Synopsis:
After their world-famous actor mother disappeared under mysterious circumstances, Manon and Thaïs left their remote Mediterranean island home—sent away by their pharma-tech tycoon father. Opposites in every way, the sisters drifted apart in their grief. Yet their mother’s unfinished story still haunts them both, and they can’t put to rest the possibility that she is still alive.
Lured home a decade later, Manon and Thaïs discover their mother’s legendary last work, long thought lost: White Fox, a screenplay filled with enigmatic metaphors. The clues in this dark fairytale draw them deep into the island’s surreal society, into the twisted secrets hidden by their glittering family, to reveal the truth about their mother—and themselves.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
Atmospheric and fantastically written, White Fox is one of those books that will live in your head long after finishing it. Beautifully complex, vividly described scenes will be replaying over and over again while you try to figure out if you’ve fully comprehended and digested all that was portrayed. Lyrical prose and an enchanting mystery will make you feel as if you’re not just reading a fairytale but a part of it as well.
I want to start by saying I really loved the preface and concept of the novel, it’s definitely unlike anything I’ve ever read. Having the script as a reflection of the demons that Mirielle faced, and the girls having to decipher and figure out what each part translated to in their reality was both genius and entertaining. It had me, as a reader, wholly engaged and racing to figure out what it all meant along with the girls. There wasn’t a single moment I wanted to set White Fox down. I thought the author did a phenomenal job of cleverly bringing forth the difficulties and strain of family relationships, the toxicity and corrupt state of being a celebrity loved and judged by many, and most importantly mental health.
I found both Manon and Thais to be very intriguing and complicated characters with lots of layers to unfold. I really enjoyed seeing them struggle to find clues as to who their mother was and why she disappeared while also exploring their connection as sisters and their relationships with those around them. I loved the psychological themes presented in the novel although I do wish they were fleshed out a bit more. And overall I just really enjoyed the dark and spooky atmosphere of the mystery, the White Fox script and what it all represented.
I truly think the author has a talent in creating something different and extraordinary with her enigmatic and mystical way with words. I look forward to reading more from Sara!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an earc in exchange of an honest review.
Bookish Bellee 