I feel ashamed for not knowing that Vanda Symon exists until now. New Zealand crime author, she is known for her series build around detective Sam Shepard, but I got to know her through her stand alone novel Faceless, published by Orenda Books, whose publishing projects never disappointed me. A very simple yet pertaining title which makes you curious to further discover and explore the book. And once you start the book, it is impossible to put it down until you finish. At least, this is what happened to me.
´The anticipated resistance never came: for once, someone was doing exactly what he asked of them´.
Bradley is a middle class man, with a steady stressful job and a beautiful family. But he also has a deep personal and professional frustration. One evening, he hires an escort, Billy, that he will end up taking prisoner in a warehouse. There may be not too many people who may care about her but Max, a homeless man who is starting his own search for her, even though he may need to get back in touch with people from his past.
The different fragments of the story are brought together through separate snippets told by the main characters. Thus, the story is gently built on the tension between different versions which do reflect the actions and feelings of the characters. This mirror-like approach creates an unique expectation and curiosity to the reader, hence the refuse of putting the book down until ready. The technique is a genius and definitely require a full control of the narrative by the writer, and an unique writing wisdom and maturity.
In addition to the thriller layer, there are some special ´humanistic´ layers to this story, mainly the choice of the character Max as one of the most important actors of the story. He, a homeless man, eating from garbage and living on the street, is empathic and determined to search for the good soul from his life. Instead Bradley, the one who has everything in life, and even a bit more, is capable of the most hideous acts. Billy, on the other hand, is herself a victim of abuse, social neglect and mentally disturbed narcissistic male behavior. At a certain extent, she is as ´faceless´ as Max.
Faceless is an inspiring thriller that goes beyond the typical setting of such a difficult genre. However, both the philosophical and writing parts are coming together to create a great book challenging the reader´s brain and emotions. One of the books that will stay with me for a long time, I´m happily afraid.
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offere as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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