Rock Paper Scissors: A Marriage on the Rocks
As I turned the pages of Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey through marriage, particularly as I recently celebrated my twentieth wedding anniversary (yes, I’m a firm believer in the power of perseverance). Feeney’s latest thriller gripped me not just with its suspenseful plot, but also with the very personal struggles of Adam and Amelia Wright—an intricately woven tale that had me questioning how well we truly know those closest to us.
At the heart of this novel is the fragile marriage of Adam and Amelia, who seem to be trapped in a cycle of unspoken words and unresolved tensions. Set against the chilling backdrop of a renovated chapel in the Scottish Highlands, this weekend getaway quickly morphs into a game of survival rather than a romantic escape. Feeney skillfully uses the theme of isolation—both physical and emotional—to amplify the tension. Adam’s struggles with prosopagnosia, a neurological condition that incapacitates him from recognizing faces, creates an intriguing layer of complexity. How do you connect with someone you can’t truly see? This question reverberated in my mind throughout the narrative.
What I adored about Feeney’s writing is her ability to craft tension not only through the storyline but also via the structure. By alternating between Adam and Amelia’s perspectives, along with revealing letters penned by Amelia over their ten years of marriage, we traverse their history and secrets. Phrases like “We’re both pretty good at keeping up appearances” resonated deeply with me. Isn’t that a reflection of so many relationships? The quiet resignation to keep up faces, even when storms brew beneath the surface?
The atmospheric setting becomes a character in itself. The remote chapel, with its whispers of the past and rustling shadows, felt vivid and eerily inviting. That “spooky joint” indeed made me shiver—not just from the cold described within its walls but from the tension that plagues the Wrights. Quotations like “the light from the old-fashioned candlestick holder casts ghostly shadows” effectively made me feel the chill and the weight of secrets hanging heavy in the air. Every flicker of the candlelight felt like a metaphor for the dimming hope in their marriage.
What stood out for me was the way the game of Rock Paper Scissors was ingeniously interwoven into the narrative, highlighting both the stakes at hand and the uncertainties of their relationship. It posed the question: who would emerge victorious in this high-stakes game of love and trust?
While I enjoyed the suspense and surprises, I did find some elements of the marketing somewhat misleading. Without diving into specifics, I encourage future readers to keep an open mind and expect the unexpected. The truth often lies beneath layers of deception, much like in life.
Rock Paper Scissors is a rollercoaster of emotions wrapped in a thrill ride that explores love’s complexities. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers infused with deep relational insights. I found myself reflecting on the fragility of trust and the necessity of vulnerability in any relationship.
So, whether you’re cozying up with a hot toddy or just in need of a good thriller that may leave you questioning your own connections, give this book a try. Just remember to wrap yourself in a warm blanket, because Alice Feeney has a talent for making you feel the cold, both outside and within the heart.