We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough: A Gripping Gothic Journey
From the moment I stumbled upon We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough, I knew I was in for a treat. The blend of gothic vibes, psychological intrigue, and domestic tension had my literary senses tingling, and boy, did it deliver! As a fan of atmospheric narratives, I was drawn into the haunting landscape of Dartmoor and the unsettling atmosphere of Larkin Lodge, where our protagonist, Emily, dwells.
At its core, the novel is a complex exploration of recovery—both physical and emotional—as Emily grapples with the aftermath of a near-fatal cliffwalk accident. The setting, a crumbling yet beautiful country house, is as much a character as Emily and her husband, Freddie. The stark presence of the Moors, with their endless skies and creeping shadows, mirrors Emily’s own psychological state, creating a palpable tension that kept me glued to the pages.
I found myself deeply immersed in Emily’s experience. Alone for the majority of the week while Freddie works in London, her isolation amplifies the eerie occurrences around Larkin Lodge—creaking floorboards, inexplicable book falls, and a sinister presence lurking in the shadows. The brilliance of Pinborough’s writing lies in her ability to blur the lines between reality and hallucination. As Emily begins to question her reality, I felt a whirlwind of emotions, from sympathy to frustration, mirroring her growing resentment towards Freddie, who dismisses her fears as mere post-sepsis hallucinations.
One standout aspect of the book is the dual narrative, which flawlessly intertwines Emily’s emotional depth with Freddie’s rationality. This perspective jump adds layers to the tension, illuminating the cracks in their relationship and highlighting their struggle as they navigate their new life together. The inclusion of other narrative voices also enriched the storytelling, giving various angles on the mysteries looming over Larkin Lodge.
Speaking of mystery, the plot twists and chilling moments were absolutely captivating! As Emily slowly peels back the layers of Larkin Lodge’s dark history, I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly following the clues. Pinborough masterfully crafted each revelation, leading to a conclusion that left me with that deliciously wicked grin that only a well-executed twist can provide.
Despite a few minor imperfections, the book’s engaging writing style and swift pacing overshadowed them completely. I was drawn into the story so thoroughly that I devoured the entire book within 24 hours—not an easy feat during a busy workweek! If that’s not a testament to a gripping read, I don’t know what is.
We Live Here Now is a brilliant choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a gothic twist, intricate character dynamics, and a touch of the supernatural. While the themes of mental health and isolation may resonate differently for each reader, the overall experience is nothing short of thrilling.
As I close the chapter on this haunting tale, I’m left with a profound appreciation for Pinborough’s deft storytelling and exploration of the human psyche. I can’t wait to see what she conjures up next! Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing a copy—I’m so glad I took this literary plunge. Happy reading!
Discover more about We Live Here Now on GoodReads >>