Looks like a luscious fudge truffle, tastes like a chocolate-dipped gherkin. Watch out for the green stuff. I'm a Liane Moriarty fan. But this latest book is a mess. It's being marketed as a psychological thriller, but that's really not accurate since the story has only one major plot twist and very little actual suspense. The book's mission isn't really to surprise: Unfortunately, by the end you won't have found out one darned thing you didn't a Looks like a luscious fudge truffle, tastes like a chocolate-dipped gherkin.
Unfortunately, by the end you won't have found out one darned thing you didn't already know. Setting all the action in an isolated and oddly un-chichi health spa cuts Moriarty off from showing everyday life and culture, which has been one of her greatest strengths. These characters are stranded, unable to go about their daily business of planning, worrying, drinking coffee, and bonding with other women.
Or worrying about what other women think of them. There are too many characters, eleven in all. And readers really get to know only two well: The many other characters are painted in broad, overly general strokes, and their stories are only loosely connected. Each of the spa clients has an Important and Topical Issue to fret over: Perhaps Moriarty had a list with check-off boxes to make sure she represented every demographic group. Issues basically stand in for character development. I kept getting Ms. Guilty Grieving Mother mixed up with Ms. After a few hundred pages of characters sloooowly figuring out their many problems, all of the resolutions for even the major stories are sorted out and summed up in short, abrupt epilogue paragraphs.
And there is some of that. But the novel is really more like Fantasy Island goes to view spoiler [hell, hide spoiler ] and the many unrelated characters' stories are connected very loosely by that hokey Fantasy Island plot device: The imprisonment is surprisingly dull and goes on for much too long. Stereotyping is a problem with other characters as well. At one point, the book breaks the fourth wall in a trippy, meta way that I actually liked. But what a long way to travel for a mild joke.
Finally, the last word in the novel is devoted to view spoiler [trashing book reviewers, hide spoiler ] a move that comes across as petty and weird, especially coming from a novelist who's basically become critic-proof. I received my copy of the book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I was really excited until I actually read the book. Thanks Macmillan Flatiron and Goodreads, because the book is really pretty to look at.
View all 38 comments. Jo Jo Bookworm I completely agree. I pushed through only because it was written by Moriarty and I kept thinking it was going to get better but honestly this book is I completely agree. I pushed through only because it was written by Moriarty and I kept thinking it was going to get better but honestly this book is a mess. Get into the heads of her characters, like she has a window into the thought patterns of people.
In all her characters there is always something to relate to even if intially you find nothing in common from the outer. View all 20 comments. Debbie Great review, Vanessa! Glad I'm not the only one who especially loved the second half. You give a great description of what Moriarty does that's so gr Great review, Vanessa! You give a great description of what Moriarty does that's so great: Vanessa Thank you Debbie! Your review really reminded me of all the good parts I enjoyed about this book and author: Dec 11, Nov 16, Mackey rated it liked it Shelves: Seriously, I don't know if I loved this book or absolutely hated it.
Half way through I was done with it There are storylines in the book all told sporadically from each of their points of view. It wasn't confusing in the least, but it did get rather boring, especially for the characters that I didn't like. Even the epilogue went on Perhaps if it had been m Seriously, I don't know if I loved this book or absolutely hated it. Perhaps if it had been more selectively edited I would have enjoyed it more but, as it was, it is a book I will forget by next week.
I expect better and more from Moriarty. View all 30 comments. I must have been in a really nasty mood. Onward to something much better, Mackey! I'm so glad I'm not alone with my thoughts on this one! I absolutely devoured Big Little Lies! Nine people book into a health resort, Tranquillum House, ready to be transformed into a better, thinner, healthier version of their former self. A washed up romance novelist, a family broken by tragedy, a https: A washed up romance novelist, a family broken by tragedy, a has-been football star, a young couple whose marriage is faltering, the wife who has been left for a newer model and the lawyer who has commitment issues.
Nine perfect strangers all broken in their own way looking for a make-over, a rejuvenation. Then there is Maria Masha Dmitrichenko, a Russian immigrant. Masha, the director of Tranquillum House, is a transformation zealot — enlightenment for all. These nine guests are to be the first to start her new regime. Their destinies are in her hands. She is going to change these people, not just temporarily, but forever. She slowly dissects each character, their thoughts, fears and hopes are revealed through her writing.
It was easy to see something of yourself in these everyday people. Moriarty has written a novel that delves into the human mind and the way we think and connect with each other, showing an intricate observation of human failings and frailties. The story had my emotions reeling. I could feel empathy for the characters and sadness over their different circumstances. But a sudden shift in the story had my anger rising, which shows how real the characters and the story felt to me.
