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A Version of the Truth
We all see what we want to see…
2019: Julianne is preparing a family dinner when her son comes to her and says he’s found something on his iPad. Something so terrible, it will turn Julianne’s world into a nightmare and make her question everything about her marriage and what type of man her husband is or is pretending to be.
1990: Holly is a fresher student at Oxford University. Out of her depth and nervous about her surroundings, she falls into an uneasy friendship with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to develop feelings for one in particular. He’s confident, quiet, attractive and seems to like her too. But as the year progresses, her friends’ behaviour grows steadily more disconcerting and Holly begins to realise she might just be a disposable pawn in a very sinister game.
A devastating secret has simmered beneath the surface for over twenty-five years. Now it’s time to discover the truth. But what if you’re afraid of what you might find?
2019: Julianne is preparing a family dinner when her son comes to her and says he’s found something on his iPad. Something so terrible, it will turn Julianne’s world into a nightmare and make her question everything about her marriage and what type of man her husband is or is pretending to be.
1990: Holly is a fresher student at Oxford University. Out of her depth and nervous about her surroundings, she falls into an uneasy friendship with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to develop feelings for one in particular. He’s confident, quiet, attractive and seems to like her too. But as the year progresses, her friends’ behaviour grows steadily more disconcerting and Holly begins to realise she might just be a disposable pawn in a very sinister game.
A devastating secret has simmered beneath the surface for over twenty-five years. Now it’s time to discover the truth. But what if you’re afraid of what you might find?
First published February 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
January 16, 2019
* 3.5 Stars *
I suppose I was expecting this to be more of a psychological thriller, but it definitely wasn’t that. What I did find was a novel full of hypocritical, elitist characters who represent the most vile and narcissistic excuses for mankind that it’s possible to come across.
Julianne is preparing dinner when her son Stephen tells her that he’s found something really bad on the home computer among his dad’s files. What follows, when Julianne sees exactly what Stephen has discovered, is an unraveling of a marriage, an end to family life as she knows it, and an encounter with a dark and deviant underworld that’s truly shocking.
The narrative is told in dual timelines and flows effortlessly between 1991 and 2019. Julianne’s story is told alongside Holly’s who was a fellow student at Oxford University. Though they weren’t particularly good friends, they do share a secret - one that both of them would prefer to leave permanently in the past.
It’s really difficult to review this one, it’s a very dark and disturbing storyline, with graphic descriptions of gang rape, and some homophobic and racist undertones which I found unsettling, however, I have to be fair to the author, and give credit where it’s due, because though the subject matter is repulsive, he’s actually produced an addictive read, compelling the reader ever onwards in order to discover exactly what Julianne and Holly will do with the secrets of the past and also the present, and in that respect it did have me gripped - I guess I was hoping to see someone pay for their despicable acts, but I won’t reveal the outcome!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
I suppose I was expecting this to be more of a psychological thriller, but it definitely wasn’t that. What I did find was a novel full of hypocritical, elitist characters who represent the most vile and narcissistic excuses for mankind that it’s possible to come across.
Julianne is preparing dinner when her son Stephen tells her that he’s found something really bad on the home computer among his dad’s files. What follows, when Julianne sees exactly what Stephen has discovered, is an unraveling of a marriage, an end to family life as she knows it, and an encounter with a dark and deviant underworld that’s truly shocking.
The narrative is told in dual timelines and flows effortlessly between 1991 and 2019. Julianne’s story is told alongside Holly’s who was a fellow student at Oxford University. Though they weren’t particularly good friends, they do share a secret - one that both of them would prefer to leave permanently in the past.
It’s really difficult to review this one, it’s a very dark and disturbing storyline, with graphic descriptions of gang rape, and some homophobic and racist undertones which I found unsettling, however, I have to be fair to the author, and give credit where it’s due, because though the subject matter is repulsive, he’s actually produced an addictive read, compelling the reader ever onwards in order to discover exactly what Julianne and Holly will do with the secrets of the past and also the present, and in that respect it did have me gripped - I guess I was hoping to see someone pay for their despicable acts, but I won’t reveal the outcome!
* Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
February 25, 2024
Very dark, a tough read.
January 30, 2019
2019: Julianne is preparing the family dinner when her son tells her that he's found something on his iPad. The discovery will turn Julianne's works upside down and make her question everything about her marriage.
1990: Holly was a fresher student at Oxford University. She falls into an uneasy friendship with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to have feelings for one of them. But as the year progresses, her friends behaviour grows steadily more disconcerting and Holly begins to realise that she might just be a disposable pawn in a sinister game.
I can honestly say that I did not like any of the characters in this book. It's also a tough book to write a review about without giving away spoilers. As its content deals with some very dark issues, it won't be for everyone. The story is told in two timelines which slowly uncovered more about some of the characters. There were a few chapters that I felt were not necessary to the reader, but maybe that was just me. I also found the last few chapters a bit rushed. I do feel that the ending could have been written differently, then I would have given it at least one more star.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author B P Walter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1990: Holly was a fresher student at Oxford University. She falls into an uneasy friendship with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to have feelings for one of them. But as the year progresses, her friends behaviour grows steadily more disconcerting and Holly begins to realise that she might just be a disposable pawn in a sinister game.
