None of This Is True Review

Introduction

Referred to as “None of This is True,” this is psychological thriller novel written by Lisa Jewell and though it seems to be a quite unfamiliar work, it has interesting plot and well-developed characters. The audio book version of the story and the narrative performance by a number of gears makes the story even more revolving. While running through this review, I will consider the following various facets of the given audio book: The narrative arc and flow, characters’ transformation, themes, andrices, and the audible experience.

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Plot Summary

The story is centered on two females who are Josie Fair and Alix Summers who meet by chance at a restaurant. A woman, whose life looks quite normal, finds herself developing a crush on Alix, a popular podcaster. When Josie wins Alix’s trust, she shares the story of her traumatic childhood the latter invites her to join the show. But, as the podcast continues, Alix realizes that some of the things Josie has told her are not true, the plot becomes evil and rather complex.

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Narrative Structure

The narrative of the audio book is divided into plural, mainly, the two most important characters are Josie and Alix. This second thread enriches the story by providing the listeners with two points of view on the same events. Podcast is used as a framing device as the story told is divided into episodes with interviews and other narrative techniques such as flashbacks. Switching over the narrators all through the various characters in the story intensifies the realism in the audio book like actually watching a real life documentary.

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Character Development

Lisa Jewell excels at creating complex and multifaceted characters, and "None of This Is True" is no exception.

Josie Fair:

Many of the characters are interesting but the most captivating person is Josie. what can be seen as a mask of normality with a normal work life, is slowly peeled off to reveal her true evil nature. The audio book, just as the film, does do a good job in portraying Josie’s dual personality and the charm of the woman that is on the outside and the hostility one can feel on the inside according to the performance of the narrator. When despairing of her past, showing her as an abused child and an abusive wife, Josie gets the various shades of viewer’s sympathy and discomfort.

Alix Summers:

On the other hand, Alix is confident, sexy and assertive woman who is a manager and who looks like the lady in the magazine. However, as she investigates Josie’s life a scandal which puts her in a web of deceit and danger unravels. The motion of the audiobook is to show how Alix got to the realization of the truth is done with much build up of tension and dreadful feelings. She also has a clear character evolution, for a viewer it is possible to see the shift from curiosity and compassion to fear and determination.

Supporting Characters:

The antagonists, secondary characters such as Nathan, husband of Alix and Josie’s family members are also well developed and do add something to the story. Nathan’s doubt towards Josie contributes anticipation to the whole plot, on the other hand, the reader gets to see Josie’s relationships with her family which helps in understanding her character.

Thematic Elements

"None of This Is True" explores several themes, including identity, deception, and the nature of truth.

Identity:

The theme which is unique to this tale is the idea of identity. The cases of Josie and Alix imply the subjects’ search for their identities and the opinions of others about them. The way Josie tries to control others and the uncertainty of children’s overt lying sheds doubt on identity and the possibility of its objective recognition.

Deception:

One of the most significant and well-proportioned motifs is falsehood. All the actions of the film, including the main character Josie’s lies and manipulations, contribute to the building of the menace and tension of the conflict. Some of the deception that is evident in the audio book draws out feelings of tension and uncertainty from the listeners through the climax.

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The Nature of Truth:

It also has a touch of dealing with the issue of the truth and how it is twisted. The chosen format of a podcast and its work on the theme of the search for secrets behind the veil of appearances also refers to the unreality of the show. The stopping and switching of the perspectives and the unreliable narrators used in the realisation of the audio book are good in portraying that there is no absolute truth.

Narration and Performance

The audio book contains notable actors who relate the characters in the book through their acting skills. Division as for the two characters and the given problem, as well as the presence of two voices for Josie and Alix, makes it possible to reveal their individuality and the differences between their perceptions of the situation. Variation in tones and speed of delivery by various characters and in various scenes also makes it interesting and almost real when listening to it.

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Supporting Cast:

The supporting cast of narrators also delivers strong performances, bringing the secondary characters to life. Their varied voices and styles add richness to the narrative, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Production Quality

The production quality of the audio book is excellent, with clear and well-balanced audio. The use of sound effects and music is subtle but effective, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of the story without distracting from the narration. The transitions between different narrative elements, such as podcast episodes and flashbacks, are seamless, making the audio book easy to follow.

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Overall Listening Experience

"None of This Is True" is a compelling and immersive audio book that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The combination of a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and excellent narration creates a memorable listening experience. The audio book format, with its use of multiple narrators and podcast elements, adds a unique and immersive quality to the story, making it a standout in the psychological thriller genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "None of This Is True" is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that translates exceptionally well to the audiobook format. Lisa Jewell's intricate plotting and complex characters are brought to life by a talented cast of narrators, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience. The thematic exploration of identity, deception, and the nature of truth adds depth and complexity to the story, making it both thought-provoking and suspenseful. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers or new to the genre, "None of This Is True" is a highly recommended audio book that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Click here to read "None of This Is True" for free with a 3-month free trial.