Anjali Banerjee

Kyra Winthrop is "The Twilight Wife," in which she narrates her tale of missing memories that are gradually returning. A. J. Banner's heroine is a thirty-four year old marine biologist and amnesiac who suffered a fractured skull three months earlier while diving in dangerous waters. Although she has been told that she was once a teacher in Seattle, she has no recollection of the previous four years. "Now I have only this island, the husband who stays by my side, and a peculiar recurring dream," she says mournfully. Kyra is dependent on Jacob (he's her "guardian angel") who prepares delicious home-cooked meals, takes care of the shopping and other household chores, and comforts her when she is confused or worried. Jacob is an MIT graduate and computer genius who founded his own company. The couple now lives one hundred miles from Seattle, on Mystic Island, "a sanctuary surrounded by forest and the sea," a wild and scenic place with no cell phone service, a spotty landline, and an unreliable Internet connection.

Soon, we pick up on the fact that Jacob hovers over Kyra a bit too much, leaving her little breathing space to regain her independence. Fortunately, she is beginning to recall bits and pieces of the past, and she decides to visit a clinical social worker to help organize her thoughts and soothe her anxiety. Little by little, she realizes that something is terribly wrong. She decides to do some sleuthing without confiding in Jacob, and subsequently makes some shocking discoveries.

"The Twilight Wife" is fairly predictable; most readers will have some sense of where the story is headed. In addition, certain far-fetched elements, along with a melodramatic and over-the-top conclusion, mar the narrative. However, Kyra's plaintive and eloquent voice draws us in; we identify with her fear, and empathize with her longing to regain her former standing as a respected scientist and educator. This psychological thriller is not particularly intense or violent, but it is quietly effective. The author keeps us invested in the proceedings with her vivid descriptions of ocean life, insight into troubled minds, and evocative portrayal of Jacob and Kyra's complex relationship.… (more)

In a Nutshell: Read this as a psychological drama and not as a thriller. Then you’ll like it better.

Story:

Phoebe, who used to be warm and friendly and outgoing a few years back, is now just a shell of her former self. After losing her husband in an accident three years ago, she is merely existing, not living. However, her work as a cosmetic mortician leads her to a surprise: the latest corpse is a dead ringer for Phoebe herself, though she’s a complete stranger. Phoebe starts digging in the available information and soon finds that there are many clues that point at a shared past. Where will this dead newcomer lead Phoebe? Is her picture of her happy past going to be shattered?

What I liked about the book:
✔ The author’s writing skills in terms of language are pretty good.

✔ Phoebe’s mental struggles are nicely depicted. The way the book highlights mental health after grief was surprisingly well-written.

✔ This is a decently quick read if you know what to expect. It was good but not always “unputdownable”.

✔ Many chapters end on a minor cliff-hanger. So if you're the kind who thinks "I'll go to sleep after this chapter", not gonna happen every time! Pick your ‘keep-aside’ point wisely.

✔ The cover is gorgeous!… (more)