Rock Paper Scissors novel by Alice Feeney is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that takes readers on a suspenseful journey into the complexities of marriage, deception, and identity. Set against the backdrop of a remote and eerie Scottish chapel, the novel offers unexpected twists that leave readers questioning everything they thought they knew about the characters and their motives.
About Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney is a renowned British author and former journalist known for her skill in crafting gripping psychological thrillers. Before becoming a full-time writer, Feeney spent over a decade at the BBC, where she honed her storytelling skills in roles ranging from news producer to reporter.
Her debut novel, Sometimes I Lie, became an international bestseller, establishing her as a powerhouse in the thriller genre. Feeney is a celebrated author for her ability to create intricate plots, unreliable narrators, and twists that keep readers guessing until the final page.
Beyond Rock Paper Scissors, her bibliography includes critically acclaimed works like His & Hers and I Know Who You Are. Each book explores complex relationships and the darker aspects of human nature, themes that resonate deeply with her readers.
Alice Feeney currently lives in the English countryside, where she continues to write stories that blur the lines between reality and deception. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, earning her a global fanbase.
Introduction to Rock Paper Scissors
Published in 2021, Rock Paper Scissors quickly gained recognition for its clever storytelling. Readers find it interesting becasue of its relatable yet flawed characters, and jaw-dropping twists. At its core, this novel is a domestic thriller exploring a marriage teetering on the edge of collapse. The narrative expertly weaves mystery, suspense, and emotional depth, keeping readers hooked until the last page.
Plot Overview
1. The Premise
Adam and Amelia Wright are a married couple whose relationship has grown cold after years of misunderstandings, resentment, and secrets. Hoping to rekindle their connection, they embark on a weekend trip to a remote chapel in Scotland. The trip, seemingly won by Amelia in a workplace raffle, becomes the setting for a chilling unraveling of truths.
Adam, a screenwriter, suffers from prosopagnosia, or face blindness, which adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the story. He cannot recognize faces, including his wife’s, which has strained their relationship over time.
2. Key Events and Rising Tension
The eerie chapel, surrounded by an isolated and snow-covered landscape, sets the stage for the story’s tension. As the couple settles in, strange events begin to occur. Locked doors, hidden compartments, and cryptic notes add to the growing sense of unease.
Through alternating perspectives—Adam’s, Amelia’s, and a mysterious third narrator—the story reveals the fractured state of their marriage. Each chapter peels back layers of secrets, lies, and unspoken truths.
3. Twists and Turns
As the narrative progresses, the line between victim and perpetrator blurs. The plot takes unexpected turns, with revelations that upend the readers’ understanding of the characters. Without spoiling the surprise, the ending delivers a shocking twist that reframes the entire story, making it clear that nothing in this marriage is as it seems.
Major Themes in the Book
Marriage and Deception: At its heart, Rock Paper Scissors explores the fragility of relationships. Adam and Amelia’s marriage is riddled with deception, unspoken grievances, and emotional distance. The book asks: How well can you ever truly know someone, even your spouse?
Identity and Perspective: Adam’s face blindness symbolizes the emotional blindness in their relationship. The alternating perspectives reveal how each character sees the world and their partner, emphasizing the subjectivity of truth.
Isolation and Fear: The remote chapel mirrors the emotional isolation felt by the characters. The book uses its setting to heighten fear and create a sense of entrapment, both physical and psychological.
Key Characters
1. Adam Wright
Adam is a successful screenwriter whose condition, prosopagnosia, makes him unable to recognize faces. This creates a profound disconnect in his relationships and fuels the story’s tension. His character is deeply flawed but relatable, embodying themes of ambition, regret, and vulnerability.
2. Amelia Wright
Amelia, Adam’s wife, is portrayed as determined yet secretive. Her motivations, while initially unclear, drive much of the narrative’s suspense. She is a complex character whose decisions are central to the story’s twists.
Alice Feeney’s Writing Style
Alice Feeney’s signature style shines in this book. Her ability to create suspense is unparalleled, with every chapter ending on a cliffhanger. The nonlinear storytelling, combined with alternating perspectives, keeps readers engaged and guessing. Feeney uses concise, impactful prose to evoke strong emotions and maintain a fast-paced narrative.
Critical Reception and Impact
Rock Paper Scissors has been widely praised for its inventive plot and unexpected twists. Readers and critics alike have lauded Feeney’s skill in creating unreliable narrators and her talent for building suspense. The novel appeals to fans of domestic thrillers like The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena and Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris.
Key Takeaways from Rock Paper Scissors
- Trust and communication are vital in any relationship.
- People are often more complex than they appear, and everyone carries secrets.
- Isolation can reveal hidden truths, but it can also breed fear and misunderstanding.
Conclusion
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. With its gripping narrative, relatable characters, and unexpected twists, it’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.