I can honestly say that I did not like any of the characters in this book. It's also a tough book to write a review about without giving away spoilers. As its content deals with some very dark issues, it won't be for everyone. The story is told in two timelines which slowly uncovered more about some of the characters. There were a few chapters that I felt were not necessary to the reader, but maybe that was just me. I also found the last few chapters a bit rushed. I do feel that the ending could have been written differently, then I would have given it at least one more star.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author B P Walter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2019
This book came with quite a reputation re other reviews had read and wasn’t sure what to expect
It needs to be said that the book covers gang rape, gay sex and other subjects and yes whilst these things are covered they are relevant to the story and not just ‘thrown in’ for shock value.
The book reminded me, in parts, of a data age ‘Hostel’ ( if you remember those films ) and the whole book ( above subjects included ) is dark and chilling
The story revolves around characters who met at Uni, some from untold privilege and one girl from the opposite, they meet and terrible things occur and then the book splits as the characters decide
on various ‘versions of the truth’ to continue their lives.....until the past comes calling...alongside this a very unsavoury organisation that procures the disadvantaged for wealthy evil people to ‘ bid’ on for their horrible desires
Most of the characters are to be despised but thats the intention and it works well!!
Yep its strong stuff with very few light moments, the writing is tense and atmospheric and cleverly shows how some people will normalise anything to suit them
I found it a compelling story with a good ending but left me with a sense of unease about the world but then a good book does make you think!
Not a cosy read and probably not one for a book club!!!but a decisive piece of fiction from an author I am sure we will hear much much more from and in a ever growing sea of authors a name I will remember!
It needs to be said that the book covers gang rape, gay sex and other subjects and yes whilst these things are covered they are relevant to the story and not just ‘thrown in’ for shock value.
The book reminded me, in parts, of a data age ‘Hostel’ ( if you remember those films ) and the whole book ( above subjects included ) is dark and chilling
The story revolves around characters who met at Uni, some from untold privilege and one girl from the opposite, they meet and terrible things occur and then the book splits as the characters decide
on various ‘versions of the truth’ to continue their lives.....until the past comes calling...alongside this a very unsavoury organisation that procures the disadvantaged for wealthy evil people to ‘ bid’ on for their horrible desires
Most of the characters are to be despised but thats the intention and it works well!!
Yep its strong stuff with very few light moments, the writing is tense and atmospheric and cleverly shows how some people will normalise anything to suit them
I found it a compelling story with a good ending but left me with a sense of unease about the world but then a good book does make you think!
Not a cosy read and probably not one for a book club!!!but a decisive piece of fiction from an author I am sure we will hear much much more from and in a ever growing sea of authors a name I will remember!
April 21, 2020
Audio 4.5 Stars
Story 4.25 Stars
If any part of the statement made by one of the abusers in this story is true in RL, then reality is more nightmarish than I thought.
Story 4.25 Stars
If any part of the statement made by one of the abusers in this story is true in RL, then reality is more nightmarish than I thought.
December 28, 2018
I'm totally confused on how to feel about this one. I could scarcely put this book down and yet can't say I enjoyed any of what I read. How is that possible?
Perhaps it is due to the unlikable nature of every one of the characters that inhabited this narrative, fraught with drama and yet of little intrigue. There wasn't one individual the reader could root for, which does not usually bother me and yet here it served to distance me from the text. The characters repeatedly make unforgivable decisions and I really struggled reading of individuals I could so little relate to.
I also felt disconcerted that much was known to the reader early on and, from there, we were merely following the characters as they attempt to discover what we already have. It lessened the early suspense that initially sucked me in and even the concluding twists were lessened in their appeal, as they had already been heavily hinted at and I had guessed at their origins.
I also extremely disliked the homophobic undercurrent. I was already struggling to relate to such troubled characters but this provided the final severing of all emotional ties to them. I also could not see what its inclusion added to the narrative.
This was only one of the many distasteful facets of the novel and whilst some morbid part of me continued reading to the bitter end, all I found there did to redeem it in any way and I closed the final page ultimately unsatisfied with this novel of such darkness and so little atoning light.
Perhaps it is due to the unlikable nature of every one of the characters that inhabited this narrative, fraught with drama and yet of little intrigue. There wasn't one individual the reader could root for, which does not usually bother me and yet here it served to distance me from the text. The characters repeatedly make unforgivable decisions and I really struggled reading of individuals I could so little relate to.
I also felt disconcerted that much was known to the reader early on and, from there, we were merely following the characters as they attempt to discover what we already have. It lessened the early suspense that initially sucked me in and even the concluding twists were lessened in their appeal, as they had already been heavily hinted at and I had guessed at their origins.
I also extremely disliked the homophobic undercurrent. I was already struggling to relate to such troubled characters but this provided the final severing of all emotional ties to them. I also could not see what its inclusion added to the narrative.
This was only one of the many distasteful facets of the novel and whilst some morbid part of me continued reading to the bitter end, all I found there did to redeem it in any way and I closed the final page ultimately unsatisfied with this novel of such darkness and so little atoning light.
September 21, 2018
I received a free e copy of A Version of the Truth by B P Walter from NetGalley for my honest review.
I will be very honest in saying that this book was not for me. I could not finish this book. There were matters involving, rape, racism and strong sexual violence that I just could not handle.
I will be very honest in saying that this book was not for me. I could not finish this book. There were matters involving, rape, racism and strong sexual violence that I just could not handle.
January 16, 2019
A Version of the Truth by B P Walter is a tough book to write a review for without giving too much away. This book will not be for everyone as it deals with some very dark and confronting issues. There are some very graphic scenes that I found hard to read. Still having mixed feeling about it all now - lets just say that it was not what I was expecting when I started this book.
