I wouldn't call myself a Sophie Hannah fan, more like a Sophie Hannah-fan adjacent? I read her books when I see them, usually enjoy them, but don't go out of my way to pay for them. They do not fall under the category of books I want to keep in my home library for generations.But this book?I'm not really sure how to describe it.I saw it as a new release at the library and picked it up because it was free and I could finish it over the weekend...but I wish I wasted my time with something else. Hannah isn't known for working with the supernatural, she's a suspense-thriller-psychological-mystery writer. So I did not expect this book to go where it went...especially with all the other ways it could have gone.First of all, the main character isn't very likable and neither is her husband. I'm not the kind of person who goes out of my way wish bad things on other people but I didn't exactly hope good things were coming to these two either. But that's not really the point.The point is that this novel is practically 200 pages of setting up for a ten page (if that) plot. It's all exposition, scene setting, and bizarre circumstances that lead you to a totally avoidable, bizarre, unrealistic ending.Psychological thrillers, especially told in first person, really need a lot of exposition and getting into the narrators mind. But usually that's not at the expense of plot development, in fact, its usually a part of the plot development. This was just wasted pages.Who would like it: diehard Sophie Hannah fansWho should avoid it: everyone else. This wasn't as bad as the GR ratings indicated. A lot of people complain of it not being scary enough for a horror story, but I guess that depends on what scares you. Louise, our super bitchy, high-strung heroine, is going crazy because of a neighbor playing loud music at night. As an insomniac I can relate. The frustration, fury and utter incredulity one feels when helplessly tossing and turning while listening to someone else's party music, oh yes, that's as horrifying as any ghost. There's a hilarious bit where she goes to a record store and asks the clerk which CD is best suited for payback. He finds her a a particularly jarring and dissonant song, but warns her that the artist is homophobic. "I thought about it and decided it would actually be perfect if the artist had abhorrent views. Mr Clay and I are at war, I explained. Why would I want to wake him with something inoffensive when instead I can blast the angry words of a horrible homophobe through his bedroom wall? I want to send as much negative energy his way as I possibly can". Right there with you Louise! She may not be likable, but at least she's funny. The whole thing escalates and turns paranormal in the end, and while I have to admit it didn't make that much sense, it was plenty scary for me.
What do You think about The Orphan Choir (2014)?
Hated Louise..The book is not scary at all...Two stars is being too generous.
—ayush
