Book Review: You by Caroline Kepnes
When I first stumbled upon You by Caroline Kepnes, I was intrigued by its audacious premise: a charming, obsessive stalker tells us his story in the second person. As a lover of psychological thrillers, this twist caught my attention, compelling me to dive into the murky waters of this dark narrative. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey that would leave me questioning not just the characters, but myself as a reader.
At the heart of the story is Joe Goldberg, an aspiring writer turned stalker whose fixation on the beautiful and seemingly perfect Guinevere Beck quickly spirals into obsession. The initial charm of Joe is captivating—he is articulate, insightful, and humorous, offering a biting commentary on societal norms and the digital age. However, as I navigated the narrative, I discovered the chilling truth: Joe is also deeply flawed, possessing the kind of boundary issues that would make anyone’s skin crawl. His observations about social media are astute, yet it’s disconcerting to realize that his intellect fuels his dangerous behavior. Kepnes does an exceptional job of making us feel conflicted about Joe. I found myself caught in a web of empathy for him as a character, all the while grappling with the moral implications of his actions.
Beck, the object of Joe’s affection, is far from the flawless muse she initially appears to be. Her complexity as a character leads to a fascinating dynamic of love, manipulation, and self-destruction. While I wanted to root for Beck, I often found her infuriating, which made her feel all the more realistic. Her flaws are magnified by Joe’s incessant scrutiny, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how our perceptions of others can be twisted in the eyes of an obsessive lover.
Kepnes’ writing style is nothing short of brilliant. The use of second-person narration immerses readers into Joe’s world, making it feel as if we are complicit in his actions. There are moments of dark humor that lighten the bleakness, allowing us to laugh even as we cringe. One line that particularly resonated with me was Joe’s quip about his obsession with books: it encapsulates the irony of his character—a literary lover who becomes the very villain he would read about.
If you’re one who enjoys psychological thrillers that linger long after the last page is turned, You is your perfect match. Its exploration of themes surrounding love, obsession, and morality feels timely and relevant in our digital age. While I couldn’t endorse Joe’s actions, I found an unsettling thrill in understanding his motivations—and that’s precisely where Kepnes excels.
In conclusion, You isn’t just a mere story about obsession; it’s a reflection on our own relationships and the lengths we might go for love. Those who relish deep dives into flawed characters and moral ambiguity will certainly find a home in this twisted narrative. Prepare yourself for an addictive read that challenges your views and leaves you pondering long after you’ve turned the final page. Just be ready for the complex journey of emotions that follow—and maybe keep your distance from the charming stalkers out there!