Book review by @hannahjleslie Behind Closed Doors by B.A.Paris

Buy the book: UK/ Ireland | US 

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You might not want to like them, but you do.

You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realise Jack and Grace are never apart.

Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows.

Sometimes, the perfect marriage is the perfect lie.

Review by Hannah:

I don’t like being told what I should like or dislike. 

I don’t like reading a book just because everyone is saying it is the best book ever. 

I do like to take my time and make a choice based on what is best for me and choosing a book is no different. 

I tend to choose a book that reflects my mood or an author I know writes well and can really tell a story. 

Last year everyone was writing about Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris and singing its praises at any given opportunity. Now, I like to praise a book as much as the next person, but the constant barrage of why I should read this book instantly turned me off. 

Recently I met with a friend; who also shares a love of books, and she spoke of this book as one I must read. I explained I had been put off by all the hype, but I would in time, get round to it. 

Two days later I was doing my usual trawl of the charity shops when I came upon Behind Closed Doors. There it sat, as new, waiting to be picked up and bought. How could I not purchase it? 

That afternoon I settled down with the book; and an air of cynicism that it wouldn’t be that amazing, and began to read. I had finished by that night. 

It really was an amazing read! It was everything everybody said and I felt lucky that I was getting to enjoy this now rather than when everyone else did. 

So for those who have not read this book I will share a little into the world of Jack and Grace. 

To those around them Jack and Grace are the perfect couple. They are handsome, elegant and madly in love. They have the perfect marriage and the perfect life - or do they? 

The story of how Jack and Grace met could really be described as romantic and beautiful, with a quick engagement and marriage; what followed their marriage was anything but. 

I am well aware of domestic violence, but what this story tackles, and so brilliantly is emotional and mental abuse; two things that are extremely difficult to prove. It gives a brutal and honest portrayal of this abuse taking place and the impact it has on all those involved. 

I was completely engrossed in this story and felt so many emotions reading what Grace was experiencing that I felt completely drained; a scary thought considering I was only reading something somebody else was experiencing. 

B A Paris is an amazing writer who tackles a very difficult subject with a genuine empathy and respect for those who are victims of abuse. 

Every single page was gripping and engaging and as unpleasant some of it was to read I could not put it down. 

So, for fear of being one of those people that tell you what an amazing book this is and how you should read it, perhaps when you are looking for your next read you should try this one and decide for yourself.

Rating:

★★★★★

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