BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, A Novel

by S. J. Watson
 
Suspenseful.  A psychological thriller.  Chilling.  These are some of the reviewers’ comments on this debut novel by S. J. Watson.  I’m not normally drawn to this genre of writing, but the premise intrigued me.  The main character, Christine, has a neurological condition whereupon she wakes up each morning not remembering anything or anyone from the previous 25 years of her life.  Her loving and attentive husband is a stranger who must re-introduce himself each morning and work to win her trust as the day unfolds. 
 
Told from Christine’s point of view, the reader quickly finds herself trusting no one.  Is Christine’s husband really as loving as he seems?  Or does he enjoy controlling what his wife perceives as reality?  What about the doctor Christine sneaks out to see?  Can he be trusted? The fast-pace of the story will keep you turning the pages long into what will increasingly become a very creepy night. 
 
Did I predict how things would turn out?  Not at all.  Before I Go To Sleep is vastly entertaining and terrifying.  The writing is wonderful and won’t disappoint. (Liz)