With Moriarty you never know what could possibly happen next. Nine Perfect Strangers is a roller coaster of a read with beautifully developed characters full of insecurities, false bravado and completely relatable. Once you start reading this book it will be hard to put down! View all 24 comments. Nov 06, Debbie rated it it was amazing Shelves: What did I sign up for?
Those snacks were there for a reason. And the phone, oh dear. They wanted to relax and they wanted to try something new, but mostly they wanted to improve—lose weight or eat right or feel better. I was worried about whether my head could hold 9 guests plus 3 people running the place without bursting or making me feel senile, but as usual Moriarty pulls it off.
Her main trick is to go slowly. She never introduces a person before you have the previous character down pat. And, per Moriarty style, she makes a bunch of ordinary people seem interesting. Each chapter is about one person, and this style works well. I get pissed that people call Moriarty books chick lit.
But we get to see what these characters are thinking and what they really worry about deep down. But Moriarty shows what makes people tick and gives us characters who are introspective. And they are relatable, a big plus. One of her books, What Alice Forgot , was so wonderful that it made my all-time favorites list, and if that means I have chick lit on that precious list, so be it. Add suspense, humor, insight, a good plot, and decent writing, and you have yourself an excellent book. I was thoroughly entertained. All of the sudden there was a piece of dialogue, actually one sentence, that was delivered brilliantly and made me sit up straight as I entered a whole new scene.
And there were surprises every few minutes after that. I will say that many reviewers complain about the second half of the book. She always felt momentarily proud and then kind of depressed, because what a waste of a positive attribute. The most abusive and toxic of relationships.
It was only when someone thinks they see a kangaroo on the road that I realized I was in Australia! I want to see a kangaroo! Yes, there is a small Complaint Board. But there are three more nits: Where oh where was the editor? I need to get a life, lol. Writers, please keep it under pages. I might have adult ADD you know.
- Isaac Newton Clark: A Personal Sketch.
- Spinoza encule Hegel (Canaille / revolver) (French Edition).
- Driven (A Jenny Watkins Mystery Book 1)?
- The Pursuit.
- My Glimpse of Eternity.
- Perfect Strangers (Perfetti sconosciuti).
- Less than ordinary??
I loved this novel. I hope they make the book into a movie; I would love to see this on the screen. Hm…I need to think about what to tell the director about casting, lol, once I make my choices. Maybe they will make it into a movie since Big Little Lies transferred to the scene so well. Check this book out! View all 39 comments. Now I cannot wait for this book! Hope you get the chance to read this one soon; would love to hear what you think! Esil I love your endorsement for this one and for Moriarty! Maybe I should make this one of my holiday reads Nov 09, Lisa rated it it was ok.
The characters who check into the Tranquillum Spa are all weighted down with sad baggage. The first half of the novel details their past woes. I kept reading because I found a couple of the characters likable and the central character, Frances, quite endearing. Then there is a pivotal, ludicrous event which is just a vehicle for more unloading of emotional baggage. This book felt unbearably long.
I skimmed the last couple hundred pages just to make sure I didn't miss anything. View all 33 comments. Frances Welty, popular romance writer who'd just felt her first rejection, had thought her career and future were assured at fifty-five years of age. The impulsive booking at Tranquillum House, a health and wellness resort which was expensive , had her questioning her own decisions on the long and tiring drive from Sydney.
Her arrival showed her a beautiful old home built in the s, renovated to within an inch of its life, with a staircase reminiscent of the Titanic in the film with Leonard Frances Welty, popular romance writer who'd just felt her first rejection, had thought her career and future were assured at fifty-five years of age. Her arrival showed her a beautiful old home built in the s, renovated to within an inch of its life, with a staircase reminiscent of the Titanic in the film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet; which made Frances smile — perhaps she might enjoy it after all.
Perfect Strangers
But even stranger was the fact the course started with five days of silence. Not a word to be spoken; no eye contact — five days! Frances knew that would be difficult. Within that period, there were meditation classes, walking, massage therapy, smoothies and meals, plus free time to swim in the luxurious pool.
All to be done in silence. But each and every guest had a secret — and who were the people in charge of the resort? Were the guests comfortable with all that was happening to them? How different, how intriguing, how bizarre — how fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and even with it being almost pages, I flew through it. I can see this one being made into a movie — it would be fantastic on the big screen.
