The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

*** My Review ***

Sally Hepworth’s novel, The Soulmate, is an engaging and thought-provoking thriller that explores the complexities of relationships, mental illness, and the consequences of our actions. The novel is a page-turner from start to finish, with short chapters and alternating points of view that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The story takes place in a small coastal town outside Melbourne, where Pippa and Gabe Gerard have bought their dream house on the cliffside. They have a picture-perfect life with two adorable daughters, and everything seems perfect until a woman falls off the cliff behind their home. Pippa watches her husband standing close to the woman with his arms outstretched, palms facing out, and she falls to her death.

Pippa’s husband, Gabe, is a stay-at-home dad who has saved seven strangers from jumping off the cliff, making him a local hero. But when the woman’s identity is revealed as the wife of Gabe’s former boss, Max, Pippa starts to question what really happened that night. Was the woman pushed, or did she jump? And if she was pushed, could Gabe be involved?

The Soulmate is an expertly crafted psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The plot twists are surprising and unforeseen, and the last one will leave readers heartbroken and screaming in shock. The novel is a rollercoaster of emotions, and readers will find themselves laughing, crying, and gasping for air.

The novel explores the theme of mental illness and how it affects the people around us. The deceased woman, Amanda, is stuck in limbo between life and death and is unable to move on until she has completed her unfinished business. Through her perspective, we see how mental illness can affect a person’s life and relationships, as well as the devastating consequences of not seeking help.

The novel is also a poignant love story that explores the anatomy of toxic and dysfunctional relationships. Pippa and Gabe’s marriage is not as perfect as it seems, and the novel delves into their secrets, lies, and betrayals. Hepworth’s characterization is excellent, and readers will find themselves empathizing with both Pippa and Gabe as they try to navigate their way through their marriage and the aftermath of Amanda’s death.

The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters, especially the two main protagonists, Pippa and Gabe, who were both flawed but relatable in their own way. Their struggles with their past traumas and current challenges made them more human and made me care about them more.

The depiction of mental illness in the book was also handled with sensitivity and nuance. The author didn’t shy away from showing the devastating effects of mental illness on the individual and their loved ones, but at the same time, she didn’t reduce the characters to their illness. Instead, she showed their multidimensionality and how they were still capable of love, empathy, and hope.

The plot was engaging and fast-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. The alternating POVs of Pippa and Amanda added depth and complexity to the story and allowed me to see the events from different perspectives.

The short, snappy chapters make for a quick and engaging read, and the alternating points of view provide a clever and suspenseful way of telling the story. The Soulmate is a book that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of seeking help when we need it.

The only minor criticism I have of the book is that some of the twists felt a bit contrived and far-fetched, and the ending was a bit too neat and tidy for my taste. However, these are minor quibbles and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, The Soulmate is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good page-turner. Sally Hepworth’s writing is engaging, thought-provoking, and expertly crafted, making this novel a five-star read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and emotional rollercoaster ride.