The story is told in 2 storylines - that of Julianne in 2019 who is getting ready for Christmas when her son shows her something on the families dropbox that changes everything that she thought she knew about her husband. Then we learn about Holly in 1990. It is her first year at Oxford University and she is a bit of an outsider, until she becomes friends with a group of people who are very different to her. What happens in Oxford will change her life forever.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
The story is told in 2 storylines - that of Julianne in 2019 who is getting ready for Christmas when her son shows her something on the families dropbox that changes everything that she thought she knew about her husband. Then we learn about Holly in 1990. It is her first year at Oxford University and she is a bit of an outsider, until she becomes friends with a group of people who are very different to her. What happens in Oxford will change her life forever.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
June 28, 2020
If you want to read a story about privileged, entitled, perverted white men and the mousy, doormat, weak wives who “love” them, then you will enjoy
A Version of the Truth.
Told in past and present POVs from Holly, a sheltered freshman student at Oxford, and Julianne, the wife of James, also of Oxford.
A traumatic assault Holly suffered as a young woman will have devastating repercussions for everyone involved in the future.
Let me be blunt; there are no nice people here, not even vaguely sympathetic ones, except for Stephen, Julianne and James' son, the only one with moral fiber and a backbone.
Everyone is disgusting scum, including the women. There is tedious talk about sex, intercourse, and more sex, people having sex, snarky comments and sneaky asides about who is doing whom.
Then, we get more disturbing talk about rape, gang rape, sexual trafficking, and none of this added to the narrative or moved the plot forward. After a few pages, it all became monotonous and extremely childish.
Besides all the blatant sexual violence against women and members of the LGBT community, there is gay bashing, appearance and slut shaming, sexism and misogyny only Weinstein could love coupled with despicable, hateful male characters, and the typical (poor) representations of women as weak, cowardly and sad.
Holly, as an assault survivor, does not engender much sympathy. She is an awkward and sheltered individual, she is (not so secretly) judgmental, bitter and jealous.
She is attracted to James and experiences an almost unholy jealousy when she discovers he has a girlfriend, even though she has no claim to him.
Julianne, like ALL wives in these kinds of books, fakes it (denial ain't just the longest river in Egypt) until she makes it, until she can't do it anymore.
Naturally, she is gorgeous and married to James, another gorgeous individual, who has lived in denial for nearly 30 years, because...she's scared? She's a coward? OK, fine. but that doesn't mean I like or empathize with you.
What the narrative lacks in plot is made up in how much time Julianne spends gasping in shock and vomiting and bewildered and more shocked expressions when she realizes her husband is scum.
Here's a tip; why don't you stop fainting like a Victorian lady and...oh, I don't know, MAN UP! It's not as if you didn't know.
But the real hard to suspend disbelief moment came was how Julianne discovers her husband's indiscretions.
How many tabs does he have open?
How many cloud accounts does he have that she has no idea that he's been dropping incriminating items into the FAMILY ACCOUNT?
Is he that stupid? That's rhetorical.
I'm seeing too many of these plots, where the evil characters are white, privileged men up to the usual Anthony Weiner shenanigans (or worse) and the stupid women who love them and eventually discover what kind of men they really are! (insert fake gasp here).
Oh, and the ending...please, don't get me started on that Lifetime cheesiness. Now I'm the one who wants to puke.
I have no idea if the author was trying to make a statement about the #MeToo movement but if he or she was, it was an EPIC FAIL.
Told in past and present POVs from Holly, a sheltered freshman student at Oxford, and Julianne, the wife of James, also of Oxford.
A traumatic assault Holly suffered as a young woman will have devastating repercussions for everyone involved in the future.
Let me be blunt; there are no nice people here, not even vaguely sympathetic ones, except for Stephen, Julianne and James' son, the only one with moral fiber and a backbone.
Everyone is disgusting scum, including the women. There is tedious talk about sex, intercourse, and more sex, people having sex, snarky comments and sneaky asides about who is doing whom.
Then, we get more disturbing talk about rape, gang rape, sexual trafficking, and none of this added to the narrative or moved the plot forward. After a few pages, it all became monotonous and extremely childish.
Besides all the blatant sexual violence against women and members of the LGBT community, there is gay bashing, appearance and slut shaming, sexism and misogyny only Weinstein could love coupled with despicable, hateful male characters, and the typical (poor) representations of women as weak, cowardly and sad.
Holly, as an assault survivor, does not engender much sympathy. She is an awkward and sheltered individual, she is (not so secretly) judgmental, bitter and jealous.
She is attracted to James and experiences an almost unholy jealousy when she discovers he has a girlfriend, even though she has no claim to him.
Julianne, like ALL wives in these kinds of books, fakes it (denial ain't just the longest river in Egypt) until she makes it, until she can't do it anymore.
Naturally, she is gorgeous and married to James, another gorgeous individual, who has lived in denial for nearly 30 years, because...she's scared? She's a coward? OK, fine. but that doesn't mean I like or empathize with you.
What the narrative lacks in plot is made up in how much time Julianne spends gasping in shock and vomiting and bewildered and more shocked expressions when she realizes her husband is scum.
Here's a tip; why don't you stop fainting like a Victorian lady and...oh, I don't know, MAN UP! It's not as if you didn't know.
But the real hard to suspend disbelief moment came was how Julianne discovers her husband's indiscretions.
How many tabs does he have open?
