Katia Lief, Invisible Woman, Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press Jan 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Reading the first chapters of Invisible Woman was an absolute thrill. I was so impressed with the way in which Leif combined a sympathetic character in Joni Ackerman, her back and forth feelings about her husband, Paul, and her situation as a domestic partner, housewife, mother and former winner of accolades for her films. She demonstrates all the challenges women of former public status face when they become the extra in their successful husband’s life. Joni is the woman who drifts around their huge party, recognised by few of the guests as anything other than their hostess, missing her daughters, harbouring a secret, and determined to act.

Joni reads several Patricia Highsmith’s novels as she ruminates on her marriage, and her past. This holds a secret that is not hers to tell but the aims of the MeToo movement becomes personal, as a rapist known to her is successfully accused by some of his victims. Joni attempts to persuade her friend to divulge her past that also involves this man and a mystery man. Val’s reluctance to make any accusations appears to be faltering when she agrees to meet Joni after several unsuccessful attempts to renew their friendship. She is almost killed.

I appreciated the clever introduction of Patricia Highsmith’s novels in which the perpetrator of a crime often escapes legal punishment. They also often find that such escape is an empty victory. Joni’s speculation about murder, her imaginary conversations, and her reflections on her situation are echoes of Highsmith’s work. Another positive is the realistic depiction of a woman whose past success has been silently, softly, but so firmly, closed down by her partner.

Where I lost my earlier satisfaction with reading this book was as what began as excellent social commentary, with sympathetic understanding and depiction of the challenges to Joni and Val’s validity as women who deserved to be visible, became lost in the resolution. I felt that the novel moved into different territory in some ways, and therefore did not meet my early expectations. However, despite this disappointment, I am keen to read more of Leif’s work. I suspect that she will always have an original approach to her characters, their actions, and their role in intricate plots. Probably this approach does lend itself to disappointment at times. On the other hand, it also suggests that a Katia Leif novel will not be boring – and to me this is an excellent reason to read another.

Invisible Woman touches upon the themes of loyalty, trauma, and the difficult choices individuals face when confronting past traumas. The narrative explores the dilemma Val experiences as she grapples with the decision to speak out about her assault, considering not only her own pain but also the potential impact on her friend Joni and her seemingly happy family. It delves into the complexity of personal relationships in the face of difficult revelations, shedding light on the internal struggles of survivors and the broader implications of breaking silence within the #MeToo movement.

This debut novel introduces heavy themes from the start, showcasing a surprising blend of literary fiction and attempts at a crime thriller. The smooth flow of the authorʼs writing aligns well with the literary genre, but the attempt to steer toward a crime thriller may not have been the most effective way to market this. The predictable storyline and lack of surprising revelations throughout the narrative, except for a sudden and seemingly unnecessary twist at the very end, can potentially distract from the main theme, leaving a less satisfying reading experience for some.

While I initially found Joni and Valʼs friendship engaging in the strong first part of the book, my investment dissipated at the main climax. The narrative failed to solidify its intended message or deliver a compelling portrayal of womenʼs experiences. After finishing the book, I was left with a lukewarm feeling, lacking the emotional resonance or sense of empowerment that I had hoped for from the story.

If youʼre interested in a story that delves into the complexities of the entertainment industry and touches on feminist themes, it could be worth your time. 😊

This was a quick read and was an engaging thriller with a flawed and unreliable protagonist and plenty of twists. 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy!

MeToo revelations hit Joni hard because she's been keeping a secret for thirty years. Once a promising film maker, she stepped back from the business when she married Paul, a producer. Now, though, she's bored, she's reading Patricia Highsmith, and she wants her old friend Val to step out and point the finger at Lou Pridgen, the Hollywood producer who assaulted her all those years ago. Only thing is, there was a second man. Astute readers of the genre might guess the twist but Joni's motives are something else. It's all about the secrets and lies that can boomerang in unexpected ways. While it starts slow, this novel picks up and adds tension along the way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of literary fiction.

Long-held secrets, betrayed friendships, frayed marriages, this one has it all. Quite different from Lief's previous works, but just as well written, with rich characterizations and stunning plot twists. Very readable and enjoyable.

Gritty and intense, this literary thriller is a suspenseful story revolving around the #metoo movement. Joni Ackerman sacrificed her successful career as a filmmaker 25 years ago to start and raise a family. In the present time, she and her husband, Paul, relocate to Brooklyn so he can launch a production company. Simultaneously, a scandal breaks out in the industry that involves her best friend, Val, who is reluctant to speak out. This story is an intricately plotted expose on friendship and marriage and the bonds that hold those relationships together. It also explores the reasons why women are so horribly wronged but sadly afraid to come forth and expose the perpetrators. I thought this book started out kind of slow but it picked up around 30% and took me on a twisty ride. And can we just take a moment to admire that beautiful cover art! Thank you Netgalley, Grove Atlantic, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on January 9, 2024

In the Invisible Woman I struggled to get into the narrative or connect with any of the characters, which is a sad because the premise sounded so interesting. I had high hopes that I would since it was dealing with the hot topic of the #metoo movement. The book started off pretty slow and I found myself waiting for things to pick up, only to be disappointed because everything unfolded in an underwhelming manner. #netgalley #invisiblewoman

I was on the edge of my seat and had to read this is a single sitting over Thanksgiving break. A perfect, beautifully written thriller to cozy up with!

