The Need by Helen Phillips @helencphillips @SimonSchusterCA #theneed #travelingsistersread

The Need by Helen Phillips is now available!

The Need is a unique, complex, brilliantly written story that is one of the strangest books I have ever read. Now, this is a good one to go in blind however if you are like me and want to know what direction a story is going I think it’s good to read a little bit about this one before going in. It’s a hard one to review because I feel saying anything about this story might be a spoiler as it really is very original and a very different reading experience here. However, it’s very complex and fast-paced and at times I felt I was missing things I really needed to pick up on. I feel the whole experience here is picking up on your own anxiety, fears, vulnerabilities, needs as a mother and facing your parenting self.

The Need is a thriller, horror with some sci-fi that explores the fears and needs that make a mother vulnerable. The story starts off like a fast-paced thriller with a little horror there and then things take a little sci-fi. There is some horror throughout the story but not like you might think. The chapters are short and quick but pack a lot in them with all the complex layers to the story.  Each chapter ended with me wanting to read one more chapter to find out what is coming next. 

Helen Phillips does a fantastic job here with the characters of the children and the dynamics with them.  The daughter Viv is witty, sharp and entertaining. A bit annoying at times but I really enjoyed her character.  She is realistic with all the traits of a toddler that had me laughing and cringing with her behavior.   

This one took some focus to really pick up on all the complexities of the story and I am really glad I gave this odd story a try. I think it one not to be missed for anyone who loves to delve into all the complexities of being a Mother. I highly recommend for group reads.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my copy to read and review.