“A twisty, captivating, edge-of-your-seat read.” –Megan Miranda, bestselling author of All the Missing Girls “Creepy and oh so clever!” –Alice Feeney, bestselling author of Sometimes I Lie A woman is forced to question her own identity in this riveting and emotionally charged thriller by the blockbuster bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica Jessie Sloane is on the path to … is on the path to rebuilding her life after years of caring for her ailing mother. She rents a new apartment and applies for college. But when the college informs her that her social security number has raised a red flag, Jessie discovers a shocking detail that causes her to doubt everything she’s ever known.
Finding herself suddenly at the center of a bizarre mystery, Jessie tumbles down a rabbit hole, which is only exacerbated by grief and a relentless lack of sleep. As days pass and the insomnia worsens, it plays with Jessie’s mind. Her judgment is blurred, her thoughts are hampered by fatigue. Jessie begins to see things until she can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what she’s only imagined.
Meanwhile, twenty years earlier and two hundred and fifty miles away, another woman’s split-second decision may hold the key to Jessie’s secret past. Has Jessie’s whole life been a lie or have her delusions gotten the best of her?
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When The Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica
Without Spoilers this is a slow moving book with a big twist at the end.
I’m still processing the book. I actually re-listened to the last 2 hours –3 TIMES!
I have no problem with diversions and major shifts. I do have problem with this “new” trope of being completely blindsided because nothing is “telegraphed”.
I am ambivalent about recommending this book unless it’s part of a book club because you will need to discuss this.
I love Mary Kubica. I don’t love this book. I feel many other readers are going to be frustrated also. This in no reflects how I feel about the author.
Not the easiest book to read, and certainly didn’t make sense until the final chapter.
Mesmerizing characters and story with a twist at the end that was delightfully surprising.
Jessie Sloane’s mom has passed away, but before doing so, she encouraged Jessie to find herself. Jessie decides to apply to college, but the college flags her social security number. Apparently it belongs to someone who is deceased. As Jessie attempts to unravel the bureaucracy behind her application, she becomes more and more convinced that something is up with her past. Even worse, her thoughts are jumbled by the fact that she hasn’t slept well since her mother’s death. She’s no longer able to tell what’s truly happening around her. What’s the story with her identity? And is she crazy or is something sinister going on in her life?
“Find yourself, Mom told me. One of two wishes she had for me before she died. Maybe she didn’t mean for me to apply to college. Maybe it was far less esoteric than that. Maybe it was quite literal. Find yourself, she said, because Jessie Sloane isn’t you.”
Well, I’m not so sure about this one. The novel goes back in forth in time between present-day Jessie and her story and a woman named Eden, whose story mainly takes place in the 1990s. Eden’s timeline varies a bit though, which makes it hard to keep track of. (At least for me.) A lot of Eden’s storyline revolves around infertility, which I thought was handled very well. As someone who has struggled with that, I identified with her and probably liked the book a bit more just because of that.
As for Jessie and her tale, it was definitely creepy at times, which is something Mary Kubica can do very well. With her sleep deprivation, Jessie is the ultimate unreliable narrator, and it’s very hard to tell if she’s crazy or what on earth is happening. At times, it seems as if the book is leading you down a particular path, but you’re never exactly sure who or what to trust.
And then, of course, there’s that twist. I’d heard a lot about it, so I was expecting something, but with Kubica, it’s hard to know what. I’ll admit, it wasn’t this. I had sort of figured out where things were leading, but it didn’t diminish how cheated I felt by the ending. I’ve seen a lot of reviews where folks loved it and others where they didn’t–I just felt letdown. I won’t go further so as to avoid spoilers, but know that it did diminish my overall enjoyment of the book. And while I wasn’t loving it entirely–it’s sort of a jumble of confusion and weird characters–the ending deflates what I did enjoy.
Overall, this is a creepy book in many ways, with a story that befuddles but intrigues you. It’s compelling but the ending diminishes a lot of the early drama and excitement. 3 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley/Edelweiss in return for an unbiased review
Another great book would be a great movie too if done right by going along with the book. Not sure if dreaming sleeping keeps you on the edge that’s for sure I can’t wait for the next one .
I’ve read four of Mary Kubica’s previous books. Although I’ve liked them all, I think this was the best! Rather sad, but with a very well developed and relatable main character. I became very engrossed in Jessie’s story, as well as her mother Eden’s story. I certainly thought I understood pretty much what had happened, but I was wrong. The ending was so unexpected! I definitely recommend this, and all of Ms. Kubica’s other books. Looking forward to many more offerings from this really good author!
Didn’t see it coming!
Nothing like i expected from this author. It was very hard to keep going because nothing happens and it never does.
