The Snakes by Sadie Jones

The Snakes by Sadie Jones was a tough book to read, and to review. I started to read this book when it was first published a year ago, and I stopped as I found myself getting so anxious about what might come next that I could not continue. As much as I have loved all of the earlier books by this author, I decided this one was not for me. Until, meeting with the publisher this past spring, she convinced me I had to give it another chance as she talked about how great it is. And it is. It was a novel I could not put down.

The story is about Bea, not long married to Dan. Bea is a psychologist who loves her job, and Dan is an artist who is working as a real estate agent, a job he hates. They live in a flat in London, but are about to set off on a 3 month long holiday as the novel begins. The plan is first to visit Bea’s brother in France, and carry on south before retuning to London.

As the novel progresses we learn about the background of both Bea and Dan. Dan is mixed race, and though he grew up in a loving home, he had nowhere near the “advantages” of Bea. Bea grew up with immense wealth, just how much is something she kept from Dan, who cannot understand why she will not accept money from her family. The reasons for this are slowly revealed to the reader.

Bea’s brother, Alex, who is living in France is ostensibly running a hotel owned by their father. Alex is a very odd young man, and though Bea loves him, and is used to his behavior, it is disconcerting for the reader and for Dan. It is apparent that there is something worrisome going on – just how worrisome is uncertain – at first.

I am not going to reveal anything more about this book. Sadie Jones writes with brilliance – and tells a great story. Every one of her books has been exceptional, and this one is again. She can write about desperation like nobody else, and take the reader right there with her, as Bea experiences shock – reaction – shock – in the face of tragedy.

By the time you get to the dramatic end of this novel, you’ll want to read it during the day – not at bedtime. But, read it for sure, The Snakes is a great novel – and a great escape.