THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES

by Eduardo Sacheri
 

This was another book I read for my read harder challenge that I didn’t really enjoy (challenge: read a book that has been adapted into a movie and watch the movie afterwards).  Although I am always happy to have stepped outside of my normal comfort zone, this one just wasn’t my favorite.
 
It’s a crime novel with a very interesting frame. The protagonist is writing the story of a crime he was a part of as an investigator.  So you get his version of the story, but also the story of this retired man trying to relive the most exciting episode of his life.  The book twists and turns, but it was all a bit slow for me. Ultimately, there were no big reveals until the very end, which, I will admit, was incredibly surprising and disturbing.
 
The movie changed a great many things, including the gender of one main character and her relationship to the victim (from husband and wife to mother and daughter). The movie was certainly less meandering, but I can’t say I recommend either book or movie. (Lily)