How many cloud accounts does he have that she has no idea that he's been dropping incriminating items into the FAMILY ACCOUNT?
Is he that stupid? That's rhetorical.
I'm seeing too many of these plots, where the evil characters are white, privileged men up to the usual Anthony Weiner shenanigans (or worse) and the stupid women who love them and eventually discover what kind of men they really are! (insert fake gasp here).
Oh, and the ending...please, don't get me started on that Lifetime cheesiness. Now I'm the one who wants to puke.
I have no idea if the author was trying to make a statement about the #MeToo movement but if he or she was, it was an EPIC FAIL.
January 2, 2019
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
This is a dark, twisted and addictive read from B.P. Walter. Set in the present day and focusing on Julianne, whose son has found something awful on their family ipad, the story also takes us back to 1990, when student Holly heads off for the first time to university at Oxford. What follows is shocking, horrifying and absorbing, and I found myself not wanting to put this book down, despite the disturbing subject matter and themes (which I won't give away here so as not to ruin anything).
I really liked that there were two timeframes and storylines, as it allows the reader to slowly uncover more and more about certain characters, and how their history could be linked, and offers - as the title suggests - a different version of the story.
There are some truly evil characters in this novel alongside those I ended up rooting for, and BP Walter has also created some people whose truthworthiness seemed unclear, adding to the sense of unease, confusion and intrigue.
This is definitely not an 'easy' read - it pushes many difficult buttons and it certainly doesn't pull any punches, meaning it could be difficult reading for many, but it's really well crafted and clever, and I raced through it in no time. Definitely an author to watch!
Many thanks to Avon Books for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
This is a dark, twisted and addictive read from B.P. Walter. Set in the present day and focusing on Julianne, whose son has found something awful on their family ipad, the story also takes us back to 1990, when student Holly heads off for the first time to university at Oxford. What follows is shocking, horrifying and absorbing, and I found myself not wanting to put this book down, despite the disturbing subject matter and themes (which I won't give away here so as not to ruin anything).
I really liked that there were two timeframes and storylines, as it allows the reader to slowly uncover more and more about certain characters, and how their history could be linked, and offers - as the title suggests - a different version of the story.
There are some truly evil characters in this novel alongside those I ended up rooting for, and BP Walter has also created some people whose truthworthiness seemed unclear, adding to the sense of unease, confusion and intrigue.
This is definitely not an 'easy' read - it pushes many difficult buttons and it certainly doesn't pull any punches, meaning it could be difficult reading for many, but it's really well crafted and clever, and I raced through it in no time. Definitely an author to watch!
Many thanks to Avon Books for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
September 1, 2018
3.5*
A Version Of The Truth will not be quite what you expect it to be seems the likely outcome. So it's quite difficult to review without spoilers.
I can say that I started this book yesterday evening then stayed up until 2am to finish it - it grips you in unexpected ways and for unexpected reasons. I do believe this may end up being a marmite book. Ultimately I decided it was clever. Its certainly fairly graphic and endlessly fascinating.
I can't say I liked any of the characters at all even before it became clear that one of them was quite simply evil personified. All them had their charm but all of them had their irritating edges - it made for an intriguing and genuinely absorbing read.
I'm not being very helpful of this I'm aware. Still, give too much away and you ruin that which makes this good. So y'all will just have to cope
Recommended. Then you can tell me what you think.
A Version Of The Truth will not be quite what you expect it to be seems the likely outcome. So it's quite difficult to review without spoilers.
I can say that I started this book yesterday evening then stayed up until 2am to finish it - it grips you in unexpected ways and for unexpected reasons. I do believe this may end up being a marmite book. Ultimately I decided it was clever. Its certainly fairly graphic and endlessly fascinating.
I can't say I liked any of the characters at all even before it became clear that one of them was quite simply evil personified. All them had their charm but all of them had their irritating edges - it made for an intriguing and genuinely absorbing read.
I'm not being very helpful of this I'm aware. Still, give too much away and you ruin that which makes this good. So y'all will just have to cope
Recommended. Then you can tell me what you think.
February 6, 2019
Content Warnings: rape, sexual assault, coercion, homophobia.
Although this book was excellently written, I can't give it more than three and a half stars. It's a difficult book, it took me ten days to read because I had to keep putting it down, it's a generally triggering book that left me feeling very uneasy. It's dark and it's serious and it's disconcerting and it's scary.
December 22, 2021
After a strong start this novel went downhill and ended up just an ok read. I really enjoyed ‘The Dinner Guest’ by the same author but unfortunately this one lacked the same appeal for me. I didn’t really enjoy this novel, disturbing, dark subject matter and not very pleasant characters made it hard work for me.
Julianne is cooking the family meal when her son informs her that he has found something rather disturbing on his iPad. Julianne is speechless when she finds out what it is and her world stops revolving. She begins to question everything she thought she knew about her husband and their marriage. She is forced to try and understand what type of man her husband is or is pretending to be.
Twenty nine years earlier Holly is a fresher student at Oxford University, struggling to get by and nervous about her surroundings, she makes makes friends with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to develop feelings for one in particular. The man is a very confident, handsome individual who appears to feel the same way about Holly. Over the course of time her friends’ behaviour grows more steadily more disturbing and Holly feels that she might just be a pawn in a very sinister game.
I didn’t enjoy this one at all.
Julianne is cooking the family meal when her son informs her that he has found something rather disturbing on his iPad. Julianne is speechless when she finds out what it is and her world stops revolving. She begins to question everything she thought she knew about her husband and their marriage. She is forced to try and understand what type of man her husband is or is pretending to be.
