Rock Paper Scissors

Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney

This book is one that I chose without reading the jacket.  I just grabbed it off the shelf and cracked it open.  Honestly, I chose it for the size as a quick read.  Quick read indeed.  I love it when something about a book makes it hard to put it down.  There is an innate desire to know what in the heck is going on and who are these people, and why should I care?  Well, my fellow bibliocentric friend, I will tell you why you should.

More flawed characters, which if you read my previous entry, you know I absolutely love! Not only do I love a deeply flawed protagonist, but an antagonist as well.  In this novel, Alice Feeney makes you wonder which character is the protagonist, and which is the antagonist.  You are constantly left wondering who am I supposed to be rooting for exactly?

A married couple, trapped alone in a church turned vacation home with nothing but their resentment and animosity toward one another.  What Alice Feeney does fantastically is play on the assumptions of us, the readers, and what we think we know about the characters as we read each chapter.  There is nothing in particular that should make us feel on edge, yet you are.  The snow is piling up outside and everything is eerie.  You cannot help but feel stuck and vulnerable as you read about complete strangers whom who are getting to know one chapter at a time.  It is hard to not find yourself sitting on the edge, wanting to know what is going on and what will happen next.  It pulls you into this quick paced book that toys with you. 

One great aspect of this book that made me truly appreciate it, is Alice Feeney’s ability to play with the assumptions of the reader.  It comes as a swift kick and you’re shocked to learn that you, as smart as you are, could be duped.  A good read for a cold winter’s day with a hot cup of tea and cuddled up in that warm fuzzy blanket.