Well. I’m never visiting a health resort. EVER.
I’m just going to start this review by saying that Nine Perfect Strangers did not go at all where I thought it would. A lot of people said they had a hard time getting through this entire book, and I didn’t quite understand what they meant until about halfway through — which is about halfway through the titular “nine perfect strangers'” experience at a luxury spa and health resort called Tranquillum House.
For the first half of this book, I drank the proverbial Kool-Aid — or, smoothie, in this particular case. Tranquillum House seems like the perfect place to relax, detox, and transform your life, and the results of the owner’s strict no tech/no talking/no sugar/no caffeine/no carbs policy seems to yield amazing results. Weight loss? You betcha. A sense of inner peace? Sign me up. Lessened anxiety? I’ll take two! Any health regimen that leaves me feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally refreshed, and a few pounds lighter sounds like a winner in my book.
I’ve read all of Moriarty’s previous novels, so I’m familiar enough with her works to know that she’s excellent at building a backstory. She takes her time in fleshing out the characters and setting the scene. Most of her books deal with the pressure to keep up appearances, and the eventual reveal of the chaos writhing beneath calm, carefully presented façades. Because of the author’s tendency to draw out the set-up, I did start to get antsy for The Twist I knew was coming. I didn’t know what exactly would be coming, but I knew something would. But, that’s part of the art of Moriarty. She takes her sweet time in getting there, and the build up is done so well that when The Twist does come, it’s simply devastating.
As usual, Moriarty does a great job in Nine Perfect Strangers of concealing the monsters that dwell within all of us — the hidden rage, the self-doubt, the pettiness, and the resentfulness we feel towards ourselves or our loved ones. Everyone at Tranquillum House has his/her own personal drama, but these problems are all hidden under carefully constructed facades. Each guest shows only what they want others to see, and it’s only as you read that the layers begin to peel back and you realize that, hey, not everyone has their shit together as much as you think.
Things start to go a little bonkers in the second half of the book. I sometimes feel like Moriarty’s twists are a little fantastical (see The Husband’s Secret and The Hypnotist’s Love Story), but what happens at Tranquillum House really goes off the rails. I usually think of Moriarty’s books as “chick lit” because even though they touch upon very serious subjects (abusive relationships, husbands who secretly murder people and cover it up, adultery, depression and suicide), Moriarty portrays everything in a remarkably entertaining and somehow light-hearted way. You’re moved by the drama, but never to the point where you have to put down the book and walk away for a bit.
Until now. I feel Nine Perfect Strangers firmly deviates from “women’s fiction” and swerves chaotically into thriller territory. Some of the situations got a little too intense for me, and I wasn’t a huge fan of the second part of the book. That’s not to say it’s not good…because it is. I just wasn’t expecting such intensity in a story that starts off at someplace (ironically) named Tranquillum House, and I was taken a little aback. The action escalates into what I could confidently call a “nightmare scenario” — or, several scenarios, actually, since they seem to snowball into each other — and that’s not quite what I was expecting with this novel.
With that in mind, though, everything that happens is a little…ridiculous? It’s not that what transpires in Nine Perfect Strangers couldn’t happen in real life. Because, unfortunately, people be crazy. I could totally see the events happening under the right circumstances. But, as my old therapist used to counsel me, “It’s possible…but is it probable?”
No…no, it’s not, not really. But, just in case, I think I’ll stay away from any health resorts that require me to give up my phone and access to the outside world. Just to be safe.
Nine Perfect Strangers is not my favorite Moriarty book (that place is still held by The Last Anniversary), but it’s still a fast-paced, enjoyable, and exciting read. It keeps you guessing, and I really enjoyed the cast of characters in the book. Their backstories are compelling, and you become really engrossed in what brings each of them to the resort. Their pull on you is what keeps you reading when you’re ready to walk away because you’ve had it up to HERE with the crap going on at Tranquillum House (just like the characters!).
If you’re a Moriarty fan, I think you should read this one. It’s quintessentially the author we love, with a little bit more of an intense twist than perhaps we longtime fans are used to.
Have you read Nine Perfect Strangers? What about other Liane Moriarty books? Share below! And, be sure to come back for my book-inspired recipe: Citrus Quinoa Salad!
Great Review, C.J.! I am in the minority and am not a fan of Liane Moriarty. But always like reading your reviews. 😀
Thanks, Claire! I find her novels to be lots of fun, but some are definitely easier to get into than others.
Great review! This was my least favorite Moriarty title as well. Have you read Celeste Eng? Not as “light” but you may enjoy her work.
I haven’t read anything by her yet, but she’s on my list. I’ve heard good things about Little Fires Everywhere. Thanks for the recommendation!
I have read a handful of Liane’s books. This one took a turn that I did not expect! I love her character development, you feel like you know the characters well. My favorite of hers is also The Last Anniversary. I have loved watching the TV series made from Big Little Lies.
Yay, another Last Anniversary fan! Such a great novel. And I also love the Big Little Lies TV show. I think this new season took a darker turn, but it was still really well done and entertaining.
I’m struggling to read Nine Perfect Strangers. Have read no other of her books. It is getting to the point as I near the end that I don’t much care what happens to them. I have this feeling Masha will become this maniacal Hitler but who knows?
Hi, M.J.! Unfortunately, this is not a good Liane Moriarity book to start out with, in my opinion. While a lot of her novels contain a little bit of suspense, this one goes a little over the edge! I recommend WHAT ALICE FORGOT if you want something sweet; THE LAST ANNIVERSARY for bittersweet; and BIG LITTLE LIES for a tinge of suspense!