A Simple Favor (novel): Difference between revisions
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'''''A Simple Favor''''' is the debut [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]]<ref name=THR1/> novel by Darcey Bell. It was first published on March 21, [[2017 in literature|2017]], by [[Harper (publisher)|Harper]].<ref name=kirkusreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/darcey-bell/a-simple-favor/|title=A Simple Favor |
'''''A Simple Favor''''' is the debut [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]]<ref name=THR1/> novel by Darcey Bell. It was first published on March 21, [[2017 in literature|2017]], by [[Harper (publisher)|Harper]].<ref name=kirkusreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/darcey-bell/a-simple-favor/|title=A Simple Favor Kirkus Review|work=Kirkus Reviews|date=January 3, 2017|accessdate=June 27, 2017}}</ref> The novel centers on Stephanie, a [[List of family-and-homemaking blogs|mom blogger]] who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's sudden disappearance from their small town in [[Connecticut]].<ref name=publishersweekly/> Employing the [[unreliable narrator]] technique, the story is told through Stephanie, Emily, and Emily's husband, Sean.<ref name=cleveland/> |
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==Summary== |
==Summary== |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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Writing for the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'', Jay Strafford described the novel as "''[[Gone Girl (novel)|Gone Girl]]'' gone nuclear, ''Gone Girl'' on steroids, amphetamines and cocaine." Strafford added that, "But let it be said that Bell possesses a wicked imagination and a firm grasp on plotting; she fills ''A Simple Favor'' with multiple twists, all the while providing subtle clues for the astute reader."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/entertainment/books/mysteries-devil-s-breath-almost-missed-you-a-simple-favor/article_6464ed4e-6aef-5576-8f70-8611cc9bbd61.html|title=Mysteries: 'Devil's Breath.' 'Almost Missed You,' 'A Simple Favor,' and 'All By Myself, Alone'|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|first=Jay|last=Strafford|date=April 15, 2017}}</ref> ''[[The Plain Dealer|The Cleveland Plain-Dealer]]''{{'}}s Laura DeMarco gave the novel a "B" grade and called it a "pageturner".<ref name=cleveland>{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/03/spring_break_reads_march_myste.html|title=Spring break reads: March mysteries take readers to London, Utah and New York City (reviews)|work=The Plain Dealer|date=March 16, 2017|first=Laura|last=DeMarco}}</ref> ''[[Toronto Star]]''{{'}}s Jack Batten noted that it was a "stylish and unsettling thriller," and said, "The plot stretches into increasingly dark territory, the narrative mixing familiar gimmicks in the thriller repertoire and producing an overall story |
Writing for the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'', Jay Strafford described the novel as "''[[Gone Girl (novel)|Gone Girl]]'' gone nuclear, ''Gone Girl'' on steroids, amphetamines and cocaine." Strafford added that, "But let it be said that Bell possesses a wicked imagination and a firm grasp on plotting; she fills ''A Simple Favor'' with multiple twists, all the while providing subtle clues for the astute reader."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/entertainment/books/mysteries-devil-s-breath-almost-missed-you-a-simple-favor/article_6464ed4e-6aef-5576-8f70-8611cc9bbd61.html|title=Mysteries: 'Devil's Breath.' 'Almost Missed You,' 'A Simple Favor,' and 'All By Myself, Alone'|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|first=Jay|last=Strafford|date=April 15, 2017}}</ref> ''[[The Plain Dealer|The Cleveland Plain-Dealer]]''{{'}}s Laura DeMarco gave the novel a "B" grade and called it a "pageturner".<ref name=cleveland>{{cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2017/03/spring_break_reads_march_myste.html|title=Spring break reads: March mysteries take readers to London, Utah and New York City (reviews)|work=The Plain Dealer|date=March 16, 2017|first=Laura|last=DeMarco}}</ref> ''[[Toronto Star]]''{{'}}s Jack Batten noted that it was a "stylish and unsettling thriller," and said, "The plot stretches into increasingly dark territory, the narrative mixing familiar gimmicks in the thriller repertoire and producing an overall story just mysterious and weird enough to supply maximum satisfaction."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2017/03/25/controlling-husbands-fires-injustice-the-latest-reads-for-mystery-lovers.html|title=Controlling husbands, fires, injustice: the latest reads for mystery lovers A Simple Favor|date=March 25, 2017|work=Toronto Star|first=Jack|last=Batten}}</ref> |
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On the other hand, ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' felt that Bell "squanders an intriguing setup with ill-defined stakes and tired, telegraphed plot twists," describing the novel as "convoluted".<ref name=publishersweekly/> The ''[[Belfast Telegraph]]''{{'}}s Georgina Rodgers agreed, saying, "Stephanie and her blog were very two-dimensional and not believable and parts of the plot felt forced and too far-fetched."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/farfetched-domestic-thriller-falls-flat-35563186.html|title=Far-fetched domestic thriller falls flat|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=March 25, 2017|first=Georgina|last=Rodgers}}</ref> |
