Celle qui brûle
7 / 10 186K ratings
- Language
- French
- Published
- 2022
- Publisher
- Pages
- 416
- ISBN
- 9782266323802
A young man is found stabbed to death on his houseboat in London, igniting a complex murder investigation. Three women with distinct connections to the victim immediately draw suspicion. There is Laura, a troubled woman with a history of impulsive actions, who was the last person to see him alive. Miriam, a reclusive neighbor, discovered the body and seems to harbor secrets of her own. Carla, the victim's grief-stricken aunt, is already reeling from another recent family tragedy and trusts no one.
Each woman carries a burden of past trauma and simmering resentment, their lives intricately linked by hidden connections and a shared capacity for vengeance. As the truth slowly emerges through shifting perspectives and timelines, the novel explores how past wounds influence present actions and the destructive power of long-held secrets. This psychological thriller delves into the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, challenging perceptions of justice and the lengths to which individuals will go when pushed to their limits.
Each woman carries a burden of past trauma and simmering resentment, their lives intricately linked by hidden connections and a shared capacity for vengeance. As the truth slowly emerges through shifting perspectives and timelines, the novel explores how past wounds influence present actions and the destructive power of long-held secrets. This psychological thriller delves into the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, challenging perceptions of justice and the lengths to which individuals will go when pushed to their limits.
Original edition
A Slow Fire BurningOriginally published in 2021 English Riverhead Books
Other editions (96)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The chill of a London canal early one Sunday morning brings a gruesome discovery: the body of Daniel Sutherland, brutally stabbed, lies lifeless on his houseboat. The ripple of this violence quickly spreads, touching the lives of three women, each holding a piece of the puzzle, each simmering with her own quiet fury. Laura, a young woman with a history of impulsive outbursts and a traumatic brain injury from a childhood accident, was seen leaving Daniel's boat the night of his death, blood on her clothes. Her troubled past and volatile nature immediately cast a shadow of suspicion upon her, making her an easy target for judgment.
Living on the neighboring houseboat is Miriam Lewis, a reclusive woman whose life has been shaped by a horrific abduction in her youth that left her friend dead and Miriam forever scarred. Miriam, with her keen observations and a guarded sympathy for Laura, finds herself drawn into the investigation, though she harbors secrets of her own – a long-held grudge against Daniel's uncle, Theo, whom she believes stole her story years ago. Her quiet watchfulness conceals a desire for justice, or perhaps, for a different kind of revenge.
Then there is Carla Myerson, Daniel's aunt, a woman already adrift in a sea of grief, still mourning the recent, accidental death of her sister, Angela - Daniel's mother - just weeks before. Carla's marriage to Theo is fractured, strained by a tragedy years ago when their own young son died in an accident while in Angela's care. Her sorrow is a heavy cloak, but beneath it lies a deep well of resentment and a fierce determination to uncover the truth, no matter how painful.
As the police delve deeper, the timelines of these women begin to intertwine, revealing a complex tapestry of shared history, unspoken resentments, and deep-seated traumas. Laura's childhood accident, Miriam's devastating past, and Carla's enduring grief are not isolated incidents but threads that bind them to Daniel and to each other. The narrative shifts between their perspectives, each voice offering a fragmented, often unreliable, glimpse into the events leading up to the murder, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, truth and deception.
The elderly Irene, a neighbor of Angela's, quietly pieces together observations from her seemingly innocuous life, remembering details others overlook. She becomes an unexpected catalyst, her sharp mind connecting disparate events, from Angela's tearful conversations to the mysterious disappearance of Theo's dog. She sees through the facades, understanding the simmering pain that has driven these lives.
The slow burn of the investigation gradually reveals that Daniel himself was entangled in a web of family secrets and betrayals. His mother, Angela, an alcoholic, had been alienated from him, and her death, initially dismissed as an accident, takes on a new, darker significance. It emerges that Daniel was involved in the death of Carla and Theo's son, a truth that has festered for years, poisoning relationships and fueling a desire for retribution.
In a shocking turn, Theo initially claims responsibility for Daniel's murder, an act born of a twisted sense of jealousy and anger over Daniel's relationship with Carla. But the astute Irene sees beyond this confession, confronting Carla with the devastating truth: it was Carla, driven by a desperate need for revenge for her son's death, who murdered Daniel. The slow-burning fires of past hurts finally ignite, consuming all in their path, exposing how deeply damaged people can inflict unimaginable pain upon others.
