Review - The Origins of Iris by Beth Lewis

 

 

 Title: The Origins of Iris

Author: Beth lewis

Pages: 336

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Release Date: 19th August 2021

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors.

'I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.'

Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn't expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself - literally.

Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?

As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.

An important, searing novel about one woman's journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.

 

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 My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley*

 

 When Iris was a child, she and her father spent a lot of time together exploring nature.

Now married and living in New York, Iris finds herself heading back to the wilderness to escape Claude, her abusive wife.

Iris sets up home in an abandoned cabin and is alone with nature and her thoughts, until she comes across another woman who looks just like her.

Who is this other Iris that has lived another life?

Can the two of them work together to survive the oncoming storm?

Why were they brought together?

 

As a fan of the author's previous books, I was excited to read this, especially as the blurb really intrigued me.

Iris was a likeable and relatable protagonist who I enjoyed finding out more about. I enjoyed seeing how she reacted in different situations, as well as finding out more about her.

The story is told with chapters alternating between the past and the present and I found them both interesting in different ways - I enjoyed the chapters set in the past as I got to find out what led to Iris leaving the city and her wife, and I liked the chapters set in the present as I got to see how Iris was coping with her past and how she interacted with the other Iris.

The plot was enjoyable and held my attention throughout. It kept me guessing as to how it would end, and I thought difficult themes were handled very well.

The writing style was easy to follow and I'm looking forward to the author's next book.

 

Overall, this was an enjoyable, unique read that I would recommend.