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About The Women

The night she moves in with Peter, she’s so happy, so exhilarated, so in love. Later, she will remember a much smaller feeling, a tiny one percent in her gut. And she will remember pushing that feeling aside…

Samantha Frayn doesn’t know why Peter Bridges picks her – a nobody with bitten fingernails and a troubled childhood behind her – but she falls quickly. He’s older, charming, likes fine wine and French films, and his beautiful home has real art on its walls.

Peter transforms Samantha’s life in an instant. He sees the better version of herself – the one she’s always wanted to be. It’s only normal that there’s a little friction, when she moves in, over domestic matters like where things are kept, or the proper times to eat, sleep and shower. She’s lucky to be with someone who can help her find a new job, move on from childish friends, and speak with greater sophistication.

But as Samantha notices, more and more, Peter’s temper, she starts to wonder if there might be consequences to breaking the rules of the world he has so quickly built around her.

And then she receives an anonymous note that makes her ask: is she the first woman to feel trapped by Peter? Is she being paranoid, manipulated, or could she be in danger?

You can tell the truth about your life, but someone needs to be listening. Someone needs to trust you. And someone needs to save you from the man you thought you loved.

My review of The Women 

The Women is a book about the strength of women and that women are there for each other, no matter what happens. This is an empowering book about female survival that focuses on a young woman who finds herself in a relationship with a much older man and who uses his power and status to manipulate her. It really is a thought provoking and riveting read.

At the heart of this psychological thriller is Sam, a young woman who is living in a claustrophobic relationship. The changes to her lifestyle and role within the relationship are subtle, so subtle that she doesn't see the changes. This in itself is insightful and captivating reading, but what really shakes up the story is the anonymous  note that she receives in the creative writing class that she is teaching. Is the note a genuine warning about Peter? Is it a threat? Should she be worried or is it a meaningless prank? My gut told me it was true.

This is a  story about strong women and the bond that women share. It's also about knowing who you can trust and that everyone needs someone to talk to. This book is a celebration of strong women with a manipulative and misogynistic man at its very core. 

While reading this book it is very hard to know who to trust and who Sam should confide in, and it's this uncertainty and Sam's vulnerability that gripped me throughout. This is a stunning novel that celebrates the special  friendship and connection that women share. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

The Women is published on May 22nd by Bookouture