Secrets of Strangers, The
Norman, CharityIf they'd known what was in store for them, they would have been happy to forgo their daily fix and avoid the Tuckbox Cafe in Balham, London, at all cost. But in the randomness of everyday life, five strangers do not have this foresight, and it is their bad luck to be taken hostage by a seemingly crazed gunman who has just shot the cafe owner.
In the tense hours that follow as the hostages and the police negotiators attempt to make sense of the situation and prevent it from escalating, their lives are slowly laid bare.
Compassionate and compelling, this is a hostage drama with heart that will have you the reader also experiencing Stockholm Syndrome.
Pages
337
337
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
08-08-2024
A very well-received book, finished by everyone who attended this month. An easy read: thought-provoking too. Discussion was about how first impressions can change with more information. Also sad, with some interesting Rwandan history. Everyone enjoys Charity Norman.
26-06-2024
All found it a good read. Some differing views on the authenticity of various characters but that may relate to different life experiences. Mixed feelings about Sam.
19-03-2024
Everyone enjoyed this gripping story by a skilled writer. We particularly liked the well-drawn characters and the way in which the reasons for the tragedy were slowly revealed.
11-03-2024
We all loved this book and enjoyed all the diverse back stories which the author wove into a cohesive narrative. Our sympathies for Sam increased as his story was revealed but Neil's character impressed and lead to a lively discussion on homelessness and begging.
29-02-2024
Everyone loved reading this book. The story unfolded in an interesting way and there was some pleasure finding out about the backstory of each person, even though some stories were quite harrowing. The author has created a thought provoking read with a clever combination of characters.
12-01-2024
This book was rated our group's favourite book of the year. The way the book was written made you want to keep reading, sometimes until the early hours to find out more. Each of the main characters was wonderfully described and it felt like you knew them.
13-11-2023
This book was much enjoyed by most of our members. The plot and characters were well described without too much melodrama. some parts were understated which compensated for the horror and chaps in the lives of the hostages. Sam, the protagonist, was handled with empathy, as was his mother. The subject matter of the book provided a very lively meeting - all agreed the author provided some very interesting characters.
11-10-2023
Everyone loved this book. It was carefully crafted, each of the characters well drawn out as the story unfolded. Charity Norman has become a favourite of our group.
16-08-2023
Wow, what a book. Page turner from the get go. Everyone loved the book and couldn't put it down. Not everything is what it seems!
22-05-2023
Every one of us enjoyed this book. It affected us all but in different ways - we all ended up feeling sorry for Sam, although not initially. Some of us felt the story had a 'happy ending' feel to it but others thought that might have happened and liked that it ended that way. Great story with great stories within the story...loved it. We would all like to read more of her books.
10-05-2023
All except one thoroughly enjoyed this book, we are Charity Norman fans, some happy to read it for the second time. We thought the characterisation was excellent, so clever of the author to gain our sympathy with the villain. Our only criticism was the ending was a little too tidy.
07-02-2023
Our group scored this book 7.6/10. Most members found it an easy, compelling read with good themes. It was nice to have a range of stories captured in the main story. However some of us wanted more depth in some parts of the books, specifically with some of the other story lines.
08-11-2022
We all enjoyed this book, and it generated lots of discussion. We were glad Robert died at the beginning so that we didn't have to listen to his story, and possibly gain sympathy for him! Our discussion became very wide ranging.
08-11-2022
We gave this book 4.61/5. We all loved this book. Well developed, realistic and relatable characters with interesting back stories. A fabulous read from a wonderful author.
08-11-2022
We really found this compelling reading. Charity Norman does not disappoint. Captures facets of human nature well.
08-08-2022
Suspenseful, great characters, a worthwhile read.
08-08-2022
Another great read by Charity Norman. The entire group enjoyed this book, well worth a read.
03-08-2022
Good read - we all enjoyed it. Good writing. Hard to put down when you start to read it. Created a good discussion on the characters. Would definitely read another of her books.
20-07-2022
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought it was an easy read and well-written. We have read two other books by Charity Norman, and she never fails to deliver a good story.
16-05-2022
All but one loved it.
09-05-2022
We all really enjoyed this book - it makes you realise that everyone has a story.
06-05-2022
A great page turner. We liked the way the characters' back stories were slowly unveiled. Not a deep and memorable read, as some of our more disturbing books have been - an easy read with no real feeling of danger or fear.
05-05-2022
Good story, excellent characters, quite believable. All except for the resolution chapter - a bit "airy fairy" compared to the rest.
07-03-2022
We all really enjoyed this book. Insightful, great characters and attention to detail. Interesting style - written from the viewpoint of each main character in this hostage setting.
03-02-2022
An attention grabber!
01-11-2021
We all enjoyed this book - an easy read.
18-10-2021
Gripping - a group favourite!
22-09-2021
One of the best books we've read this year! An enjoyable yet harrowing book that was a quick easy read.
27-08-2021
We all enjoyed this book. Very readable. We enjoyed the way the author cleverly revealed the personal stories of the diverse characters, and how, under stress, they learnt to understand and support each other. She had a real understanding of human nature.
27-08-2021
Absolute group favourite! The style of writing adds to the depth of the character development. Each character unfolds on their own and yet is in perfect harmony with the story as a whole.
26-03-2021
Unusually we ALL enjoyed this book immensely. We warmed to the characters and loved her writing.