Member Reviews
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The "sliding doors" scenario was compelling. We all have these moments where we wonder where we would be if our decisions had been different, and other people in our life had behaved differently towards us, maybe not in such serious situations as our character finds herself, but sometimes with some very far reaching consequences. I will definitely read Gillian McAllisters other book now
This fictional sliding doors was excellent,y put together with both stories sliding credibly alongside each other. The pace kept momentum and kept me on my toes throughout, even gasping out loud when certain lies were revealed. Each character was believable and I enjoyed getting to know them. The conclusions were cleverly resolved and the author had certainly done her homework. An extremely well told tale of two takes on a mistake!
A masterpiece! I totally loved the two side by side stories - my favourite film is Sliding Doors and this book is the literary equivalent of that. Ingeniously plotted and a very satisfying read.
Anything You Do Say is the second novel from Gillian McAllister - a compelling psychological crime thriller, with two Sliding Doors-inspired plots running side by side.
A girl’s night out takes a devastating turn for Joanna and a split decision changes the course of her life, and those closest to her, forever.
It’s a gripping page-turner, full of moral dilemmas, lies, guilt and life changing decisions – loved it!
Another exceptional offering from this very talented author. Such a brilliant storyline exploring the two possible outcomes for the main character, Joanna when she is faced with a very realistic moral dilemma that shatters her life whichever choice she makes. This intense, thought provoking drama keeps you on the edge of your seat, as it sweeps you relentlessly along to a very cleverly constructed conclusion. Highly recommend.
It starts with an unwelcome, unwanted advance in a bar. Joanna Oliva fending off the overly friendly, hands-on admirer. She calls it a night, heads home, but hears footsteps following her, down towards the canal. Before she can process what’s happening the man is behind her. She panics, turns, pushes, and next thing she knows, her pursuer is lying face down at the bottom of the steps. What does she do? Stick around to call him an ambulance, and risk him getting up to pick up where he left off in the bar, or run home to safety, leave her attacker where he lies? The story splinters off onto two parallel tracks from here - Conceal vs Reveal - and plunges Joanna, into both worlds, living with the consequences of each course of action, and how it affects her life, and that of those around her. Which path would you choose? Run or stay?
I’ve heard a lot of people describe this as following in the footsteps of the film, Sliding Doors. I say it takes that premise a step further. We don’t just see the alternate futures that Joanna’s choices create, we live them through her eyes. Eavesdrop on her internal debate as to the rights and wrongs of each choice. It makes you constantly question what you would do in her shoes. Easy to say when you’re sat curled up with your kindle, but when you’re there in the moment, how do you react? Could you live with the consequences of your choices? The brilliant alternating of Conceal and Reveal chapters, keeps the two story lines neck and neck, all the way through. The real appeal to the reader is that it’s such a relatable “this could happen to me or someone I care about” situation. Joanna’s imperfections make her an ideal narrator to steer you through a beautifully written book. Great second novel from Gillian McAllister, and looking forward to reading her next, whatever it may be.
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting the way in which the author has decided to present the facts and how it is left to you to determine what the character does. A good book for a book club.
I loved the film sliding doors and this book takes that theme, something happens and there are two alternate stories as a result, it's less complicated then it sounds!!!! It makes you realise every decision has a choice and you never know where that will lead! I loved the story, it was so uniquely written and easy to follow! Excellent book!
An exceptional, thought provokingread, one of the best books I've read this year.
It's difficult to write a review without giving too much away, the dilemma faced by Joanna was one that could happen to anyone and I am sure for someone somewhere a very similar situation has occurred. I've tried to ask myself, how would I react in this situation? I'd like to say I would do the right thing but who knows until you're faced with such a dilemma I couldn't say for certain. Very well written and one to beat.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a good book in that an event happened, and the main character Jo has 2 choices to make...stay and help or leave and conceal.
The chapters are divided into the impact both his decisions have on Jo and those around her.
You read it thinking 'what would I do?!' And 'how would I feel or react?!'
Let down slightly by an annoying Jo at times and the conceal storyline which I felt was a bit extreme in her response (although who can actually know how it would impact on u??)
Also Reuben and Jo's best friend Laura were a bit unlikeable.
But overall a good and different concept, hooks u in, enjoyable.
