriend, Mia, and and their infant daughter return. Even on one of their first nights back, when he and Mia catch up with old friends at a bar, he overhears accusatory comments.
Even before a young woman’s strangled body is found on the beach, Kieran and Mia feel uneasy. A car that seems out of control when they’re out walking at night doesn’t help Mia’s feelings. Kieran realizes he doesn’t have the same fears a woman does at night, just because he’s a man. But, he has feelings of guilt, and his parents’ actions in regards to him don’t help.
The woman’s murder stirs up the town, though. While they want to blame an outsider, a local social media account stirs up rumors and stories from the past. Then, the victim’s mother accuses the residents, saying it’s time they faced reality. One of them is responsible for her daughter’s death. It brings back all the memories from twelve years earlier, including the unsolved disappearance of a young teen. All these years, the townspeople have kept their secrets while lying to each other.
I’ll admit, I always say I read for character, and the emphasis is definitely on the characters in Harper’s novel. It’s well-written, but the ending felt rushed, and I wasn’t satisfied. I know it’s just my opinion because other readers loved this book. I just found it draggy and slow.
Jane Harper’s website is https://janeharper.com.au/
The Survivors by Jane Harper. Flatiron Books, 2020. 374p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
It’s been 5 years since I read it, so don’t really remember how I felt at the time, but we recently watched the streaming miniseries based on the book, and they did a pretty good job of being faithful to the book. I must admit, though, that despite the beautiful scenery, I didn’t love the show.
I didn’t love the book, Jeff. I’ll be interested to see what’s said tomorrow at the library.
I listened to this book over one weekend when my husband and I were in Zermatt, the village next to the Matterhorn. He skied all weekend, and I walked on the winter paths, taking breaks on benches in the sun with great views and in rustic restaurants along the way to drink hot milk coffee. The reader was excellent, producing interesting Australian accent variations, and I strongly identified with Kieran. I got totally caught up in the story under these circumstances and found it gripping and moving. Different people are bound to disagree on books now and then, but I also think that my being immersed in this story for more or less eight hours a day, two or three days in a row, amid gorgeous scenery and in perfect winter weather was part of what made me lose myself in it.
That may be, Kim. Even though I read the last two thirds of the book in one sitting yesterday, I never felt caught up in the book. It sounds as if you had the perfect experience, though, for enjoying The Survivors.
I haven’t read this book, but I enjoyed reading two books in her Aaron Falk series. I do remember they had a slow build up, but overall better than average.
I haven’t read those, MM. This one definitely had a slow build.
I looked back and saw that I had mentioned my reading experience of this one about 4 years ago. I honestly don’t remember a bunch about it, but I said that I liked it very much. I have enjoyed Jane Harper’s books and am actually rereading The Dry right now. May just do a reread of all the ones I’ve read up to now. I haven’t read the 3rd Aaron Falk book and want to do so. Lesa, hope the discussion is interesting. We do know that not every book is going to speak to each reader the same way. 🙂