Living on the neighboring houseboat is Miriam Lewis, a reclusive woman whose life has been shaped by a horrific abduction in her youth that left her friend dead and Miriam forever scarred. Miriam, with her keen observations and a guarded sympathy for Laura, finds herself drawn into the investigation, though she harbors secrets of her own – a long-held grudge against Daniel's uncle, Theo, whom she believes stole her story years ago. Her quiet watchfulness conceals a desire for justice, or perhaps, for a different kind of revenge.
Then there is Carla Myerson, Daniel's aunt, a woman already adrift in a sea of grief, still mourning the recent, accidental death of her sister, Angela - Daniel's mother - just weeks before. Carla's marriage to Theo is fractured, strained by a tragedy years ago when their own young son died in an accident while in Angela's care. Her sorrow is a heavy cloak, but beneath it lies a deep well of resentment and a fierce determination to uncover the truth, no matter how painful.
As the police delve deeper, the timelines of these women begin to intertwine, revealing a complex tapestry of shared history, unspoken resentments, and deep-seated traumas. Laura's childhood accident, Miriam's devastating past, and Carla's enduring grief are not isolated incidents but threads that bind them to Daniel and to each other. The narrative shifts between their perspectives, each voice offering a fragmented, often unreliable, glimpse into the events leading up to the murder, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, truth and deception.
The elderly Irene, a neighbor of Angela's, quietly pieces together observations from her seemingly innocuous life, remembering details others overlook. She becomes an unexpected catalyst, her sharp mind connecting disparate events, from Angela's tearful conversations to the mysterious disappearance of Theo's dog. She sees through the facades, understanding the simmering pain that has driven these lives.
The slow burn of the investigation gradually reveals that Daniel himself was entangled in a web of family secrets and betrayals. His mother, Angela, an alcoholic, had been alienated from him, and her death, initially dismissed as an accident, takes on a new, darker significance. It emerges that Daniel was involved in the death of Carla and Theo's son, a truth that has festered for years, poisoning relationships and fueling a desire for retribution.
In a shocking turn, Theo initially claims responsibility for Daniel's murder, an act born of a twisted sense of jealousy and anger over Daniel's relationship with Carla. But the astute Irene sees beyond this confession, confronting Carla with the devastating truth: it was Carla, driven by a desperate need for revenge for her son's death, who murdered Daniel. The slow-burning fires of past hurts finally ignite, consuming all in their path, exposing how deeply damaged people can inflict unimaginable pain upon others.
What other readers say
Liked
Reviewers largely praise the book for its intricate plotting and surprising revelations, particularly in the latter half. Many found the story to be expertly woven, with unexpected twists that kept them engaged and guessing until the very end. The narrative structure, which includes shifting timelines and multiple perspectives, was often highlighted as clever and well-executed, leading to a deeply cerebral mystery. Despite a cast of predominantly flawed characters, many readers appreciated the detailed and complex character development, finding them intriguing and realistic, even if not always likable. The overall writing quality was frequently commended, with some comparing the novel's depth and unexpected connections to literary classics.
Disliked
However, a significant number of reviews point to challenges in the book's pacing and complexity, especially during the initial chapters. The large ensemble of characters and the non-linear storytelling made it difficult for some to follow and connect with the narrative in the first half, leading to a slow and sometimes frustrating reading experience. The characters, while complex, were often described as unlikable or unreliable, which hindered some readers' ability to empathize or invest in their stories. Some reviewers felt the book lacked the immediate tension or clear mystery expected from a thriller, leaning instead into a character study that didn't always deliver the anticipated "earth-shattering" twists.
In short
Ultimately, this book appears to be a polarizing read, appreciated for its ambition and intricate design but also criticized for its challenging early pace and complex character web. It is likely to appeal most to readers who enjoy deeply psychological thrillers that prioritize character examination and a slow-burn build-up to a surprising conclusion. Those who appreciate a narrative that demands close attention, unpacks flawed human nature, and delivers its biggest payoffs in the latter half will find it rewarding. Conversely, readers seeking a fast-paced, straightforward mystery with immediately sympathetic characters might find its deliberate pacing and complex structure less satisfying.
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