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Our Kind of Cruelty

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'Our Kind of Cruelty' by Araminta Hall is a dark and twisted novel that follows the story of Mike, a successful banker who becomes obsessed with his ex-girlfriend Verity. Mike is convinced that their breakup is just a part of a game they used to play called the Crave, leading to a chilling and suspenseful narrative that blurs the lines between reality and delusion. The book is told entirely from Mike's perspective, providing a deep dive into his mind and creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the story. As the plot unfolds, readers are left questioning the true motives of the characters and the disturbing dynamics of their relationships.

The writing style in 'Our Kind of Cruelty' is described as intense, gripping, and immersive, with an emphasis on the psychological aspects of the characters. The author, Araminta Hall, delves into themes of obsession, desire, and perception, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on edge and engaged until the very end. Through the use of an unreliable narrator and a suspenseful plot, Hall creates a story that challenges perceptions and explores the darker aspects of human relationships.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Mike, are complex, showcasing emotional struggles, obsession, and a distorted view of relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a first-person perspective that immerses readers in Mike's unreliable and obsessive thoughts.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Mike's obsessive and distorted perception of his relationship with Verity, a game they played leading to a shocking climax.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary London, addressing societal issues and frequently shifting between different timelines.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, starting slow but intensifying during courtroom scenes, though some found it laborious.
It is hard to believe that it isn’t even a year since I returned from America. It feels more like a lifetime, two lifetimes even. But the fact is I arrived home at the end of May and as I sit here now...

Notes:

The novel is narrated in the first person from Mike's point of view, making him an unreliable narrator.
Mike and Verity invented a sexual game called 'The Crave' which involves Mike intervening when other men show interest in Verity.
The story flips between the present, where Mike is in prison for murder, and flashbacks to his relationship with Verity.
Mike struggles with emotional maturity, stemming from a traumatic childhood with an alcoholic mother and abusive father.
The book explores themes of obsessive love, power dynamics in relationships, and how societal perceptions of women play out within a court setting.
The premise suggests a critique of how women are often blamed and vilified for men's actions, highlighting issues within the justice system.
Mike believes he and Verity are the only ones who understand their intense, passionate love, disregarding her feelings for a new fiancé.
The narrative evokes sympathy for Mike due to his background, yet reveals his extreme obsessive and delusional behavior as the story progresses.
The courtroom scenes explore how women's sexual history is scrutinized compared to men's, reflecting existing gender biases.
The novel is recommended for fans of psychological thrillers, particularly those who enjoyed 'You' by Caroline Kepnes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of stalking, emotional and sexual manipulation, domestic violence, and psychological abuse.

From The Publisher:

"A searing, chilling sliver of perfection . . . May well turn out to be the year's best thriller." -Charles Finch, The New York Times Book Review

"This is simply one of the nastiest and most disturbing thrillers I've read in years. I loved it, right down to the utterly chilling final line." -Gillian Flynn

A spellbinding, darkly twisted novel about desire and obsession, and the complicated lines between truth and perception, Our Kind of Cruelty introduces Araminta Hall, a chilling new voice in psychological suspense.

This is a love story. Mike's love story.

Mike Hayes fought his way out of a brutal childhood and into a quiet, if lonely, life before he met Verity Metcalf. V taught him about love, and in return, Mike has dedicated his life to making her happy. He's found the perfect home, the perfect job; he's sculpted himself into the physical ideal V has always wanted. He knows they'll be blissfully happy together.

It doesn't matter that she hasn't been returning his e-mails or phone calls.

It doesn't matter that she says she's marrying Angus.

It's all just part of the secret game they used to play. If Mike watches V closely, he'll see the signs. If he keeps track of her every move, he'll know just when to come to her rescue . . .

Ratings (3)

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Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (28):

Read It (3)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (18)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (5)

About the Author:

Araminta Hall is the author of Everything and Nothing. She has an MA in creative writing and authorship from the University of Sussex, and teaches creative writing at New Writing South in Brighton, where she lives with her husband and three children. Our Kind of Cruelty is her first book published in the United States.

 
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