I have no hesitation in recommending Nine Perfect Strangers highly, and wish to thank Pan Macmillan Australia for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. View all 15 comments. So it is safe to say the anticipation bar for Nine Perfect Strangers was set high for me and many readers. In Nine Perfect Strangers Moriarty takes a slight departure from her popular domestic setting and moves her action to a rural location. Tranquillum House is a health and well resort, nestled in country NSW.
This retreat offers a complete transformation experience, a total wellness overhaul. When nine discordant strangers descend on Tranquillum for its renowned ten day package, each has their own reasons and goals to achieve during their time at the resort.
To support them during their time is the centre director, a woman with plenty of motivation to keep these nine people on their toes during their time at Tranquillum.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
But this ten day stay is turned on its head, quite literally, when something big transpires, altering the pathway of each of these guests. I recently read an interview with Liane Moriarty where she discusses the inspiration behind her latest novel, Nine Perfect Strangers. In some cases, the public can view these wellness centres as a kind of religion.
I know I personally have never visited a health retreat, so this story was an eye-opener! It is a scathing at times, insightful and a scintillating glimpse into the world of health retreats. Moriarty spends a lot of time laying down the foundations and her scaffolding technique works.
Navigation menu
We soon build a solid picture of each and every one of the nine perfect strangers. There are a good cross section of players in this novel, from instant millionaires, to success stories, families and more. Moriarty also excels in her ability to show us both sides of the spectrum in this business, we see the workers and owners, as well as the patrons of this enterprise. Each individual has their own unique journey, but they all converge and come to a head during the life changing stay at Tranquillum.
Although at times the approach to the main subject matter and themes features in Nine Perfect Strangers is humourous and almost whimsical, buried underneath this facade are some serious themes. Moriarty uses Nine Perfect Strangers as a tool to expose issues such as guilt, loss, broken relationships, family politics, self image, wealth and reconciliation. When we think deeper about these issues, they are the everyday problems that ordinary people face in their day-to-day lives.
Perhaps this is why Moriarty has such widespread appeal. It is her ability to focus on the normal aspects of human life, in such an accessible and dark humourous way. Moriarty is quite the plotter and she has quite the directive edge. There are a few plot twists and turns towards to end of the novel, that even now after finishing this book over a week ago, I am not entirely sure how I felt about the finale explosive big reveal. I find myself in a quandary as I am unable to discuss this aspect without venturing in spoiler territory. However, I have had the opportunity to discuss the pivotal final scenes of Nine Perfect Strangers with another respected author and like-minded reader.
Our thoughts on this aspect of the novel were aligned. There is a kind of anti climax feeling attached to this part of the novel. I felt it and she did too. However, we both agreed that Moriarty is a fabulous storyteller and her characterisation is second to none! In all probability, Nine Perfect Strangers will hit the spot for Moriarty fans, it is one cloak and dagger tale that will have you mesmerised from the opening, through to that explosive ending!
View all 19 comments. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at the same time as being made to consider life so much whilst reading a book. A weirdly wonderful group of utter stranger's all rock up to a 10 day wellness retreat, all looking for different answers, all hoping to come out the other side all brand new. Well be careful what you wish for is all I'll say This group dynamic is pure dynamite as we slowly get to know this motley crew and their inner selves and life influences.
Throw into the mix a fanatical health nut and all bets are off. Nine Complete Strangers is wildly entertaining, extraordinarily thought provoking and beautifully written.
You'll find your favourite mine was undoubtedly Francis, a woman after my own heart and get entirely caught up in their attempts to heal, their growing relationship with each other and the rather unexpected challenges they'll all face together. I won't give too much away but one moment I was snorting tea out of my nose, the next I was shedding a tear - I was all the way in first page to last.
View all 3 comments. I never, ever thought I'd say this about a Liane Moriarty novel but I really disliked this one. Couldn't wait for it to be over, actually. It was so boring and also claustrophobic at the same time, giving me a sense of desperation for these people to just be set free already.
For the life of me I could not understand what the purpose of this book was. It didn't even sound like a Moriarty. I am still a fan of the author and will for sure give her another I never, ever thought I'd say this about a Liane Moriarty novel but I am still a fan of the author and will for sure give her another try when the next novel comes out but this one?
Wow, what a waste of my time View all 8 comments. Nine, worn-down-by-life, strangers, sign-up for an exclusive ten-day, mind and body total transformation retreat, but end up getting much more than they bargained for! Two were a married couple, while a further three were family members — father, mother, and their 20 year old daughter, while the remaining four were indeed strangers — two male, two female.
Of course, the title does have a deeper, cl Nine, worn-down-by-life, strangers, sign-up for an exclusive ten-day, mind and body total transformation retreat, but end up getting much more than they bargained for!
