What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena – A Review

Shari Lapena’s What Have You Done? plunges readers headfirst into the unsettling aftermath of a seemingly ordinary family gathering gone terribly wrong. The novel centers on the Jennings family, specifically the seemingly perfect couple, Caroline and Dan. When their daughter, Amelia, is found dead in their quiet suburban home after a barbecue attended by close friends and family, suspicion immediately falls on those nearest and dearest to her. The narrative masterfully unfolds the tangled web of secrets, resentments, and long buried truths that lie beneath the veneer of domestic bliss, turning every attendee into a potential suspect.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

What Have You Done? is a highly engaging and expertly crafted domestic thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. Lapena excels at creating a palpable sense of unease and claustrophobia, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the Jennings’ home, scrutinizing every interaction and searching for clues. The novel is a testament to Lapena’s skill in weaving a complex plot with relatable, albeit flawed, characters.

Writing Style and Character Development

Lapena’s writing style is sharp, concise, and highly effective. She employs a dual perspective, often shifting between Caroline and Dan, which allows for a deeper understanding of their individual anxieties and hidden motives. The pacing is excellent, building suspense gradually through well-placed revelations and red herrings.

Character development is a significant strength. While the Jennings family appears outwardly conventional, Lapena peels back the layers to reveal the complexities of their relationships and the immense pressure they are under. Caroline, a seemingly fragile woman, displays surprising resilience and determination as she navigates the investigation and her own grief. Dan, a successful professional, grapples with guilt and the fear of his carefully constructed life crumbling. The supporting characters, including the nosy neighbors and other family members, are also well-drawn, each contributing to the atmosphere of suspicion.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several compelling themes resonate throughout What Have You Done?. The most prominent is the dark underbelly of domesticity, illustrating how seemingly idyllic family lives can conceal profound secrets and deep-seated resentments. The theme of guilt and confession is also central, as characters wrestle with their past actions and the potential consequences. Lapena also explores the fragility of reputation and the devastating impact of secrets on relationships. The motif of lies and deception is woven into the fabric of the narrative, with almost every character harboring some form of untruth.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of What Have You Done? is a masterclass in suspense. Lapena expertly controls the flow of information, drip-feeding revelations and raising the stakes with each chapter. The structure, with its alternating perspectives and flashbacks, effectively builds a comprehensive picture of the events leading up to Amelia’s death. There were no parts that felt slow; instead, each chapter propelled the narrative forward, maintaining a tight grip on the reader’s attention. The plot remained captivating throughout, with twists and turns that felt earned and surprising.

Author’s Use of Language and Vivid Imagery

Lapena’s language is accessible yet evocative. She has a knack for creating vivid imagery that enhances the psychological tension. For instance, descriptions of the unnervingly quiet suburban street or the unsettling stillness in the Jennings’ home contribute significantly to the claustrophobic atmosphere. While no specific quotes immediately jump out as profoundly memorable in the way a classic literary passage might, the overall effectiveness of Lapena’s prose lies in its ability to convey emotional states and build suspense through subtle observation.

Emotional Impact

What Have You Done? is an emotionally charged novel. It evokes a range of feelings, from anxiety and suspicion to empathy for the characters caught in the crossfire. The exploration of parental grief and the crushing weight of guilt is particularly poignant. The novel provokes thought about the nature of family, the secrets we keep, and the consequences of our actions, even those committed long ago. Moments of intense emotional turmoil for Caroline and Dan are particularly moving, as they are forced to confront the unraveling of their lives.

Themes and Messages

The author appears to be conveying that the veneer of perfection in domestic life is often fragile and that hidden truths can have devastating consequences. Lapena succeeds in highlighting how secrets, no matter how well-buried, have a way of surfacing, often with catastrophic results. The novel serves as a commentary on the pressure to maintain a certain image within society and the inherent dangers of societal expectations.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Compelling Plot: The intricate mystery and constant twists keep the reader thoroughly engaged.
  • Atmospheric Setting: The suburban setting is used effectively to create a sense of unease and claustrophobia.
  • Strong Characterization: The flawed but relatable characters are well-developed, allowing readers to connect with their struggles.
  • Expert Pacing: The narrative momentum is consistently high, making it a page-turner.

Weaknesses:

  • Predictability for some: While the twists are effective, seasoned thriller readers might find some elements predictable.
  • Character Likability: Some readers might find it challenging to fully empathize with all the characters due to their morally ambiguous actions.

Recommendations and Comparisons

I would highly recommend What Have You Done? to fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. Readers who enjoyed Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train will likely find this novel to their liking. Those who appreciate Shari Lapena’s previous works, such as The Couple Next Door or An Unwanted Guest, will also find familiar strengths in this latest offering, namely her knack for crafting unsettling domestic mysteries with compelling twists.

Overall Impression and Rating

What Have You Done? is a gripping and well-executed thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and intrigue. Shari Lapena continues to prove her mastery of the genre with a story that is both clever and emotionally resonant. It’s a novel that will keep you looking over your shoulder long after you’ve turned the last page.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Where to Get It

You can purchase or download What Have You Done? from various online retailers. For ebook and audiobook options, consider checking platforms like Amazon, Kobo, or Google Play Books. Physical copies can be found at major bookstores and online retailers such as Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org. You can also find more book reviews and insights at My Ebook.