Unreliable Narrators We Love to Mistrust
I don’t know about you but I absolutely adore reading unreliable narrators. Knowing that you need to read between the lines, or being shocked by being mislead, makes reading some books so exciting! Part of the fun is being kept on your toes - especially when you had no idea that the truth was being misconstrued, intentionally or not.
Here is a list of some of my favourite books with unreliable narrators.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go is a beautiful read, telling the story of three friends who grow up in an isolated environment. Throughout the telling of the story, the reader and characters becomes aware that everything is not all it seems, and something more sinister is going on behind the scenes.
A truly haunting and gorgeous book that will stay with you for years to come.
2. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor is a social misfit who struggles to navigate social interactions. Her primary social interaction is her weekly phone call with Mummy, an experience that leaves her feeling totally worthless. It is clear that Eleanor has experienced childhood trauma but our knowledge of this is limited to what Eleanor decides to divulge.
This book has played on my mind ever since I read it six years ago. It’s complex, gripping, and took me totally by surprise.
This books covers some sensitive topics - if you’re unsure please check the trigger warnings.
3. Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Andy is on a mission to work out why his now ex-girlfriend fell out of love with him. Clouded by resentment and grief, Andy’s idea’s of the truth aren’t always quite on the mark.
I loved reading Andy’s account of events with a pinch of salt. After all, there’s always two sides to the story.
You can catch my review of Good Material here.
4. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
A young, unnamed woman married a wealthy widower, only to find that he and his household are haunted by the memory of his late wife, Rebecca. Du Maurier’s classic is such a wonderful example of a narrator’s attempt to fool or hoodwink their reader.
A brilliant gothic, romantic suspense classic. If you’re not sure classics are for you I implore you to give Rebecca a shot - you may just be surprised.
5. The Poppy War by R.F Kuang
A story of ancient, shamanistic powers, vengeful gods, and war. Rin, the leading character of The Poppy War, isn’t unreliable In the traditional sense, rather she consistently makes decisions that leave the reader blindsided in the most spectacular way.
Rin is such an interesting character to read, and I felt like I was always two steps behind her which in this case works absolutely perfectly.
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