Amanda and Clay are a white couple who leave the hustle and bustle of New York City for the tranquility they hope to find at a luxurious vacation rental in Long Island that they found online. Their (2) teenage children Archie and Rose accompany them for the getaway. The home is remote but has everything one could wish for and more in a summer rental. After settling in, noises followed by a knock at the door startles the couple. A black couple, claiming to be the owners of the home, (G.H - AKA George and Ruth) are in need of a place to stay. They claim to have fled their NYC apartment after some type of blackout has occurred. Amanda is reluctant to allow the couple inside - who are these people and are their claims genuine? Amanda and Clay have reservations but decide to let them stay in the in-law suite. It's hard to know what to believe. The vacation rental has power yet no internet or cable so it's impossible to verify what the couple has told them - Should they trust this couple? What is actually going on?
This is one of those stories that had lots of potential, and, it was hard not to put myself in the shoes of Amanda and Clay. While I loved the set up and the sense of dread that something bad going on or about to happen, most of the story, was scattered conversations between the (6) characters. I just wasn't really sure about the genre and I wasn't a fan of how it all played out.
When I started this book, I knew the reviews were mixed but, I didn't realize that it would be made into a movie for Netflix with Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts. Your can read more about that HERE. I'm wondering whether I will like the adaptation a bit more? I'd be willing to give it a try.
Book Rating - 3/5
I have this one, and I started it, but set it aside for another, (apparently) more compelling book. It might be time to finish it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it did have potential, too bad it wasn't quite there.
ReplyDeleteI think I will wait for the movie!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about this one. I might try the Netflix version, though.
ReplyDeleteI have this one too, but probably won't be reading it this year. Another adaptation to TV movie. There are lots of those going on these days.
ReplyDeleteWell, as you know I loved it. I thought it was so well done... the dread part and how the author played the characters against one another. Using both race and class added to the tension for sure. I think many people who flat out did not like it, did not like it because the ending was left to your interpretation. I adore that kind of stuff if it's done well. My mind was racing when I read that last line.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably try to see the film!
ReplyDeleteI really like the cover to this book and I know that isn't supposed to matter, but there you go. I am not sure if I want to read this one or not.
ReplyDeleteOhh too bad. I did like this one and it made me think about our world ... seemed so eerie & possible!
ReplyDeleteI rated this book the same, I just got really annoyed with things like the several pages devoted to the shopping! I just think it could have been miles better.
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