Described as ‘a dark suspense thriller brimming with secrets and lies seeping across three generations’, The Woman on the Pier by BP Walter was October’s SWFT reading group choice, and the consensus was decidedly mixed! While a commendable number of us managed to complete the novel (which is far from a given!) the general sentiment was that this couldn’t be described as an enjoyable read.
The book’s marketing emerged as something of a sore point. Many felt misled by the cover and blurb, which seemed to suggest a light, ‘cosy crime’ narrative suitable for leisurely beach reading. In fact, only a couple of pages mention the scene on the pier. Instead, readers were confronted with a challenging story of terrorism, grief, abuse and revenge. This disparity between expectation and content was jarring for many, with one member of the group, who had been indirectly caught up in the aftermath of a real terrorist incident in London, finding the subject matter particularly distasteful. The group widely agreed that a trigger warning might have been appropriate.
The plot garnered mixed reviews, with some members describing it as confusing and strange. There was a sense that the novel was perhaps capitalising on the current true crime trend, firmly situating itself in the ‘misery fiction’ genre. Comparisons were drawn to a previous selection in the George Eliot group, What July Knew, which was generally deemed superior.
Character development proved to be one of the book’s stronger points. While the protagonist was not particularly likeable, we empathised with her plight. The exploration of how a single event can profoundly affect individuals in vastly different ways was noted as an interesting aspect of the narrative. The younger male characters were praised for their rounded and likeable portrayals.
The novel’s plot twist divided opinion, with some readers anticipating it and others caught off guard. At least one member found it rather implausible. The ending was a point of contention, leaving several readers unsatisfied.
Despite these criticisms, it’s worth noting that the book did have its advocates. One reader expressed genuine enjoyment, appreciating the complex characterisation. Several of the group, despite their reservations, felt compelled to finish it and find out how the plot was resolved. While The Woman on the Pier may not have been universally acclaimed by our group, it certainly provoked discussion. As one member said, it proved the value of a book group in allowing readers to explore genres they might otherwise avoid, free from the pressure to ‘get your money’s worth’ from a bought book. For those seeking a grittier, more challenging read than your typical crime novel, this may be the book for you – but approach with caution…
Our choice for next month is something completely different! The Knights Templar, often associated with heresy and fanaticism, were originally established in the 12th century to protect pilgrims.
In his new work, Steve Tibble challenges the myths surrounding the Templars, revealing them as key players in promoting peace, shaping royal policies, and brokering international treaties. Their influence helped secure resources for the Crusades and contributed to the formation of an early English state.
Tracing the Order’s rise under Henry I and its suppression after the fall of Acre, he demonstrates how pivotal they were in both medieval Britain and the Christian East.
Copies of this title were kindly donated by the publishers so come and get your copy while stocks last! Our next meeting will be Thursday 21st November at 1pm.