My Lover's Lover by Maggie O'Farrell
Fiction
2002
Finished on August 5, 2025
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Marriage Portrait and Hamnet comes an intense, unnerving and passionate story of betrayal, loss and love, with all the frisson and psychological intensity of Rebecca.
When Lily moves into new boyfriend Marcus's apartment and plunges headlong into their relationship, she must contend with an intangible, hostile presence—Marcus’s ex-girlfriend, Sinead. As Lily and Marcus become more deeply involved, Lily becomes obsessed with Sinead's fate and thinks she sees her everywhere. She must question not only her sanity, but whether the man she loves is someone she can, or should, be with at all.
I have now read seven of Maggie O'Farrell's novels, and while My Lover's Lover may not be my favorite, I certainly enjoyed reading it. The plot wasn't as confusing as those in some of her other novels, which tend to have alternating timelines with multiple points of view. This one did have flashbacks, but it was easy to keep track of the characters and their individual stories. That is not always the case with O'Farrell's books.
My Lover's Lover has creepy elements that gave it a ghost story feel, and it also brought to mind the obsessive and calculating nature of The Talented Mr. Ripley. It's not one I'll read again, but I did enjoy it, and find myself thinking about the characters. It would make a good movie!
I'm goiing to need that one now. Had not heard of that title by O'Farrell.
ReplyDeleteTina, I don't know why I thought you had read this one. It's worth reading, but maybe get it from the library.
DeleteThe title seems a good one: My Lover's Lover -- sort of provoking. I hadn't heard of this novel before. Delving into a partner's past is a pretty good plotline ... but it seems you weren't overly thrilled by it, though less confusing is always good. Thx for taking us thru O'Farrell's backlist.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it wasn't as good as some of her books, but better than others. How's that for an opinion? Haha! I have two more novels and one memoir remaining of O'Farrell's. It's been fun focusing on a single author this year. Time to get back to Elizabeth Strout's books!
DeleteI really enjoyed both of the O'Farrell books (Hamnet and Marriage Portrait) I've read, and I didn't realize she had a new one out. Must get it for spooky October reading!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteJane, this is actually one from her backlist, published in 2002. I've been reading her books all year long. You can find more of my reviews of those books if you click here.
DeleteI haven't read anything by this author but I must say the title of this one is intriguing.
ReplyDeleteShe's written some great books, Helen. I'll do a wrap-up at the end of the year.
DeleteI thought I'd at least heard about all of Maggie O'Farrell books, but this is new to me!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I thought it was pretty good. Next up is her "This Must Be the Place."
DeleteI have not read this by Maggie O’Farrell, an author I’m crazy about. When you said it has some shades of The Talented Mr. Ripley, I am even more intrigued. How I enjoy Patricia Highsmith’s books, too! Thanks for highlighting this.
ReplyDeleteMeredith, I've been enjoying my year of reading Maggie O'Farrell. I will be interested to hear your opinion of this particular novel.
DeleteI love all the books I've read by maggie O'Farrrell and didn't know about this one. Adding it to my TBR right now! I hope to read the Esme Lennox book by her next. Hmnet is one of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteAnne, I've been reading one of O'Farrell's books each month this year. This one was pretty good, but not my favorite. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is excellent, though! You can find my review here. I loved Hamnet, as well.
Delete