On the other hand, ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' felt that Bell "squanders an intriguing setup with ill-defined stakes and tired, telegraphed plot twists," describing the novel as "convoluted".<ref name=publishersweekly/> The ''[[Belfast Telegraph]]''{{'}}s Georgina Rodgers agreed, saying, "Stephanie and her blog were very two-dimensional and not believable and parts of the plot felt forced and too far-fetched."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/farfetched-domestic-thriller-falls-flat-35563186.html|title=Far-fetched domestic thriller falls flat|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=March 25, 2017|first=Georgina|last=Rodgers}}</ref> |
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==Film adaptation== |
==Film adaptation== |
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{{main|A Simple Favor (film)}} |
{{main|A Simple Favor (film)}} |
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[[20th Century Fox]] pre-emptively acquired the film rights for the novel in January 2016. In June 2017, [[Paul Feig]] signed on to direct the film adaptation, which stars [[Anna Kendrick]], [[Blake Lively]], and [[ |
[[20th Century Fox]] pre-emptively acquired the film rights for the novel in January 2016. In June 2017, [[Paul Feig]] signed on to direct the film adaptation, which stars [[Anna Kendrick]], [[Blake Lively]], and [[Henry Golding]]. It was released in the United States on September 14, 2018.<ref name=THR1>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/a-simple-favor-paul-feig-direct-anna-kendrick-blake-lively-1015134|title=Paul Feig to Direct Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 20, 2017|first=Ashley|last=Lee}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Latest revision as of 15:00, 25 October 2024
 Hardcover edition | |
| Author | Darcey Bell |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | |
| Publisher | Harper |
Publication date | March 21, 2017 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback), e-book, audiobook[1] |
| Pages | 304 |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-249777-2 |
A Simple Favor is the debut thriller[2] novel by Darcey Bell. It was first published on March 21, 2017, by Harper.[3] The novel centers on Stephanie, a mom blogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily's sudden disappearance from their small town in Connecticut.[1] Employing the unreliable narrator technique, the story is told through Stephanie, Emily, and Emily's husband, Sean.[4]
Summary
[edit]Mommy blogger Stephanie Ward is asked a favor by her best friend, Emily Nelson, one day to help pick up Emily's son after school. Emily never shows up to collect her son from Stephanie however, and after days of searching, she is believed to have been found dead. Stephanie starts digging deeper into Emily's secrets as she seeks to uncover the truth.[1]
Reception
[edit]Writing for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jay Strafford described the novel as "Gone Girl gone nuclear, Gone Girl on steroids, amphetamines and cocaine." Strafford added that, "But let it be said that Bell possesses a wicked imagination and a firm grasp on plotting; she fills A Simple Favor with multiple twists, all the while providing subtle clues for the astute reader."[5] The Cleveland Plain-Dealer's Laura DeMarco gave the novel a "B" grade and called it a "pageturner".[4] Toronto Star's Jack Batten noted that it was a "stylish and unsettling thriller," and said, "The plot stretches into increasingly dark territory, the narrative mixing familiar gimmicks in the thriller repertoire and producing an overall story that's just mysterious and weird enough to supply maximum satisfaction."[6]
On the other hand, Publishers Weekly felt that Bell "squanders an intriguing setup with ill-defined stakes and tired, telegraphed plot twists," describing the novel as "convoluted".[1] The Belfast Telegraph's Georgina Rodgers agreed, saying, "Stephanie and her blog were very two-dimensional and not believable and parts of the plot felt forced and too far-fetched."[7]
Film adaptation
[edit]20th Century Fox pre-emptively acquired the film rights for the novel in January 2016. In June 2017, Paul Feig signed on to direct the film adaptation, which stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding. It was released in the United States on September 14, 2018.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Fiction Book Review: A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell". Publishers Weekly. January 9, 2017. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
- ^ a b Lee, Ashley (June 20, 2017). "Paul Feig to Direct Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ "A Simple Favor – Kirkus Review". Kirkus Reviews. January 3, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
- ^ a b DeMarco, Laura (March 16, 2017). "Spring break reads: March mysteries take readers to London, Utah and New York City (reviews)". The Plain Dealer.
- ^ Strafford, Jay (April 15, 2017). "Mysteries: 'Devil's Breath.' 'Almost Missed You,' 'A Simple Favor,' and 'All By Myself, Alone'". Richmond Times-Dispatch.
- ^ Batten, Jack (March 25, 2017). "Controlling husbands, fires, injustice: the latest reads for mystery lovers – A Simple Favor". Toronto Star.
- ^ Rodgers, Georgina (March 25, 2017). "Far-fetched domestic thriller falls flat". Belfast Telegraph.