“I’m a woman, which means I have to expect to be seen as an unlikable character.”
One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall is a scintillating thriller that delves into the complexities of gender roles, misogyny, and societal expectations. Let’s piece together the clues and explore this multi-layered novel:
The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view, each revealing more about the characters and filling out the story. Hall fearlessly explores sensitive social issues, using a mixed media approach that includes podcast excerpts, social media, and newspaper pieces. From the first chapter, a palpable sense of unease permeates the pages, drawing readers into a domestic thriller with a mystery element.
The characters are manipulators, unreliable narrators, and often unlikeable, yet their perspectives are essential to unravelling the truth. As moral boundaries are tested, the novel questions everything, leaving readers with a lingering sense of angst. Women’s safety in a world where appearances can be deceiving becomes a central theme.
“But the truth is, men who want to protect women should never be trusted because we only feel the impulse to protect the things we think of as weaker than ourselves.”
“But the truth is, men who want to protect women should never be trusted because we only feel the impulse to protect the things we think of as weaker than ourselves.”The slow burn is necessary to fully explore each character’s point of view. Hall cleverly weaves social media and newspaper pieces into the narrative, culminating in a conclusion that resonates long after the last page. The book’s exploration of violence against women from various angles is both thought-provoking and unsettling.
“Has anyone ever told you that they’re protecting you, or that they know you better than you know yourself, or that no one will ever love you like they do? Have you ever said those words? Consider what those sentiments mean. It’s all violence, when you think about it.”
In three distinct parts, Hall masterfully unfurls the layers of her characters, revealing hidden depths and challenging assumptions. One of the Good Guys is a true contender for readers interested in feminist literature, particularly examining how men perceive and treat women.
Prepare for vagueness, chaos, and an infuriating yet compelling journey.
Thank you to Pan MacMillan for this gifted copy.
About this book: https://www.panmacmillan.co.za/authors/araminta-hall/one-of-the-good-guys/
About the author: https://us.macmillan.com/author/aramintahall
