Book Review of "Watching Edie"

Watching Edie

by Camilla Way

Beautiful, creative, a little wild… Edie was the kind of girl who immediately caused a stir when she walked into your life. And she had dreams back then—but it didn’t take long for her to learn that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.

Now, at thirty-three, Edie is working as a waitress, pregnant and alone. And when she becomes overwhelmed by the needs of her new baby and sinks into a bleak despair, she thinks that there’s no one to turn to…

But someone’s been watching Edie, waiting for the chance to prove once again what a perfect friend she can be. It’s no coincidence that Heather shows up on Edie’s doorstep, just when Edie needs her the most. So much has passed between them—so much envy, longing, and betrayal. And Edie’s about to learn a new lesson: those who have hurt us deeply—or who we have hurt—never let us go, not entirely…

My Review:  Friendship....forgiveness....humans....pride.....betrayal....selfishness.....envy.....worship...desire to please others.   Edie and Heather hit it off right away when they met.  Heather had never really had any friends.  She couldn't believe that Edie chose her, the beautiful, popular, self-absorbed Edie.  I recall my nephew saying that girls always look for another girl who is not as pretty as them, weighs more, and doesn't attract attention like them.  They choose a girl who will make them look better to others, especially to boys.  They are looking out for number one.   The chosen ones work hard to please this girl, this unexpected friend, but can they?  Can they ever really please this popular, beautiful "friend"?  

      All the way through the story, I wondered what had happened and who had participated in the big event at the quarry?  The story centers on this unforgettable event that took place at the quarry many years ago, while Heather and Edie were in high school.  It was confusing to me that the author chose to have the book constantly speaking in Edie's voice about the "after" and Heather's voice speaking about the "before".  I found myself having to look back to see who was "speaking" through out the book.  I think this may be a big turn off to this book, particularly for any readers who have difficulty in reading.   I found myself invested in the story and while I figured out a part of the reveal of the "event that happened at the quarry", I was surprised by much of the ending.  This will hold readers attention and many readers may not find it confusing to switch voice with every chapter. They may not care as much as I do about knowing important details of the mechanics of books.   

       I am rating this book 4 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.

      I received a copy of this book from netgalley and HarperCollinsUK.  I was encouraged to write a review if I chose to do so.   

About the Author:

Camilla Way was born in Greenwich, south-east London, and studied Modern English and French Literature at the University of Glamorgan. Her father was the poet and author Peter Way. Formerly Associate Editor of the teenage girls' magazine Bliss, she is currently an editor and writer on the men's style magazine Arena. Having lived in Cardiff, Bristol, Bath and Clerkenwell, she now lives in south-east London.