The Book of You

A Novel

By: Claire Kendal

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

A mesmerizing tale of psychological suspense about a woman who must fight to escape an expert manipulator determined to possess her, Claire Kendal’s debut novel is a sophisticated and disturbing portrait of compulsion, control, and terror that will appeal to fans of Before I Go to Sleep, The Silent Wife, and Into the Darkest Corner.

His name is Rafe, and he is everywhere Clarissa turns. At the university where she works. Her favorite sewing shop. The train station. Outside her apartment. His messages choke her voice mail; his gifts litter her mailbox. Since that one regrettable night, his obsession with her has grown, becoming more terrifying with each passing day. And as Rafe has made clear, he will never let her go.

Clarissa’s only escape from this harrowing nightmare is inside a courtroom—where she is a juror on a trial involving a victim whose experiences eerily parallel her own. There she finds some peace and even makes new friends, including an attractive widower named Robert, whose caring attentions make her feel desired and safe. But as a disturbingly violent crime unfolds in the courtroom, Clarissa realizes that to survive she must expose Rafe herself. Conceiving a plan, she begins collecting the evidence of Rafe’s madness to use against him—a record of terror that will force her to relive every excruciating moment she desperately wants to forget. Proof that will reveal the twisted, macabre fairy tale that Rafe has spun around them . . . with an ending more horrifying than her darkest fears.

Masterfully constructed, filled with exquisite tension and a pervasive sense of menace, The Book of You explores the lines between love and compulsion, fantasy and reality, and offers a heart-stopping portrait of a woman determined to survive. Claire Kendal’s extraordinary debut will haunt readers long after it reaches its terrifying, breathtaking conclusion.

The Book of You: A Novel

Would you listen to The Book of You again? Why?

No, The novel was great, but the narrator was even better.

What did you like best about this story?

First of all, the narrator, the fear in her voice, and the way she carried over her character to the stalker. Second, the never ending "let up" by the stalker. It scares you to realize that women really are living like this.

What does Orlagh Cassidy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

THE FEAR AND EVIL IN HER VOICE!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

At first I put yes, but I have to say no because I really needed to stop and take a break, the story was so unnerving.

Any additional comments?

Fairly predictable ending which is to be expected. It's the journey that the author and narrator take you through that is definitely worth the ride!!!

Couldn't Stop Listening - FInished in Two Days!

I listened to the book "You" that tells the story from the perspective of the stalker in 'real' time following and wooing his victim - It was excellent. Right after, I listened to this book, which is the flip side - telling the story from the victim's perspective in real time. Also excellent! You are on the edge of your seat with the narrator, just as edgy as she is.

My only (mild) complaint is that sometimes the narrator's voice is a little too tremulous. I know that she is trying to capture "fear" but sometimes it just feels shaky and on that verge of crying you hear people do when it's fake, not real tears. But overall, I think she had a pleasant tone.

Definitely recommend! I will listen to it again, and I don't say that about many audiobooks (there are just too many and not enough time!).

What a disappointing ending.

What did you like best about The Book of You? What did you like least?

What did I like best??? I can not answer that. However, what did I like least? The ending. After I listened to the entire story, it ends like that?!?! No epilogue, no real closure. Will there be a sequel? I could not believe how it ended. Great disappointment. Also, after listening to this story, not sure what to think of the judicial system.

If you’ve listened to books by Claire Kendal before, how does this one compare?

I have not listened to any books by Claire Kendal before.

Did Orlagh Cassidy do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

She was fine, I guess. She is not one I would seek to find another book that she narrated. Not sure she used the right tone with some of the dialogue. I feel that when a character was supposed to sound sympathetic, they sounded condensing.

Do you think The Book of You needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes. The ending was awful. There was no closure. I would have given the book a 4 if there was an "ending".

Any additional comments?

When I started the book it was okay. I thought the heroine was weak and pathetic. However, I changed my mind when I saw all that was against her. Her stalker was sadistic. I began to understand her fears. The book did drag in certain spots. I noticed some of the descriptions could have been shortened. This is not necessarily one I recommend. If there is a sequel, I think I will read it. I did get attached to the characters. I also want to know how it all ends.

Creepy and depressing

A disquieting story. The narration by Orlagh Cassidy gives emotional weight to the terror felt by Clarissa, who is being victimized by an obsessive acquaintance. Not a light book, and it does not have a happy ending.

Creepy

Not many nice people in this story and the stalker was especially creepy. Not on the top of my list for books I would recommend to friends.