Book Review: We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough
There’s something irresistible about a gothic mystery, especially when it’s wrapped in a contemporary setting. We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough caught my attention the moment I heard about Emily’s unsettling journey into a world of shadows and whispers at Larkin Lodge. From its gripping premise, I immediately knew I was in for a thrilling, eerie ride that would leave me with just the right amount of thrills and chills.
The story opens with Emily, a woman on the mend from a near-fatal cliff walk accident that has left her grappling with both physical and emotional scars. She and her husband, Freddie, embark on a new beginning in the remote Dartmoor countryside, settling into an imposing home that oozes gothic vibes. Nestled in stark natural beauty, Larkin Lodge becomes a character in its own right—brooding, mysterious, and perhaps…alive. I was instantly enchanted by the atmospheric setting, a space that felt paradoxically welcoming and foreboding.
What truly struck me was Emily’s character. As she navigates her fragile recovery, the creeping unease she experiences in her new home becomes almost palpable. The creaking floorboards and strange occurrences—like books mysteriously falling from shelves—draw you in. Her husband’s dismissals of these events, attributing them to hallucinations from her recovery, left me bristling with frustration on Emily’s behalf. I found myself resonating with her anxiety, feeling the intensity of her plight. Pinborough crafts a beautifully tangled web of emotions, expertly showcasing the tension in Emily and Freddie’s marriage, pushing the reader to question whose reality is truly at stake.
The narrative alternates between Emily and Freddie’s perspectives, with a few refreshing narrative shifts that enrich the storytelling. I particularly enjoyed the audiobook format, which features dual narration; it brought the characters to life in an incredibly engaging way. The narrators captured the rising tension between Emily and Freddie, making the stakes feel real and immediate.
The pacing kept me captivated from the start—I finished the entire book in 24 hours, even during a busy workweek! Pinborough builds the suspense masterfully, and there were moments when I genuinely felt chills creeping up my spine, especially as Emily unravels the mysteries of Larkin Lodge. The moral greyness of the characters added an interesting complexity; I found myself torn between empathy and frustration at their choices.
While We Live Here Now may not be without its imperfections, these hardly detracted from the enjoyment. The conclusion left me with that wonderful sense of satisfaction that echoes long after the last page is turned. It’s that kind of ending that lingers in your thoughts, recreated with an evil grin on your face—this was particularly well-executed by Pinborough.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves psychological thrillers, gothic atmospheres, or complex emotional journeys. Whether you’re a fan of Sarah Pinborough or just in the mood for an immersive read that a perfect blend of mystery and character dynamics, you’ll find something delectable in these pages. For me, it wasn’t just a story—it was an experience that made me reflect on resilience, trust, and the depths of human emotion. I can’t wait to see what Pinborough conjures up next!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for review; it was truly a treat!
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