The Fury by Alex Michaelides Review: An Unreliable Narrator Strikes Again
Author: Alex Michaelides
Publisher: Celadon Books
Genres: Thriller, Murder, Mystery, Suspense, Infidelity
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
My Rating: ☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎ ☕︎ (5/5 Lattes)
Do you have a favorite reading trope? The Unreliable Narrator is one of my absolute favorites. It keeps you hooked, enthralled, and eager to turn the page to see what happens next. In fact, it’s 95% of the reason why I love Lisa Jewell’s None Of This is True so much. This trope takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and judgment, and it’s exactly why I loved The Fury by Alex Michaelides.
I’d previously read The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, and loved it – so I had high hopes for The Fury and am happy to report it’s another 5-latte rating from me!
The Plot
The Fury by Alex Michaelides follows a group of friends vacationing on a private Greek island when a murder takes place. The story is told in five acts from the perspective of Elliot, a playwright and close friend of Lana – the famous ex-movie star who owns the island. From the very beginning of this thriller, it’s up to you to decide whether Elliot’s account of the tragedy is truthful or not.
Why The Unreliable Narrator Trope Works Here
As Elliot diligently explains the intricate, messy relationships between the characters, you quickly start wondering if he’s telling the truth or if there’s a much bigger game at play. When you hit the fifth and final act of Elliot’s “play,” a massive plot twist completely unravels the narrative. The story continues to bend and turn with every age. By the final sentence, you’ll be questioning everything you just read.
The Verdict
If you love the unreliable narrator trope and want a psychological thriller that’s truly unputdownable, add this to your TBR list today!
Have you read The Fury yet? If you’ve read The Silent Patient, does it live up to the hype? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!