In Her Defense (A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick)

A Novel

A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB SELECTION!

As a sensational celebrity libel trial unfolds, a young woman at the periphery secretly wields the power to make or break the case. But with her own hidden past, will she dare to speak up?

Everyone is watching. Only one person knows the truth.

The whole country has been riveted by the trial: Beloved TV star and national treasure Anna Finbow, standing in court, accusing her daughter’s therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary for her own financial gain. Jean insists Mary’s traumatic memories arise from her upbringing and her time studying at a prestigious art school in Rome; wounds only Jean’s therapy can heal. But as the trial unfolds, it’s Augusta “Gus” Bird, Anna’s former employee—a seemingly insignificant bystander, a nobody—who holds the key to unraveling the tangled web of lies and deceit.

What really happened to Mary in Rome? And if her memories can’t be trusted, how will they ever uncover the truth behind her estrangement? Twisty and propulsive, In Her Defense is a compulsively readable debut for fans of Lucy Foley and Laura Dave.

Grabbed me right away

I really enjoyed this book. It grabbed me from the begging. Definetly a psychological wild ride.

Hard to get into

I found certain parts of this story to be long-winded and boring. I would not recommend this title to other others.

Despicable characters

Kept listening to find out what happens but didn’t enjoy this book. Disappointing as other book club selections from Reese have been much better.

Multi layered characters.

Very interesting read, particularly due to chapter format. Not one person is flat or cartoonishly portrayed.

I don’t understand the bad reviews

Almost didn’t listen bc of the reviews, but I enjoyed it. It was a bit long at times (I suggest listening on 2.0+ speed), but well written, especially for those with a psychology background. The protagonist wasn’t likable, but she was human.

All of the characters were flawed and human. The storyline was original, & the ending wasn’t especially satisfying, but Iife rarely is.

All in all, it was solid