Ashley Audrain’ s debut novel The Push was an instant New York Times best seller. Having read her newest book The Whispers, it has all the makings of a bestseller as well. The Whispers is a chilling page turner about four suburban families whose lives are changed by a dramatic incident.
A backyard barbecue in a well-to-do neighbourhood ends abruptly when the apparent perfect host (Whitney) explodes in rage, screaming and swearing at her son who has disobeyed her. Nine months later, the same young boy (Xavier) is in a coma after a midnight fall from his third-floor bedroom. Did he jump, or was he pushed? Will he die or recover? The question allows author Ashley Audrain to examine contemporary motherhood through the lens of women in four families who live beside each other in suburbia. We get to know Whitney, Blair, Rebecca and Mora – their secrets, lies, jealousies and insecurities. Things are a little different from a front porch or backyard BBQ perspective as neighbours wonder what led to that terrible night. Whitney’s best friend suspects that something is not right. No wonder they’re “whispering”!
Toronto author, Ashley Audrain lays their lives out with no sympathy resulting in a dark, three-day drama as the boy teeters on death as his mother sits by his bedside. On one hand the novel is a crime thriller, but the clear writing is laser focused on the theme of midlife crisis from a mother’s point of view. The book is a slow burn to be sure, but finishes with a stellar, well thought out ending. It may not be for everyone as some scenes might be disturbing to some readers, but it is tough to put down. A chilling, compelling read–9 out of 10.
The Whispers: Copyright 2023 by Ashley Audrain Creative Inc.
VIKING, an imprint of Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Ltd.
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch
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