And for the record...I can't be sure unless it actually happened...but I think I'd choose conceal 😮
The author uses the device of two stories running parallel to each other, based on the main character, Joanne, making different decisions when faced with the outcome of an accident (or was it?). The outcome, depending on which course of action she takes, is totally different and the subsequent effect on the others in her life becomes tortuous. It does take a while to get used to the time shifts in the narrative. Sometimes it can be a little irritating as the sections are often short. Joanne's character can also be a bit frustrating as she seems unusually naive. However, the plot of both stories unfolds with skill and the moral arguments pose interesting questions for the reader. A good read after a slow start.
The originality of this book is what first made me want to read this book.
Honestly it did take me a while to get used to the two storylines alongside each other.
I love that this book makes you think about what you would do if you were placed in that situation. You know what you would like to see yourself doing, however when it came down to it would you actually make the right choice?
I enjoyed this book and thought that the plot with its two alternative strands was an interesting device, but I was put off by the wishy-washy nature of Joanne. The middle third of the book annoyed me so much that I considered giving up. But I persisted and it does get better towards the end. The ending was quite satisfying.
This psychological thriller by Gillian McAllister is like the film Sliding Doors where the story moves between two possible scenarios / outcomes and makes the reader question what they would do in the same situation. The main character Joanna faces a life changing decision when she pushes an unknown assailant down a concrete flight of stairs. Should she call for an ambulance and explain what has happened or should she leave the scene to avoid the consequences of her actions. The book alternates between the two options 'reveal' and 'conceal' and tells of Joanna's fate having made her decision in each case.
This book is thought provoking and beggars the question which option would we take in the same position under the same circumstances. This book is different to a lot of other psychological thrillers and will keep you gripped to the end. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Penguin UK and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am really not sure about this one. I think I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, but I could not cope with this one. The constant changing from conceal to reveal left me irritated by her and the constant reference to her husband. I could not relate to her at all so I did not enjoy it I am afraid.
oanna is an avoider. So far she has spent her adult life hiding bank statements and changing career aspirations weekly.
But then one night Joanna hears footsteps on the way home. Is she being followed? She is sure it's him; the man from the bar who wouldn't leave her alone. Hearing the steps speed up Joanna turns and pushes with all of her might, sending her pursuer tumbling down the steps and lying motionless on the floor.
Now Joanna has to do the thing she hates most - make a decision. Fight or flight? Truth or lie? Right or wrong?
Very much like the film Sliding Doors this book gives 2 different versions of events. I found this book confusing at first, but ended up enjoying it. 4*
A story of consequences and what ifs. The story grabbed me at the start, but when the conceal/reveal started I found that I didn't like any of the characters and didn't really care what happened to them! The story is very well written. Just not my type of read.
I always find it really difficult to write a review for a book that I consider to be exceptional, to put together the right words and phrases to convey just how good it is, to try and do it justice. This is one such book.
Joanna (Jo) and Laura are on a girls night out - a few drinks, a chance to catch up on work, partners, just life in general. All's going well until a guy pesters Jo for a selfie, she agrees but then he won't leave her alone, so Jo and Laura decide to leave early and head for home.
They part company outside the club, going in opposite directions. Jo hears footsteps following her so she picks up her pace, but so does whoever is following. She believes it's the guy from the club. As she heads for the bridge leading to the canal towpath, her pursuer catches up, and in her panic Jo pushes him down the steps and he lands heavily with a thud, face down in a puddle. He's not moving, is he even breathing? Jo, who has hated having to make decisions all her life, now has to make the biggest decision she's ever faced, does she call 999 to get him help or does she walk away, pretend it never happened, get on with her life?
The author has been extremely clever in producing two stories in one here. Chapters alternate between 'Conceal' and 'Reveal' and follows Jo as it shows what happens depending on which decision she made that night.
It's impossible not to put yourself in Jo's situation - the fear and anxiety is palpable. The fact that a split second decision can alter the rest of your life. The attention to detail is amazing, particularly regarding the Criminal Justice System. The characters were really well thought out, and played their parts to perfection, and it was easy to believe you actually knew them personally.
I read a book earlier this year ( I won't say which one in this review) and it was so good that it's become the standard by which I rate every other book. Gillian McAllister has definitely reached that standard for me. An incredible read! Do yourself a favour and don't miss out on this one.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A very cleverly written book that gives you two scenarios to one action, almost two book's in one that move seamlessly giving you a fantastic read.
This book had its moments where the indecision of the main character was real and emotions raw. You also could see how this event could have occurred. However, I found the main character was a bit cliche and the options predictable. I would like to read other books by this author but this story was not for me. I do thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this novel.