Review of Count My Lies by Sophie Stava
When I first stumbled across Count My Lies, Sophie Stava’s gripping debut, I was instantly intrigued by the concept of reality being twisted through the lens of an unreliable narrator. As someone who enjoys a good psychological thriller, I couldn’t resist diving into the tangled web of lies that Sloane Caraway spins. What I didn’t expect was how deeply this book would engage me, forcing me to question my own assumptions about truth and deception.
At the heart of this story is Sloane, a compelling and deeply flawed character who enchants readers by living on the fringes of wealth and privilege. Working at a nail salon in Brooklyn, she’s a small-time liar who believes that embellishing her life brings it a spark of excitement. The moment she steps into the park during lunch and intervenes in a crisis is the catalyst that sets her on a turbulent path filled with deception. Sloane’s claim to be a nurse, in response to a child’s bee sting, is a perfect example of her compulsive nature, and it quickly spirals into a narrative that’s as unsettling as it is captivating.
Sophie Stava crafts her characters with such precision that it’s impossible not to be fascinated. As the layers of Sloane’s lies unfold, I found myself constantly questioning her moral compass: is she a harmless fabulist or a calculated manipulator? The exploration of the nature of deception raised profound questions—when does a little white lie cross over into dangerous territory? This tension is what made every page turn feel like a revelation.
The shift in perspective, from Sloane to Violet and then to Jay, enriched the experience even more. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the story, the narrative flipped, revealing Violet’s own carefully maintained façade. Her seemingly idyllic life—a wealthy family and a perfect marriage—was shown to be just as manipulated as Sloane’s version of reality. I particularly appreciated how these shifts forced me to reevaluate my understanding of each character’s motivations. Stava masterfully interlaces their stories, crafting a complex tapestry of trust and betrayal that kept me hooked until the very end.
The writing style stood out to me, with a pace that, while intense, flowed effortlessly. I opted for the audiobook version, narrated by Emily Tremaine, Devon Sorvari, and Andrew Eiden, and their performances added tremendous depth and emotion to the characters. Listening to their voices brought Sloane’s chaotic mind and Violet’s composed demeanor to life, making the nearly 11-hour experience feel all too short.
In conclusion, Count My Lies is an electrifying read that will resonate with anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers that keep you second-guessing what’s real. If you find yourself drawn to stories that explore convoluted relationships and challenge perceptions of truth, this book is for you. Personally, it left me reflecting on the multifaceted nature of honesty—not to mention the captivating complexity of human motivations. I truly can’t wait to see what Sophie Stava writes next!