Mary Kubica delivers another smart, fast-paced thriller that will keep readers guessing. In her new novel, When the Lights Go Out, Jessie Sloane is attempting to forge a new life for herself, on her own, following the death of her mother. She secures a new apartment and tries to enroll in college courses only to discover that her Social Security number belongs to a dead girl. In light of that revelation, Jessie sets out to discover the truth about her past, exploring documents left behind by her mother, as well as public records that reveal she does not exist. Jessie is still grieving her mother, suffering from the ravages of mourning, including severe sleep deprivation that has taken her far past the point of exhaustion. As a result, Jessie is increasingly unable to distinguish reality from fantasy.
Kubica takes readers deep into the psyches of two women: Jessie and her mother, Eden, twenty years earlier. Eden and Aaron were happily married and wanted children. But their struggle with infertility pushed Eden deeper and deeper into an emotional abyss from which she was unable to extricate herself. The marriage suffered and Eden made choices that would define the rest of her life, as well as Jessie’s. As Kubica’s narration alternates between Edens’ story then, and Jessie’s in present-day, the two stories converge. revealing the extreme heartbreak that led each of them to a dangerous precipice. Kubica injects clues to Jessie’s identity along the way, but the explosive truth is revealed via an emotionally satisfying climactic twist.
When the Lights Go Out is a unique and inventive story, but told in the style readers have come to expect of Kubica — with compassion, insight, and great empathy for her characters despite their significant flaws. Readers will find themselves unable to put When the Lights Go Out down until they know the answers Jessie seeks and understand Eden’s motivations.
Thanks to NetGalley for an Advance Reader’s Copy of the book!
3 stars
I’ve got to say, I have read other books by Kubica and really enjoyed them. But this one, not so much. And I know there is a lot of talk about the ending and the twist, but for me, that was the only thing that saved the book and garnered a 3 star rating.
So let’s start with the ending, shall we? I LIKED it. That’s right folks; I am putting it out there. I liked the ending and I really thought the twist was genius. When it happened, I was literally like “holy sh_t, that was brilliant”.
Unfortunately, that was the only thing I thought was brilliant. The book is told in alternating POV between Jessie and Eden. I really struggled reading the Jessie sections, it was the same thing over and over again. Jessie basically doing nothing all day, hearing voices, seeing things and not sleeping. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. I found myself skimming though much of this since it was all just the same thing over and over. I definitely enjoyed the Eden storyline more, at least there was a story and developed. However, I had a lot of trouble connecting with Eden. I thought she was immature and annoying.
My parting thoughts are this. If I hadn’t read so many reviews that talked about this controversial ending, this likely would have been a DNF for me. But since I knew readers were up in arms about, I had to get to the end to see what all the hullabaloo was about. I was glad I did, because the ending ended up saving the book for me. I won’t; however, hold it against Ms. Kubica and I will continue to be on the lookout for anything and everything she writes. We all have bad days and we all deserve another chance. Finally, there are tons of reviews from readers who loved this book, so I encourage you to check it out for yourself.
Thank you to Harlequin for my copy of this book via NetGalley
Mary Kubica does it again with a twist at the end I did not see coming!
Oh Wow! I won this book thru Goodreads contest! Started reading the moment I received it. Mary Kubica is a very talented author & story teller. Could not put this book down. The characters are all pretty intense. Eden a very obsessed one minded woman. Aaron her husband the realistic one. Jessie a confused young lady trying to have some understanding in her life. I felt so many times I was right there along side them. This book holds your interest from the 1st page to the last! Amazing!! Thank you Mary!
Usually I love Mary Kubica’s books but this ending just really left a bad taste in my mouth. I will give her points that it was well done and there were even slight hints along the way but it just seems like she cheated us.
A heroine with insomnia. Can she trust her own impressions? Very engrossing.
Easy read, but I could figure out the plot and where it was going….well written.
I received a copy of this via #NetGalley.
This book blew me away. It pulled me right in and was a roller coaster of a ride from start to dramatic ending. I kept trying to figure out what was going on. What happened. Who did what and where Jessica came from. I was totally blown away. I was shocked by this book. I did not figure out what happened at all. Had no idea and personally I loved the ending. I think it was perfect for this story. The dove part made me cry so bad and the letter ripped my heart right out of my chest. I went to bed with puffy swollen eyes from crying so hard and I beleive it was perfect. It just fit.
I loved the characters of this book and how they were to each other. It shows what you will do if you want a baby so bad you can’t breathe. How it’s not always to late to make something right that you did wrong to another person. To me it was sad but perfect.
I gave it a 5 star rating and believe it well deserves it. I loved this book. I can relate to insomnia. Maybe not as bad as Jessie, but still….
3 Stars
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica encompasses how grief can shatter your reality.
Jessica grew up with a single mom and loves her wholeheartedly. When her mother is diagnosed with cancer her world slowly crumbles around her. She doesn’t sleep and it starts messing with her mind. She is determined, curious, and strong.
Eden is a new wife who wants nothing more than to be a mother. Her and her husband try everything they can to get pregnant with no success. Her need for a child starts to become an obsession and their relationship suffers for it. She is caring, compassiionate, and determined.
