Review: 5 Stars for The Contradiction of Solitude by A. Meredith Walters

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I love that this author took a chance on something and veered from her norm. I am one of her many fans who purchased this the moment they saw it was live. I, for one, was captivated, intrigued and completely amazed that this is the same author of the previous books I LOVED! This was truly an incredibly written novel. So different from the other’s which were beautiful in their own right. I.AM.ASTOUNDED! But, be clear, this was not a romance novel. There is “romance” in it. But it is a psychological mind f@ck! Don’t go into this expecting the same style of writing from this author, because you will be disappointed. If you like suspense and thrillers like me, then I say give it a chance.  I mentioned to my reading partner, Foxy, that the writing in this book reminded me of Tarryn Fisher’s writing.  This book was dark, intense and twisted.

Walters’ words were carefully chosen and lyrical, which made the story even more mysterious. I loved the pacing, the sentence structure and word choice. Each one making this novel more menacing, more meaningful and more treacherous.

Sentences were fractured, like the minds of the characters who hopelessly tried to make sense of everything.

“Tick tock goes the clock…”

“Lines of destruction etched into skin…”

The story was powerful and chilling. I had to step away a few times so I could gain my bearings. And that to me is one mark of a good book. If the writing and story stirs emotion in me, then it is a winner. I was sad, I was horrified, and I was angry.  Walters writing brought forth those emotions in me.  Further, she made me think. In my previous work days, I was a counselor for both adult felons and juveniles who were in the juvenile justice system.  I have dealt with personalities such as those represented in the pages of this book.  The cold, calculating, antisocial and the ever despondent, delusional, self-destructive individual.  Walters did a FANTASTIC job getting into the heads of her characters.  She brought their thoughts alive on the page.  This was not an easy thing to to! I couldn’t help but compare these characters to those with whom I have previously dealt.  It made me wonder where they are now, what they have become.  She reminded me that we are all human.  That everyone in their humanity is flawed.  That evil exists in everyone, it is what you do with it that determines what you will become.  Finally, she reminded me that we are all hanging on by a thread.  Some have thread thicker and sturdier than others, but we all have a breaking point.

“We were perfect in our mad sanity.”

While I acknowledge this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I can’t stop thinking about it.  This book sucked me in!  It completely, and wholly owned me.  So, yes, it appears I am the odd man out here, but this was a 5 star read for me.  And, I’m okay with that.

“Doubts were dangerous.  They clouded the mind and dampened the soul with what ifs.”