Creep: A Love Story – A Deep Dive into Obsession and Identity
I stumbled upon Creep: A Love Story by Emma van Straaten while browsing through upcoming releases, and I was instantly drawn in by its intriguing premise. A protagonist who believes she is destined to be with a man she’s never met? The dark allure of obsession and the thrill of an unconventional love story beckoned me, and I couldn’t resist the temptation to dive in. Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review!
At its core, Creep explores themes of obsession, loneliness, and the fine line between love and infatuation. The story revolves around Alice, a socially awkward woman who spends her Wednesdays cleaning Tom’s apartment. She knows his coffee order, his medication regimen, and even the side of the bed he sleeps on, all while believing they share a profound bond. The striking perspective from which Alice narrates her story had me both fascinated and horrified; I often found myself whispering, “Oh no, Alice, don’t do that!” as she delved deeper into her fantasy.
Emma van Straaten has crafted a character in Alice that resonates on unexpected levels. Though she struggles to make genuine connections with others, her obsession makes her relatable—showing us how easily we can slip into fantasies when feeling unloved or unmoored. The fact that she refers to Tom as “Him” (with a capital “H”) is a powerful choice, emphasizing her all-consuming fixation and the pedestal she’s placed him upon. It’s hauntingly beautiful and deeply unsettling all at once, reminiscent of Caroline Kepnes’ You.
The writing style feels like a stream of Alice’s consciousness—easy to read yet deliciously compelling. Van Straaten excels at capturing Alice’s quirks and anxieties with clear and rhythmic prose, making it hard to put down. There’s a flow to the narrative, punctuated by clever breaks that let you breathe between the emotional beats. As I raced towards the inevitable climax, each chapter felt like peeling back a layer of Alice’s psyche, revealing the complexity of her character.
One memorable moment was when Alice dismissively brushes off potential suitors, convinced they can’t measure up to her idealized version of Tom. I found myself reflecting on how many times we might overlook genuine connections in pursuit of someone we’ve idealized. It’s a cautionary tale about love and what it can mean to project our desires onto another person, often ignoring the reality in front of us.
The resolution is satisfying yet leaves room for contemplation. While Alice’s journey tied up loose ends, I found myself hoping to see more of her eccentric character in the future. It’s a testament to van Straaten’s skill that I was completely enraptured by Alice’s world, both disturbed and enthralled.
I would recommend Creep: A Love Story to anyone intrigued by the darker sides of romance and love. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters who blur the lines between love and obsession—much like You or Gone Girl—then this debut novel is absolutely your jam.
Reading Creep was both an unnerving and enlightening experience. It nudged at my own perceptions of love and connection, prompting me to reflect on the nature of obsession in our lives. Emma van Straaten is an author to watch, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.