Before I start discussing this novel by A. R. Torre or Alessandra Torre as some version of The Ghostwriter was published under, there are several very sensitive topics and scenes written that might not be read, discussed or have thoughts about as clearly as this manuscript. This review needs an asterisk and warning ahead. I hope that you will continue with my take on this suspense / psychological thriller story. Also you need to know that I listened to the audiobook version and have not read a word so comments you might have should be taken through that set of lenses.
While the story starts out with the main character of Helena Ross a very successful New York bestsellers romance novelist, finding out that she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Brain Cancer. Helena had a husband and daughter in her past and now that she is faced with the thought of dying, she wants to write one more final manuscript to be published with a ghostwriter’s help. This novel is unlike anything she has written before because this is her story that needs to be told. This story will be a suspense and not a romance like all her others.
The pacing of this book is very slow at first and then the speed picks up for about half of the novel. After that, the pacing changes with some of it necessary. For example, Helena has to explain why her daughter is not around. Another is the first time Helena meets her nemesis Marka Vantly that she has despised but realizes that she still needs her to write the last great book for her legacy to be completely finalized, releasing her for the afterlife. Marka is brilliant in her storytelling she believes. When the reality of everything starts setting in and Helena can’t be the OCD controlling mean witch, this is when she has mysteries unveiled to her which is a foreshadowing of all the plots, lies and mysteries that she herself will unload as she writes alongside Marka Vantly who really is a man named Mark.
The subjects discussed through the narrative first person by Helena on why the past is actually really horrible with crimes committed by several people. The more you read the book or listen in my case, I could not stop and wanted to know what bad things her husband did to people in his past. The consequences for actions by people to people and against people is clearly discussed. Does the old adage “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words they can not hurt me” really apply and mean something? Torre addresses that along with other sensitive topics of death and smoke and mirrors through Helena. Helena shows throughout this shocking unwound story she writes with Mark’s help how decisions impact lives lost. The final takeaway I get from this whole novel is to make the most of your life. Always tell the truth even if it is stranger than fiction. The Ghostwriter is a contemporary fiction or psychological fiction. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I would be cautious about reading this story if you get triggered by death, murder or abuse in any form or trying to make your life seem all right even if you are wrong in your approach.
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