Of course, the title does have a deeper, cleverer meaning that I am of course not going to reveal. I would call it contemporary, chick-lit — a light, entertaining, amusing romp, that would make an excellent beach read. I would even go as far as to call it a parody, as it does poke fun at itself several times, and the silliness towards the end screams deliberate.
The characters were all interesting, and their reasons for attending a health retreat were moving, emotional, touching real world, relatable issues. The back of the book lists the following words — shame, guilt, loss, grief, privilege, insecurity, addiction, identity, love — and I think that sums up the novel nicely.
View all 22 comments. This may not be indicative of the quality of her other novels, but I found this to be cliched, predictable and ridiculous. The story focuses on the nine strangers of the title who sign up for a kind of health cleanse at a spa, situated in a remote part of Australia. We quickly learn that something is amiss, and that these people are part of an experience more bizarre and in some ways sinister My first Liane Moriarty novel - I was intrigued by this one after the hype surrounding Big Little Lies. We quickly learn that something is amiss, and that these people are part of an experience more bizarre and in some ways sinister than was initially advertised.
If you're looking for a quick and easy although very far-fetched read then this might be the book for you. However I found myself rolling my eyes at multiple points throughout this story - the characters are stereotypes who come across as pretty one-note, and the twists were not unexpected or shocking for me, anyway.
I honestly just found it very hard to care about anything that happened throughout the book. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin UK for the advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review. View all 34 comments. Dec 09, Felicia rated it really liked it. View all 17 comments. Babydimps Suzy Perfect review Felicia! Christina I just found your original review! I'm finally getting through emails and your original review was included in one of the daily Goodreads updates emai I just found your original review! I'm finally getting through emails and your original review was included in one of the daily Goodreads updates emails!
Let me know if you want it, although I think this one is just as good: Find all of my reviews at: The story here is about exactly what the title states: More specifically, they are: Frances, Jessica and Ben, Heather Find all of my reviews at: As well as their minds. All while figuring out the answer to the question. View all 13 comments. Tranquillum House, twenty minutes outside Jarribong, Australia. A Place where people's lives changed within ten days. A place where nine perfect strangers experienced a jaw-dropping cataclysm in existential hogwash or harmony.
She dared to look up and the stars were a million darting eyes on the look out for rule-breaking in her story: The voice of the Almighty Internet boomed from the sky: It looked lovely on her. Well, yes, it was a bit messy, the whole situation, after the code of silence came to an end, and the smoothies became a revered drink every day.
And the former sports star heard his wife in absentia murmur that he was a professional sportsperson, but amateur human being. And he then decided to do the high jump he was famous for They were promised a shortcut to enlightenment, which became a battle between charisma and beauty, a short fuse to catastrophising everything if they got it all wrong. The author got back at her online reviewers, who might want to call her books Misogynistic airport trash that leaves a bad taste in your mouth - ahhh, but wait, that was actually Frances Wylte's fate with one of her books.
It slithered snakelike into Frances mind, just as she met up with Gillian, her deceased editor. It was just plain nasty. The review was the cause of her actual nosebleed in the swimming pool!
How can she forget a review like that?! But Masha had other reviews to think about. Those on Tripadvisor, about Tranquillum House, her health retreat. In fact, there was more than one person in that mix that craved recognition, respect, five-star reviews and gratitude. The problem was, that it was not freely given, it had to be earned, even if some guests called for a lower, cloudier sky, didn't get it, and now wanted her money back. Although the denouement dragged a bit, it was an excellent read.
Liane Moriarty has the knack to drag the reader slowly into suspense, in this case bizarre, outrageous entertaining fun. View all 14 comments. I admit, this is only my second Liane Moriarty book. Back then I promised myself that I would read more of her books, so when I saw this at the shops I decided to pick it up. I'm glad I did! I thought it was better than Truly Madly Guilty and I really enjoyed the characters and story. Nine people seeking relaxation and change go along to a health retreat.
Each of them want to get away for ten days and trans I admit, this is only my second Liane Moriarty book. Each of them want to get away for ten days and transform their lives for their own reasons. However, the owner and operator of the retreat has something quite unique in store for them I am actually having trouble fitting this book into a particular genre.
Its not quite a thriller, its not quite a romance, its not quite an action story, or a comedy even though it has some funny moments. I guess I will just have to class it as "fiction". What appealed to me about this book was the ten-day meditation and mindfulness retreat story line. I have done two completely silent ten day meditation courses, however it was not a "pampering" experience.