Twenty nine years earlier Holly is a fresher student at Oxford University, struggling to get by and nervous about her surroundings, she makes makes friends with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to develop feelings for one in particular. The man is a very confident, handsome individual who appears to feel the same way about Holly. Over the course of time her friends’ behaviour grows more steadily more disturbing and Holly feels that she might just be a pawn in a very sinister game.
I didn’t enjoy this one at all.
April 8, 2019
I really liked this book. It’s told by Julianne and Holly. Holly’s story was set during her time at oxford university in 1990 and Julianne’s from the present day. I liked both characters and did feel awful for them both throughout the book. I couldn’t stand Ernest, Ally or James. They thought because they were rich they could do anything they wanted. The book dealt with very serious subjects and it was tough to read but I think the author wrote the book extremely well. The book can be graphic so it won’t be for everyone but I did enjoy it. It was different from a lot of thrillers and I can’t wait to read more from the author.
October 31, 2018
Sex. Drugs. College. Sorry kids - no rock-n-roll in this twisted, gnarly, dark tale.
A Version of the Truth hits a bit too close to home for me; however, I muddled through triumphantly. It’s a good read for those with a strong heart and no skeletons hanging in the closet waiting to say “hello” reminding you of a past you wish would stay buried. A Version of the Truth keeps you tuned in, stringing you along, twisting you in ways you didn’t think you could be twisted. Even though the books main topic was a bit much for my own psyche, I still have to give it a 4.❤️
A Version of the Truth hits a bit too close to home for me; however, I muddled through triumphantly. It’s a good read for those with a strong heart and no skeletons hanging in the closet waiting to say “hello” reminding you of a past you wish would stay buried. A Version of the Truth keeps you tuned in, stringing you along, twisting you in ways you didn’t think you could be twisted. Even though the books main topic was a bit much for my own psyche, I still have to give it a 4.❤️
February 7, 2019
Fantastic plot, if a bit hard to believe but then again, seeing the news today, maybe not really. This book certainly takes the domestic thriller to the next level.
The parallel timelines tangle dangerously inevitably leading toward a predictably tragic climax that blows up your entire emotion system.
Big thanks to Avon Books for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
The parallel timelines tangle dangerously inevitably leading toward a predictably tragic climax that blows up your entire emotion system.
Big thanks to Avon Books for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2019
A hard hitting book with a gritty look at the sexual perversions in a fictional version written to understate the truth and bring the realities to the forefront.
2 timelines with Holly as the narrator in 1990 and Julianne in 2019, the book started with Julianne's son finding files in the family drop box which shattered their lives. Holly's story had its own gruesome reality where a crush led to obsession which led to rape.
BP Walter writing came with a bold stroke with graphic details of all the acts at the uni. Lives destroyed were well written. The betrayal, the helplessness, the fear all rushed to hold me in their clutches. The characters were all dark or grey each involved in the sexual crime, some more than others.
The book would be a difficult read with a lot of triggers for sexual abuse and rape. The first quarter meandered and wavered a bit with Julianne hiding from the facts. In the latter half, truths and realities kept hitting me, one after the other. None of the characters are likable, but they all made a strong impact
This book is for the strong hearted to be read on their strong days, after being fully aware of what they were getting into.
2 timelines with Holly as the narrator in 1990 and Julianne in 2019, the book started with Julianne's son finding files in the family drop box which shattered their lives. Holly's story had its own gruesome reality where a crush led to obsession which led to rape.
BP Walter writing came with a bold stroke with graphic details of all the acts at the uni. Lives destroyed were well written. The betrayal, the helplessness, the fear all rushed to hold me in their clutches. The characters were all dark or grey each involved in the sexual crime, some more than others.
The book would be a difficult read with a lot of triggers for sexual abuse and rape. The first quarter meandered and wavered a bit with Julianne hiding from the facts. In the latter half, truths and realities kept hitting me, one after the other. None of the characters are likable, but they all made a strong impact
This book is for the strong hearted to be read on their strong days, after being fully aware of what they were getting into.
April 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this ... what a cracking debut - horrendously plausible!
This novel starts off deceptively gently but then think of all the cliches - 'gripping', 'couldn't put it down', had me holding my breath' - every single one of them applied to me when reading this!
Character driven, tense and skillfully woven over two time lines this is a brilliant read. If you are squeamish about it containing a fairly graphic (but not gratuitous or erotic) sex scene then this one isn't for you, it IS necessary to the plot. The reveals are shocking and whilst trying not to give any spoilers, what got to me most is that these things are most probably happening and being perpetrated by and covered up by the very people who we empower to run our country.
I'd truly love for there to be a follow up - I'm desperate to know what happens to Holly, Julienne, their children and particularly to Ernest!
This novel starts off deceptively gently but then think of all the cliches - 'gripping', 'couldn't put it down', had me holding my breath' - every single one of them applied to me when reading this!
Character driven, tense and skillfully woven over two time lines this is a brilliant read. If you are squeamish about it containing a fairly graphic (but not gratuitous or erotic) sex scene then this one isn't for you, it IS necessary to the plot. The reveals are shocking and whilst trying not to give any spoilers, what got to me most is that these things are most probably happening and being perpetrated by and covered up by the very people who we empower to run our country.
I'd truly love for there to be a follow up - I'm desperate to know what happens to Holly, Julienne, their children and particularly to Ernest!
