Book Review: The Choice by Gillian McAllister

Title: The Choice
Author: Gillian McAllister
Pages: 368 pages
Published: June 2nd 2020 by G.P. Putnam's Sons
Source: NetGalley

GoodReads Description: "'A Sliding Doors thriller with a moral dilemma at its heart. Brilliant.' --Claire Douglas, author of Last Seen Alive

A captivating, ingenious novel by the author of The Good Sister about a woman faced with an impossible choice after attacking an unknown assailant, urging readers to ask themselves: What would you do? 

It's the end of a night out and Joanna is walking home alone. Then she hears the sound every woman dreads: footsteps behind her, getting faster. She's sure it's him--the man from the bar who wouldn't leave her alone. So Joanna makes a snap decision. She turns, she pushes. Her pursuer tumbles down the steps and lies motionless, facedown on the ground. Now what? 

Addictive and compelling, The Choice follows the two paths Joanna's future might take, depending on the choice she makes. If she calls the police right away, she can save the man's life. Yet doing so puts her own innocence at risk, as she waits for judgment on a charge of assault and the hope that her husband and everyone she loves will stand by her. But if she runs and goes home as if nothing has happened, no one will ever know. No one saw her do it, and it's only up to Joanna to keep quiet...forever."

Well, I've learned that I have an avoidance disorder. 😆 Because Joanna is my carbon copy. At least in the beginning.  She was one of the most relatable characters I've ever read.  Massive potential early in life unrealized, totally disorganized, people pleaser, conflict avoider, procrastinator etc. etc. etc.  And this totally insecure person, then commits an unspeakable MISTAKE.  Ugh.

Joanna is out with a friend when a totally slimy guy basically assaults her.  Then, leaving the bar - by herself - she hears footsteps behind her! One gut reaction.  And then - two choices.  What will she do?

This book was un-put-down-able.  It had me hooked from the start!  Joanna is stuck between a rock and a hard place.  And no matter what her life will take a turn from this point on.  This book explores the two choices she could make and their ramifications.  Gillian McAllister is one I will look out for from now on - she was one of those authors with that brilliantly British feeling and I loved the realistic quality of her characters!!

MY RATING:
Story: 3-3.5
Characters: 5
Overall: 4 stars

blog | gr | pinterest | bloglovin