Jessica’s mother’s cancer has metastasized. Her mother’s doctor says she doesn’t have much time left and Jessica has been up for days living off coffee, not wanting to miss her mother’s final moments. Secrets come to light and her world starts to fall away beneath her feet.
Eden is struggling with her feelings of inadequacy and hopelessnes because of her infertility. It is hard for her to cope with seeing everyone around her being a parent when she can’t, and add on top of that they don’t seem to appreciate the joys of parenthood as she would.
When both of their realities are altered how do they endure the unknown? Find out how these two are connected in this story full of intrigue and suspense.
The storyline is refreshingly new. We see the story from Jessica and Eden’s POV giving us a fuller perspective. It keeps us guessing the whole way through. The story unravels slowly and the amount of detail slowed the pacing a bit. The characters weren’t given enough depth for me to truly root for them. The twists I never saw coming. Some parts were so unexpected they completely blew me away. Definitely worth the read for the mind bending anticipation at each turn. I would recommend for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Favorite Quotes:
I told her that we’re trying. Trying to have a child, trying to start a family. An odd choice of words for creating a baby, if you ask me. Trying is how one learns to ride a bike. To knit, to sew. To write poetry.
The frustration over my identity boils inside me until I feel myself begin to lose it. All this red tape preventing me from getting what I need, from proving who I am. I’m starting to question it myself. Am I still me?
It’s an insidious way to die, I think, from lack of sleep because there is nothing gory about it, no blood, no guts, and yet the effects are just as gruesome. I know because I’m living it. As the sun begins to rise on the eleventh day, it’s only a matter of time until I die. This is what it feels like knowing you’re about to die.
My Review:
What clever sleight of hand, and I totally fell for it. This engrossing book was a minefield of intriguing and heart squeezing storylines. Ms. Kubica’s excellent storytelling was expertly woven with flawless word choices, bringing forth vivid and sharp visuals and several instances of chicken skin. I was quickly under the influence of her powerful word voodoo and keenly felt the characters’ frustrations, discomforts, confusion, and fatigue.
Written from a dual POV, the two main characters and narrators were difficult to hold in positive regard, as they were often exasperating and repellent. Jessie was struggling with a conundrum while she was also not the brightest bulb in the pack. And as Jessie was suffered from extreme sleep deprivation and experiencing hallucinations, her observations and thoughts were untrustworthy and increasingly erratic; while her mental and physical decline and descent into madness were fascinating. I steadily grew to despise the character of Eden and found her obsessive and all-consuming drive to reproduce to be horrendously irresponsible and selfish.
Ms. Kubica’s well-crafted storylines and writing style were compelling yet taut with tension and angst. I was so caught up in their apprehensions that I am in dire need of a relaxing spa day. Until I can work one of those into my schedule, the next best plan would be a generous scoop of Ben and Jerry’s while trolling my TBR in search of an amusing comedy and lighter fare for my next read.
My Review of “When the Lights Go Out” by Mary Kubica, Park Row Books , September 4, 2018
Bravo to Mary Kubica, Author of “When the Lights Go Out” for for her vivid descriptions, and her riveting, captivating, intense, and suspenseful writing. This is a page-turner chock full of surprises, that questions everyone and everything. The theme in this story is insomnia. Does anyone really know what happens when one is sleep deprived? How do you determine reality vs. illusion? The Genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, and Fiction. The timeline for the story is in the present , and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.
The author describes her colorful and dysfunction cast of characters as complex and complicated. Jessie Sloane has taken care of her terminally ill mother, and is now ready to move on with her life. Unfortunately, that is not easily the case, as Jessie stumbles upon one problem after the other. Her Social Security number is that of a dead person. Jessie discovers that her mother had deep dark secrets, and a picture of a man surfaces that her mother had hidden. Who exactly is Jessie Sloane? As Jessie encounters another sleepless night she fights for the recognition of reality and her imagination.
The author also goes back twenty years and explores how Jessie’s mother might hold the key to unlock many of the answers. Be warned, the ending is not at all what it seems to be. All the clues lead you to a place where it is indeed difficult to foresee the conclusion. I was totally taken by surprise. No peeking now, be sure to read the book!! I highly recommend this novel to those readers who appreciate a tense, roller coaster of a ride thriller, with suspense and surprises. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
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PUBLISHED BY LINDASBOOKOBSESSION
Wow! Another Mary Kubica book with an ending that really, really made my jaw drop. I was not expecting the story to end that way AT ALL. As in her previous books, the story is told in two points of view (something I actually like in books), Eden in 1996 and her daughter Jessie in present day. Both of their stories are heartbreaking at times. So much emotion from both. I started thinking that poor Jessie was really losing it. I want to say more about the story but feel I might give too much away. What I will say was that it was quite the page-turner for me and very difficult to put down. Excellent writing once again by MK. But that ending!! Again….wow!!