April 22, 2020
4 stars audio
3.5 stars story
3.5 stars story
February 14, 2019
There's an “I let out a breath I only now realised I’ve been holding” line on page 19 and I think that's all you need to know about this book.
But seriously, the premise of this book is brilliant and I was very interested at the beginning. The reviews said it's dark and weird and twisted and creepy and shocking and let me tell you I love those things.
Unfortunately the book fell very flat.
Underdevelopped characters. Weak and stupid people everywhere. I don't mind the fact that they're all unlikable (well maybe except for Stephen, the son, the only one with a backbone), I don't need to like the characters to enjoy the book, but people here were just plain STUPID. Starting with James, accidentaly putting his weirdo files in the family dropbox. Hardly a criminal mastermind, amirite? Moving on to Julianne, the queen of stupid, typical "fake it until you make it until you can't anymore" wife. Blinded by her looooooove for her weak and stupid husband, too comfy in her posh life to care about anyone but herself and her merino cardigans. Most of the time she gasps, sighs, vomits, faints and cries. Also, don't get me started on her ridiculous outburst at the end. No one with half a brain would do what she's done.
Holly. Oh boy. Sheltered doesn't even cover how clueless she was.
Every woman in this book is stupid and weak and clueless and time-serving, judgemental, jealous. There are no women in position of power. Any kind of power. They're all housewives sipping mimosas and going to John Lewis. Did they all went to Oxford to catch husbands? What is it? 1930? Also this book fails Bechdel test miserably and it makes me sad.
I don't know, but it honestly feels like the author didn't have any good experiences with women.
On other things, the writing is medicore at best. Besides my all time favourite breath that has been held, there are just too many irrelevant details. "Oooh I've been sitting in the kitchen in my cremem jumper, eating carbonarra with a silver firk that had swirls engraved". Ok, tha was obvs not the direct quote but you know what I mean. Do I care what a character has been eating exactly? No, unless it's important bc they will choke on in or throw it at somebody's face.
The onlypositive thing I can say abou it that it's a realy fast read and the switching between the POVs is effortless.
That's all.
But seriously, the premise of this book is brilliant and I was very interested at the beginning. The reviews said it's dark and weird and twisted and creepy and shocking and let me tell you I love those things.
Unfortunately the book fell very flat.
Underdevelopped characters. Weak and stupid people everywhere. I don't mind the fact that they're all unlikable (well maybe except for Stephen, the son, the only one with a backbone), I don't need to like the characters to enjoy the book, but people here were just plain STUPID. Starting with James, accidentaly putting his weirdo files in the family dropbox. Hardly a criminal mastermind, amirite? Moving on to Julianne, the queen of stupid, typical "fake it until you make it until you can't anymore" wife. Blinded by her looooooove for her weak and stupid husband, too comfy in her posh life to care about anyone but herself and her merino cardigans. Most of the time she gasps, sighs, vomits, faints and cries. Also, don't get me started on her ridiculous outburst at the end. No one with half a brain would do what she's done.
Holly. Oh boy. Sheltered doesn't even cover how clueless she was.
Every woman in this book is stupid and weak and clueless and time-serving, judgemental, jealous. There are no women in position of power. Any kind of power. They're all housewives sipping mimosas and going to John Lewis. Did they all went to Oxford to catch husbands? What is it? 1930? Also this book fails Bechdel test miserably and it makes me sad.
I don't know, but it honestly feels like the author didn't have any good experiences with women.
On other things, the writing is medicore at best. Besides my all time favourite breath that has been held, there are just too many irrelevant details. "Oooh I've been sitting in the kitchen in my cremem jumper, eating carbonarra with a silver firk that had swirls engraved". Ok, tha was obvs not the direct quote but you know what I mean. Do I care what a character has been eating exactly? No, unless it's important bc they will choke on in or throw it at somebody's face.
The onlypositive thing I can say abou it that it's a realy fast read and the switching between the POVs is effortless.
That's all.
November 18, 2019
Rating:
In the beginning, I was unsure between 4 or 5 stars.
By the time I finished the review, I am settling on 4.
Cover:
I don't understand the cover. I am definitely 'missing' the interpretation of it...
Trigger:
Rape
Gang rape
Sexual predators
Short review:
It is difficult to read the book and hence it is difficult to review. At the same time, it is a heck of a page-turner! I finished reading it in a couple of hours and literally stayed awake past midnight to finish it.
If you need a fast-paced, well-written psychological thriller, this is it. You might not need more than a blurb of the book to jump into it. Just keep in mind those 'triggers' I listed above.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Reading this book is like looking at train-wreck - about to happen, you know it is happening, but you cannot stop it from happening, neither you can look away.
I think this section would be longer than the main review but please don't read it if you want to read this book (and I recommend that you do).
In the beginning, I was unsure between 4 or 5 stars.
By the time I finished the review, I am settling on 4.
Cover:
I don't understand the cover. I am definitely 'missing' the interpretation of it...
Trigger:
Rape
Gang rape
Sexual predators
Short review:
It is difficult to read the book and hence it is difficult to review. At the same time, it is a heck of a page-turner! I finished reading it in a couple of hours and literally stayed awake past midnight to finish it.
If you need a fast-paced, well-written psychological thriller, this is it. You might not need more than a blurb of the book to jump into it. Just keep in mind those 'triggers' I listed above.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Reading this book is like looking at train-wreck - about to happen, you know it is happening, but you cannot stop it from happening, neither you can look away.