It was extremely mentally demanding and exhausting at times. But the experiences that I had there have remained with me throughout the years and I was interested to see where she was going to take it. I felt some similarities occasionally with the characters and their journeys throughout the novel but then WOW it took a bit of a turn there! The characters are all original and complex, with their own unique personalities and idiosyncrasies.
I really enjoyed getting to know them gradually as the story went on, examining their backgrounds and what brought them to the retreat.
It was not all fun and relaxation, these people have difficult, and sometimes tragic pasts and I enjoyed all of their stories, even the heartbreaking ones. What I was expecting to happen was NOT where the story went at all! I was surprised, but not at all disappointed with where it went. I really enjoy how Moriarty gives away the story slowly. Piece by piece it unravels and the characters transform into people you didn't quite expect them to be. I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending. I would have preferred a bit of something more. But overall it was a great read!
No doubt she is a brilliant author. I have got to get to some of her others! Yes, I really enjoyed it! What will emerge is in fact that all of these lifelong friends might actually be, fittingly, perfect strangers to one another. Paolo Genovese, an Italian director who in the past had made decent, yet never really remarkable efforts in Italian cinema has now come out with what is the best film of so far, the film you have to watch this year, a nail biting thriller, that takes your breath away with its first reveal and never lets you catch it back, not until long after the film has ended.
If there is one feature you will have to look out for in this is the one to go for. What is most surprising about what Genovese and all of his co-writers have achieved is how simple the whole thing is. It is a basic premise. It is shot unstylishly. The plot weave has two, three at best turn points. The packaging of the film is so simple it almost puts into discussion the visual nature of film itself. Yet, what Genovese does as a director and what the screenplay achieves with its tight and relentless pacing is filling all of the simple surface of the film with a dark and riveting twist that manages to hold the viewer's interest without ever calling attention on itself.
All of the scenes are shot with basic coverage. There is no shot in the film that calls attention to itself. Where this is compensated is with incredible blocking, masterful editing and overall impeccable timing. Just as Lumet in manged to make twelve men in a room visually interesting, Genovese, even if to a slightly lesser extent, manages to take this setting and charge every action and dialogue line with a climactic effort.
When confronted with such a screenplay a director has to realize he has to step back and make the lines breathe, make the actors relevant, give the dialogue a flow and a meaning, trying not to make it become irrelevant. That is what Genovese does and to a brilliant effect, just like last year Danny Boyle made Sorkin's words enlighten the screen with energy, the director here gives the dialogue the spotlight and supports it with one little action at a time, all of which prove to be genius moves.
It could be so easy to give all the credit to these brilliant actors, who admittedly rise to this occasion and give a collection of amazing performances, yet what Genovese those is so understated, so brilliantly unnoticeable it is the mark of a superbly directed movie. He walks perfectly the line between being a showman and being laid back, he ends up forging that perfect balance which makes every edit matter and what comes out on the other side is a white-knuckle thriller.
Still, this screenplay has to be taken into account as the primary reason of success for the feature. Its character outlining is remarkable, everyone of these people feels fully rounded, you can sense all of their history weighing in on their shoulders. Every line further develops the relation between these people and takes a step forwards in defining them, you simply cling to every word trying to get to know them, their reality feels so interesting you want to be a part of it.
It has almost a voyeuristic nature that is not too unlike Hitchock's "Rear Window". Naturally all of these actors have their A-game on which is the final ingredient into the craft of this overwhelming film. Were you wondering what film is missing from your catalog this year?
Well here's this Italian one-room thriller that will take you by surprise and leave you with an ending that is brave and original, which seals the deal on the film and charges it with the most thematic effort it could have ever had. Start your free trial. Find showtimes, watch trailers, browse photos, track your Watchlist and rate your favorite movies and TV shows on your phone or tablet! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Full Cast and Crew. Seven long-time friends get together for a dinner.
When they decide to share with each other the content of every text message, email and phone call they receive, many secrets start to unveil and the equilibrium trembles. Related News Chilling Adventures of Sabrina gets a season 2 trailer and premiere date 01 December Flickeringmyth Growing Chinese demand for international arthouse films, claims Tallinn panel 01 December ScreenDaily Tallin Share this Rating Title: Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Learn more More Like This. The Hidden Face The Best Offer A detective searches for the body of a femme fatale which has gone missing from a morgue.
Edit Cast Cast overview: Sofia Elisabetta De Palo Edit Storyline On a warm summer evening, the loving couple of Rocco, a plastic surgeon, and Eva, a therapist, are expecting their good friends to share a pleasant evening over dinner.