My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sam: What?
Dean: I’ve worked out how it ends. (smug look)
###
Watching Sam’s life and sanity unravelling, was strangely intriguing.
Format: Hardcover|Vine Customer Review of Free Product.
I’m reviewing The Blind by A.F. Brady. Here are my thoughts:
^^ When Sam James, a highly regarded psychologist at a notorious psychological institute, meets disturbed patient Richard, their lives take an unexpected turn as the lines between sane and sanity blur between them.
^^ As a psychological thriller this story’s different. I’m not sure ANY book will beat ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’, (which this one was compared to), but it’s still a terrific read in many ways.
^^ For a psychologist who is supposed to have her head screwed on right helping patients with their mental health problems, she has a hell of a lot of her own issues to deal with. Sam’s in an unhealthy, abusive relationship, had an unpleasant upbringing and is on the verge of becoming a full-blown alcoholic. On top of all that, she’s overloaded with cases, as all the staff are, underpaid and at risk of losing her job.
^^ Hang on! This sounds very much like the kind of things real healthcare professionals deal with! Especially when it comes to lack of funding, high staff turnover and a never-ending influx of new patients all suffering and needing help. (Can you tell I once worked in a similar healthcare environment?) It’s no wonder we can watch Sam’s health and mental stability decline before our very eyes. Not only that, she digs herself deeper into trouble making awful decisions, putting both herself and her patients at risk.
^^ What niggled me was I guessed what was going to happen quite early on. Is this only me? Or maybe, since I worked in a similar place, I saw the signs sooner? Who knows. Despite this, I still enjoyed the read, but found myself getting a little frustrated towards the end when neither Sam, nor her friend and coworker, David, could see what was happening. I guess you could say it really was ‘The blind leading the blind’.
^^ It’s a pity guessing what was about to happen, for ages, spoilt the shock ending of the last two sentences, which finally gave the game away to anyone who hadn’t already guessed. But hey, ho!
^^ I found this started off, slow, albeit in a curious way, like watching a candle burning at both ends. Then it hit the ground running midway, and by the last third I was staying up far too late at night wanting to read ‘just one more page’. Watching Sam’s life and sanity unravelling, was strangely intriguing.
Overall: For those with an interest in stories which openly talk about mental health issues, I think you’ll really enjoy this. The author shows a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and it’s clear she knows her stuff. She should do. A.F. Brady is a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brown University and two Masters degrees in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University. That’s why!
Here’s what I was saying over at Goodreads when reading this:
READING PROGRESS
“Slow burner, however,, I’m thinking I’ve already spotted what the author is going to do. Can’t wait to see if I’m right. I daren’t read reviews in case of spoilers. LOL”
“Just when I’m thinking ‘Maybe I’m wrong’ I get to page 130 and feel very smug. I’m looking like I’m right… lol”
“Now I’m thinking maybe *her* descent into madness is not supposed to be hidden within a bunch of red herrings / clues. I can clearly see what’s going on, and all the mistakes being made. Clever.”
“OMG! Are you thinking what I’m thinking at the end of p.363 ??? 😲”
“In my head I’m screaming… wake up FFS! 😉😉 I’ve worked it out. Why hasn’t Sam? ❗❗❗⁉⁉⁉”
“Finally the penny has dropped, Sam! 💡It’s a pity the ending didn’t come as a shock to me. but it kept me up to nearly 1 am. ..⏰ I’m looking at my next book. but no. I must sleep.💤💤💤 ..😴😴 I think… 🔜 night 🌏 x ✨🌆🌘”
View all my reviews On Goodreads.
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I like that Sam is flawed and dealing with her own issues. It adds to the angst. Love this genre too!