I think this section would be longer than the main review but please don't read it if you want to read this book (and I recommend that you do).
April 12, 2019
Well, this book was a great surprise to me and I can’t remember how it ended up on my list of books ordered from the public library. It is a well written drama. The storyline may not be pleasant (or suitable) for some, but it did not upset me or made me want to stop. I was completely hooked and drawn to the story. I really needed to finish it. Only during the last 20% of the book I was finally shocked. To think that something like that may exist in real life is terrifying. It’s beyond my imagination.
October 24, 2021
Two time lines that interlink into the present day. Julianne and Holly met back in 1990 having much more in common than you first think. At first you are just thinking how can all these characters link. It gets dark, it would be wrong to say I like reading about the triggers in this book but it needs told more often to me. In the end it becomes the tale of the survivors who want better 4.5 stars
January 31, 2019
Julianne discovers her husband might be hiding something; something that started with their days at university.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows two connected timelines - the modern day Julianne, who is married to James; and the 90's Holly, who has a major crush on James when they both attend Oxford.
I was worried, coming into this book, after reading some reviews about the trigger warnings, that it wouldn't be for me; but I actually thought the author did it well. Rape, and gang rape does happen because it's part of the plot, but it doesn't go into detail, and it doesn't glory in it. It's a horrible experience, and has long-standing consequences for the victim.
I felt that the author did a really good job in creating a statement on the flaws in our society, and how some things haven't changed in the last thirty years. There's an underlying sense that the victim is to blame, which is echoed by her friends and family, and general atmosphere of boys will be boys. It's a disturbing picture, that is disgustingly familiar.
The casual homophobia is written in the same way. It's wrong, you want to scream at the characters that it's wrong, as they carry on with their unfounded and hurtful remarks, all the while participating in gay sex.
That being said - did I enjoy this book? No.
For all that I appreciate what the author is trying to convey, and I do think they did a good job - that's not the sort of book I go for.
I picked this book up, because I was under the misconception this was some sort of psychological thriller. This is definitely not a thriller.
There are no twists, there are no surprises. It follows the lives of two women, and the men that betray them.
Aside from that, I did not like our narrators. Holly (the 90's timeline) is dull, and overly-occupied with boys and the fact that she isn't sexually active, when all of her friends are constantly talking about sex. For a girl that got into Oxford on a scholarship, and the first of her family to get into uni - she has no passion for her studies, and no interests outside the already mentioned boys and sex obsession.
Julianne (current timeline) is also dull. She's pretty but vacant. The American wife of an upper-class gentleman, the only role she plays is "James' wife". She has no personality beyond this. No hobbies, no thoughts of her own.
I felt pity for both of our leading ladies, but couldn't relate to them, or like them enough to be truly invested in their story.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows two connected timelines - the modern day Julianne, who is married to James; and the 90's Holly, who has a major crush on James when they both attend Oxford.
I was worried, coming into this book, after reading some reviews about the trigger warnings, that it wouldn't be for me; but I actually thought the author did it well. Rape, and gang rape does happen because it's part of the plot, but it doesn't go into detail, and it doesn't glory in it. It's a horrible experience, and has long-standing consequences for the victim.
I felt that the author did a really good job in creating a statement on the flaws in our society, and how some things haven't changed in the last thirty years. There's an underlying sense that the victim is to blame, which is echoed by her friends and family, and general atmosphere of boys will be boys. It's a disturbing picture, that is disgustingly familiar.
The casual homophobia is written in the same way. It's wrong, you want to scream at the characters that it's wrong, as they carry on with their unfounded and hurtful remarks, all the while participating in gay sex.
That being said - did I enjoy this book? No.
For all that I appreciate what the author is trying to convey, and I do think they did a good job - that's not the sort of book I go for.
I picked this book up, because I was under the misconception this was some sort of psychological thriller. This is definitely not a thriller.
There are no twists, there are no surprises. It follows the lives of two women, and the men that betray them.
Aside from that, I did not like our narrators. Holly (the 90's timeline) is dull, and overly-occupied with boys and the fact that she isn't sexually active, when all of her friends are constantly talking about sex. For a girl that got into Oxford on a scholarship, and the first of her family to get into uni - she has no passion for her studies, and no interests outside the already mentioned boys and sex obsession.
Julianne (current timeline) is also dull. She's pretty but vacant. The American wife of an upper-class gentleman, the only role she plays is "James' wife". She has no personality beyond this. No hobbies, no thoughts of her own.
I felt pity for both of our leading ladies, but couldn't relate to them, or like them enough to be truly invested in their story.
February 17, 2019
A Version Of The Truth wasn’t really what I expected it to be. I did expect secrets to be revealed and for lives to fall apart. What I didn’t expect was for the storyline to be mainly about how one of the characters dealt with what she found out. I also didn’t expect to detest so many of the characters, most of them are repulsive. There were only two I liked throughout, but they appeared less than everybody else. Two did grow on me as I read more and I realised how they had been duped. The others were cruel, controlling, elitist and they had many other faults that I struggle to reveal without spoilers.
Narrated by both Julianne and Holly my feelings changed a few times about whose account I preferred to read. Julianne appealed most at first, her account was more about how she handled realising that she had never really known her husband. When I found out what really happened to Holly and saw more of her strength I found I preferred her. I wanted her to be strong, happy and away from the university and her unfeeling mother.
I did find the ending a little abrupt, but overall its a good debut.
