Jane Connor is resigned to being the “plain Jane” of her family—pragmatic and dependable—so unlike her beautiful and impetuous younger sister Esme. When Esme calls Jane during a flash summer storm, announcing she’s left her high-society husband, Jane is shocked to learn her sister wishes to stay with her. Could this be an opportunity for them to become close again? The only catch: Esme needs a ride from the city to their small Connecticut hometown, and Jane is terrified of getting on the highway because of what she did when they were teens. Jane must either let Esme stand on her own two feet for once or jump to her flighty younger sister’s rescue—and her choice cleaves her life in two.
With a rollicking pace and shocking twists and turns, The Split captivatingly explores how little we know the ones we love—and how one small choice can change everything.
1. The Concept
The concept of this book is just incredible and I haven’t heard of many books like this ever. Frick’s idea of having the book split around a single decision and create two divergent storylines is amazing. The execution is great as well, creating two distinctive and compelling mysteries.
2. The Characters
Frick has a knack of creating these strong, three-dimensional characters that leap off the page and draw you in. Jane is another of those messy, relatable and complex characters. In each timeline, she is slightly different but you very much get the sense of the overshadowed sister who is somewhat jealous. Playing detective has interesting consequences and development for Jane in each case.
3. Frick’s Writing
My god, does Frick know how to write a thriller that just sinks its teeth into you straight away. From the opening set-up, you are pulled into this moody, almost noir mystery that is so tense and tangled. It is plotted incredibly well and the atmosphere is also top notch. You can feel the impending countdown to destruction, creating a suspense that keeps you on your toes throughout.
4. The Twists
There is so much to unpack in this book. Frick leads you chasing down rabbit holes after red herrings and coming up with alternative theories that seem to change every chapter. You can guess little of what is coming next, as there are usually some surprises in store just around the corner.
5. The Exploration of Fate and Destiny
The central concept is essentially a play on the Butterfly Effect, meaning the whole book plays out as a meditation on the consequences of our actions. This leads to an intriguing discussion around fate and destiny, with some meta themes coming through around the control we ultimately have over our own stories.
