A Review Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is an atmospheric domestic thriller that explores the duplicitousness and duality that exist within a toxic marriage. Set against the lush backdrop of a secluded Scottish island.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Synopsis
Grady, an accomplished writer is eagerly waiting for his wife Abby’s return home on the eve of what he hopes to be an astonishing celebration in reaching a major milestone in his career. However, instead of celebrating he falls into despair when Abby disappears after stopping her car to help a mysterious woman she happens across on her way home.
After a year, Grady is struggling with grief and struggling to find the passion to write. Consumed with heartbreak and wondering if his wife is dead or alive his once comfortable life has taken a drastic turn and the only bright spot is his dog, Colombo. Luckily, his agent offers him a second chance and provides a secluded cabin on a Scottish island known as Amberly for him to reside in so he can focus on writing and get his life back on track.
With no options, he agrees and upon his arrival finds there’s no cell service, and he’s effectively cut off from the mainland. He finds this to be the perfect environment to explore writing again. That is until he sees a woman he bears the striking resemblance to his vanished wife stirring up grief, secrets and a past he must reckon with.
Tropes
- The missing person
- Unreliable narrator
- Isolated locale
- Unassuming villain
- Moral ambiguity
Content ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The themes of this novel involve the obsessive and toxic consequences of a marriage in trouble featuring strong feminist tones. Essentially, Feeney explores the dichotomy that exists within Grady’s and Abby’s marriage. You’re taken on a journey where all isn’t what it seems leaving you feeling disoriented and baffled at times. However, it makes for a propulsive read as you’re eager to turn the page.
Feeney did an amazing job crafting a suspenseful atmosphere full of intrigue with interesting events that moved the story forward with out-of-context reveals aimed at misdirecting your attention and making it hard to guess the twist at the end.
Writing Style & Readability ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The structural integrity of this story is what makes it so intriguing. We explore two points of view one being Grady’s and the other another character which for the sake of not spoiling the plot I won’t mention. But, their experiences are a stark contrast that adds mystery to the events as you’re trying to piece together these two different versions of reality.
This story is rife with oxymorons as at the beginning of each chapter one is shared further exploring the theme regarding the contradictory state of Grady’s and Abby’s marriage.
Also, reading this in the first-person narrative made you know and understand the characters intimately. Providing a clear picture of each character’s reality, thoughts, and motivation. The prose was straightforward with rich descriptions of the Isle of Amberly that helped create the atmosphere. For instance, the instability of the weather added to the disorienting elements of the story turning a seemingly mundane scene into an ominous affair.
This made for a rich reading experience where you’re quickly invested in the story feeling what the characters feel to the point you’re compelled to continue.
Plot Development ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This plot was a mixture of action-based elements with twists and reveals and character-driven elements where we explore the psychology of human nature. Particularly, the secret lives of married couples. The story progresses at a fast pace with pivotal moments experienced by the main character Grady and the other characters in this story.
Yet, some minor plot points weren’t expanded on very well leading to some confusion during the conclusion as you’re trying to connect the dots and understand how everything comes together to fit the theme and support the concluding events.
Characters ⭐️⭐️
The weakest part of this novel was the characters. While I felt Grady was well developed and explored I didn’t feel the same characterization was shared across the board with other key characters in this story. They felt superficial and flat, especially for the complex conclusion.
Rating & Recommendations
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney was a pleasant read where I couldn’t readily guess the twist at the end. While I enjoyed the themes of the story I do wish there was more expansion of particular plot points providing an epic scope. And I wish some characters were developed in more depth to fully satisfy the motives for the conclusion. I would’ve appreciated a few more breadcrumbs for certain characters.
If you enjoy atmospheric domestic thrillers with the tropes I mentioned above, plus love feminist themes with a good-for-her vibe and need a fast read. You’ll enjoy this one. Yet, if you prefer a more complex domestic thriller with epic scope and complex characterization you may not enjoy this one as much.