Narrated by both Julianne and Holly my feelings changed a few times about whose account I preferred to read. Julianne appealed most at first, her account was more about how she handled realising that she had never really known her husband. When I found out what really happened to Holly and saw more of her strength I found I preferred her. I wanted her to be strong, happy and away from the university and her unfeeling mother.
I did find the ending a little abrupt, but overall its a good debut.
February 7, 2019
This is a really hard one for me to rate. I so wanted to give a glowing review for release date but unfortunately, I found this one quite hard to swallow.
I was quite intrigued by the opening of this one but things quickly went downhill from that awful cliché hated by bookworms everywhere: “I let out a breath I only now realised I’ve been holding”. Later on, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was incorrectly referenced as being written by Emily Brontë. I know this is nit-picking but the fact that little things like that grated on me so much shows how frustrated I was feeling for the duration of the book.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I was liking the book at first. I enjoyed the Oxford University vibes and I was suitably intrigued. However, the subject matter become more and more disgusting as the book progressed. I feel like the whole purpose was just to shock the reader.
This book features some of the most unlikeable characters I have ever had the misfortune of reading about. Unlikeable characters in themselves would not normally be enough to lower my opinion of a novel quite so much but, in this case, I just couldn’t bear reading about them. Not one of them had any redeeming qualities; even the Mary-Sue heroine annoyed me and I really struggled to feel any sympathy towards her despite the horrible ordeal she is put through.
Now I’m no prude but the amount of sex in this book was a little much for me. And it wasn’t even the fact that it was there, it was the way things were described. Every chapter got progressively more disgusting. Add to that some very questionable comments about gay men, bisexuals and AIDS and I was losing interest fast.
I pushed through A Version of the Truth since it had been gifted to me by a publisher but the ending was honestly the biggest cop-out I’ve ever read. I have never been so dissatisfied.
Wow, I had hoped I could give this review a slightly more positive spin but I guess writing it has made me realise just how much I disliked this book! It’s a real shame to have to give a negative review on release day. But hey, other readers might enjoy this one. I feel like it will certainly be divisive and, unfortunately, due to the subject material, I landed firmly in the negative camp.
I was quite intrigued by the opening of this one but things quickly went downhill from that awful cliché hated by bookworms everywhere: “I let out a breath I only now realised I’ve been holding”. Later on, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was incorrectly referenced as being written by Emily Brontë. I know this is nit-picking but the fact that little things like that grated on me so much shows how frustrated I was feeling for the duration of the book.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I was liking the book at first. I enjoyed the Oxford University vibes and I was suitably intrigued. However, the subject matter become more and more disgusting as the book progressed. I feel like the whole purpose was just to shock the reader.
This book features some of the most unlikeable characters I have ever had the misfortune of reading about. Unlikeable characters in themselves would not normally be enough to lower my opinion of a novel quite so much but, in this case, I just couldn’t bear reading about them. Not one of them had any redeeming qualities; even the Mary-Sue heroine annoyed me and I really struggled to feel any sympathy towards her despite the horrible ordeal she is put through.
Now I’m no prude but the amount of sex in this book was a little much for me. And it wasn’t even the fact that it was there, it was the way things were described. Every chapter got progressively more disgusting. Add to that some very questionable comments about gay men, bisexuals and AIDS and I was losing interest fast.
I pushed through A Version of the Truth since it had been gifted to me by a publisher but the ending was honestly the biggest cop-out I’ve ever read. I have never been so dissatisfied.
Wow, I had hoped I could give this review a slightly more positive spin but I guess writing it has made me realise just how much I disliked this book! It’s a real shame to have to give a negative review on release day. But hey, other readers might enjoy this one. I feel like it will certainly be divisive and, unfortunately, due to the subject material, I landed firmly in the negative camp.
February 9, 2019
After reading this I looked at the reviews and saw a mixture of different views on this story. This is why I love reading. We all don’t like the same books and that can be a great positive.
I really didn’t like the characters in this story. It’s rare I find a book that I didn’t click with any of the characters.
This is one of those books that won’t be for everyone. Personally I love taboo reads so I enjoyed this story. The author knows how to push the readers. Take them out of their comfort zone. This is one of those reads. I’m refusing to rehash the story as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. If your looking for a different read that may make the readers uncomfortable then this could be the story for you. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
I really didn’t like the characters in this story. It’s rare I find a book that I didn’t click with any of the characters.
This is one of those books that won’t be for everyone. Personally I love taboo reads so I enjoyed this story. The author knows how to push the readers. Take them out of their comfort zone. This is one of those reads. I’m refusing to rehash the story as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. If your looking for a different read that may make the readers uncomfortable then this could be the story for you. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
January 31, 2019
This book made me feel really uncomfortable. I wanted to stop reading and say I couldn't finish it. By the point I felt like this, I'd read a lot of it though so I carried on. I think the author has done it on purpose to make most of characters horrible and not feel anything but anger towards them. I liked holly and did throughout. even though I didn't like this book very much, I did get to the epilogue and want to read more of that.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2019
A Version of The Truth is told over two timelines - 1991 by Holly and 2019 by Julianne.
This book seemed very familiar to me and I should mention it could contain triggers for some people to be wary of....
I really liked the two characters I’ve mentioned but all the others were pretty despicable really!
A well written psychological thriller.
This book seemed very familiar to me and I should mention it could contain triggers for some people to be wary of....
I really liked the two characters I’ve mentioned but all the others were pretty despicable really!
A well written psychological thriller.
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