Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

***My Review ***

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty is a thrilling and engrossing novel that takes the reader on a transformative journey with nine strangers seeking solace at a luxurious wellness retreat.

The story revolves around a group of people from diverse backgrounds who come together at Tranquillum House, a remote and exclusive retreat center run by Masha, a charismatic and enigmatic Russian woman. Each guest has their own reasons for being there, ranging from weight loss to relationship issues to dealing with grief, but they all share a common desire to transform their lives.

As the guests settle into their new surroundings, they begin to realize that the retreat is not what it seems. Masha’s unconventional methods of therapy and treatment push the boundaries of what they thought was possible, and the lines between healing and manipulation start to blur.

Moriarty’s writing is sharp and insightful, as she deftly weaves together the individual stories of the nine guests, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. She also delves into the psyche of Masha, who is both the mastermind behind the retreat and a deeply troubled individual herself.

Nine Perfect Strangers expertly handles the perspective of multiple characters, with each chapter switching between the point of view of a different guest or staff member. This technique allows the reader to see events from different angles and gain a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and struggles. It also adds an extra layer of suspense, as the reader is constantly piecing together clues and trying to predict how each character’s story will unfold.

One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the human psyche and the complexities of relationships. Moriarty touches on themes of loss, trauma, addiction, and self-discovery, all of which are intricately intertwined with the characters’ journeys at Tranquillum House. The author’s ability to bring these complex issues to life through relatable characters is truly impressive.

Beyond the engaging plot and compelling characters, Nine Perfect Strangers also offers a commentary on the wellness industry and the dangers of putting blind faith in self-proclaimed gurus. Through Masha’s character and the retreat center’s dubious practices, Moriarty raises important questions about the ethics of the wellness industry and the risks of blindly following charismatic leaders.

The novel also tackles issues of privilege and class, as the guests at Tranquillum House are all wealthy and able to afford the high cost of the retreat. This creates an interesting dynamic between the guests and the staff, who come from more humble backgrounds and serve as a reminder of the inequality that exists outside the walls of the retreat.

Another strength of the book is its pacing. The plot is expertly crafted to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. Moriarty cleverly uses cliffhangers and plot twists to keep the tension high, and the final reveal is both shocking and satisfying.

In terms of the writing itself, Moriarty’s prose is both eloquent and accessible. She has a knack for crafting vivid descriptions that paint a clear picture of the retreat center and its surroundings, without being overly wordy or descriptive. Her dialogue is also sharp and realistic, capturing the nuances of everyday conversation and adding depth to the characters’ interactions.

One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to balance serious themes with moments of humor and levity. Despite the heavy subject matter of trauma and mental health, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book, particularly in the interactions between the guests and staff. This adds a humanizing element to the characters and makes them all the more relatable.

However it must be mentioned that the book is that it can be slow-moving at times, particularly in the early chapters as the characters are introduced and the setting is established. Some readers may find the pace too leisurely for their liking, although others may appreciate the slow burn buildup of tension.

Another potential issue is the sheer number of characters and subplots. With nine guests and several staff members, there are a lot of storylines to keep track of, and some readers may find it overwhelming. While Moriarty does a good job of balancing these various threads, some characters and plot points may feel underdeveloped or rushed.



Additionally, the novel’s ending has been somewhat divisive among readers. While the final twist is certainly unexpected, some may find it too abrupt or unsatisfying. Others may appreciate the open-ended nature of the conclusion and the room it leaves for interpretation.

In conclusion, Nine Perfect Strangers is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of the human psyche and the power of transformation. Moriarty’s writing is sharp and insightful, and her ability to bring complex characters to life is truly impressive. If you are looking for a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end, this book is definitely worth a read.