Enjoyed other Bohjalian books so this was of interest to me, just because of the writer. It kept me engaged throughout but the surprise twist at the end was rather disturbing. I returned this to a free library because I wouldn't read it again and wouldn't recommend to any of my friends. ( )

I just stumbled across this book and decided to give it a shot because I typically like "psychological thrillers" on film and decided I might like to read on. Wow. A.Maze.Ing. By far one of the most engagingly complex novels I've read in a while. The author's descriptive detail and "back story" asides were usually enriching rather than distracting, and he very successfully creates characters that come to life in the mind's eye.

I just came off of reading Juliette, which was very engaging...and The Double Bind was even more difficult to put down! I am thrilled to discover there are still writers out there telling original stories with well-crafted prose. Can't wait to find another Bohjalian book. ( )

Still turning this one over in my head. I know Bohjalian is a prolific and generally well regarded contemporary novelist and this is the first of his books I've gotten around to reading. There were a few prose quirks that I didn't really care for: sloppy editing revealed through a couple of grammar mistakes and homophone spelling errors; an expository sort of tone in the narration that comes off as a bit amateurish; dialogue that frequently seemed unnatural and a little tin-eared. The author also makes a habit of describing every female character in terms of her (usually "slim" and "athletic" and "toned") body which got a little annoying. It also felt a little overwritten and long for a book of this type, which is meant to be plotty and couldn't-put-it-downy.

Plot-wise, I do have to give him credit for keeping me guessing through to the end. I am trying to make sense of it in retrospect. The Gatsby thing was odd and confusing for some time but I shrugged it off as some sort of author's-choice magical realism kind of device and went with it; it of course made sense by the end.

Some character elements were a little odd. The unmarried Baptist youth minister comparing various pleasant life experiences with great sex, more than once? Etc.

Not sorry I spent three days' worth of spare time reading it but wouldn't necessarily press it on a friend and not sure if I'll read anything else by the author. ( )

Enjoyed this read, as I have enjoyed the other Bohjalian books I have read.
This one keeps you guessing until the end, and who wants a mystery that goes any other way?
If you like a good story-teller, Bohjalian is for you. ( )

Bookclub book by? ( )