Joni was one of the few women filmmakers, but she gave up her career to raise children. Her husband, Paul, thought highly of himself and his career meant more to him than his family. Val, Joni’s best friend, faced a scandal when she had been raped years ago. Joni desperately wanted to renew their friendship, but it came at a cost. Joni encouraged Val to come out with the truth. Under pressure, Joni is drinking too much and wants a divorce. The children have gone, and she is unhappy. She is tired of being taken advantage of and wants to be on her own. I felt sorry for Joni with no support system and an abusive husband. There are a lot of secrets and I enjoyed uncovering them.

Invisible Woman Katia Lief

4 stars

A story very relevant to today

Joni and her husband Paul have recently moved to New York from Los Angeles so He can launch a production studio. Their daughters are grown up and Joni finds herself ill at ease in a huge city where she hardly knows anyone. Years ago as a promising filmmaker, Joni had given up a burgeoning career in order to be a wife and mother. At the time she was happy to do so but now she is beginning to resent her husband as once again she is left at home in a strange city.

When news of the arrest of Lou Pridgeon, a high-flying producer, is revealed on charges of rape and assault memories come rushing back for Joni. Her best friend, Val, had also been raped by Lou Pridgeon when they were both students but Joni had kept it quiet at the time as Val was desperate to put it all behind her. Val is now happily married with a child but Joni feels now is the time to come forward to ensure justice is done.

Joni tries to persuade Val to tell her story but is unaware that two men were involved in the attack and Val is not willing to reveal his identity. The story escalates into violence and even though I guessed what has happened the story was well written and the ending, for me, was unexpected. This was a very relevant story as it revolves around the treatment women were subjected to in the film industry and how difficult it was and probably still is to get justice.

I enjoyed this book but did find the references to Patricia Highsmith’s books unnecessary maybe because I have only ever read the famous one! I also did not really find Joni a person that I could really sympathise with which detracted a little from the story. However it was definitely worth a read.


Karen Deborah

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this thriller of a book! I like the idea of incorporating the MeToo movement because I’m all about women empowerment. The book was a thrill and a quick read!

3.25 stars.

I liked but didn’t love “Invisible Woman”. While the plot was interesting and had an air of mystery about it, it didn’t manage to create a suspense atmosphere in my opinion. I appreciated the reflection of the #METOO movement that is a main plot point - and I loved that there was grace given to why someone may not disclose their assault for a long time. Joni is a complicated main character, I didn’t necessarily bond with her as a character but I appreciate her and her way of thinking. I think many women have tried to shield themselves from what they know deep down but do not want to accept. Overall a solid story!

I liked the idea and the cover more than I liked the book. It was slow to pick up and I never really enjoyed the author's writing style. The characters were fairly well developed but the writing was kind of stilted and I had a hard time focusing on the book. Parts almost seemed like they were from two different novels and then added together to make one? Or that the author was going to go one direction and then changed their mind? There was just something a little off about the book.

This was so fun! I got invested in the story immediately and really enjoyed the characters. I intitally was just interested because of the cover so this was a nice suprise, I am excited to read more from this author!

In Invisible Woman , a dangerous secret held for too long between estranged best friends rises to the surface, and a long marriage comes apart with devastating consequences.

Very suspenseful and atmospheric.

Joni and her husband Paul both worked in the entertainment industry. Twenty-five years ago, with their careers gaining traction and their family beginning to grow, Joni decided to step aside for her husband’s career as she raised their family.

Years later, and still taking a back seat to her husband’s career, they relocated to New York so he could launch an East Coast production studio, causing Joni to feel out of her element and lost within this big city. Once at the top of her game and bitter about the sacrifices she made for Paul, she takes solace in her novels until she finds herself immersed in the news story that has recently rocked the media. A story that seems all too familiar to her and her friend Val. A story Joni can’t contain any longer, and she must decide whether to reveal these secrets or keep them locked away.

Will this secret tear the entertainment industry apart and take her family with it? Or is this the redemption she needed to kick-start her career again?

I liked the idea of this novel, but it unfortunately fell flat for me. I figured out the plot pretty quickly and wasn’t surprised at some of the turn of events, yet I kept reading to see if I had guessed each plot twist correctly.

Overall, it is a quick and uncomplicated read. Great for that flight or long car ride when you want to get lost within a story that doesn’t require your complete attention.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gripping, engrossing, with some twists you'll see coming and some that will utterly blindside you. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read it prior to release.

When the news breaks that a prestigious Hollywood producer is accused of sexual assault, Joni Ackerman contacts her estranged friend, Val, a victim of his from years ago. They were both budding stars at the time, Val as an upcoming movie star, and Joni as a groundbreaking producer. Until that night.

Then Val stepped out of acting and chose a different life, asking Joni to keep her attack a secret.

In the present day, Joni is beginning to realize that her success as a film producer included major career sacrifices for her husband, Paul, to become the successful television producer he is today. She finds solace in Patricia Highsmith’s novels, sinking into the character's impulses and wondering about her own dark thoughts and desires.

The ongoing #MeToo media buzz eats away at Joni, she tries to persuade Val to reveal the details of her assault, but both Val and Paul are adamantly against doing so. As Joni continues to pressure Val, there are disastrous consequences for them both.

There were times that I felt like I had read parts of this story before, but the twists at the end made this one worth the quick read.

This is a short novel easy to read that explores lots of issues that would work well as classroom discussions. What is the damage that secrets do to the main character who has given up her career and drinks to fill her days. Sexual abuse of women by famous men and how women can support each other

This was a mixed bag for me. some parts of the story were interesting and engaging, other parts slow and other parts were why was this even part of it, to discredit the narrator? Books influencing her earlier movies and a friendship with a secret that needs to come out and a troubled marriage. Famous men and their assumption of entitlement to women's bodies 3.5