Member Reviews
Unfortunately not for me. In a world with SO many books being published, I just don't see this as a must in our collection.
Delighted with this engaging, suspenseful tale. Loved how the author brought interesting characters to life in a rich, dark setting that is arguably a character itself. Not only is this a story of ambition and betrayal, but there are many thought-provoking themes that make you sit back and take notice. This one stuck. And those twists!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Look forward to seeing what else Sara Sligar writes!
Sara Sligar is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed her first novel, “Take Me Apart,” but this book, “Vantage Point” was on a whole other level (although I question the publisher’s description of “Succession meets Megan Abbott,” as there little beyond an ultra wealthy family that link this book and they tv show). And the best part is, they don’t need to be linked. This book stands on its own as a very well written and gripping story. Ms. Sligar’s prose is insightful and razor-sharp when it comes to writing people, especially those who are broken and wounded. And the dual person narrative she employs here works really well to advance the story effectively. Perhaps one of the most frightening elements about this book is that the idea it hinges upon is right before us, certainly very likely to occur within most of our lifetimes. My only misgiving about “Vantage Point” is that the two male characters don’t feel especially real. This is particularly true of Teddy, one of three main characters. Ms. Sligar acutely nails down how the combined blessings of his wealth, privilege and looks all lead to a deeply ingrained sense of entitlement, but it’s when and how that entitlement ultimately unravels that didn’t quite work for me. Something like that is a process, not a light-switch, but here it felt more like a light-switch. As for the other primary male character, he is paper-thin, and given his responsibility (more-or-less) for everything that happens, that’s a glaring omission. I would have liked to have seen a lot more consideration of him and his motives than the scant treatment it received. But all that aside, I found this a really enjoyable and well-written read and eagerly await Ms. Sligar’s next offering.
"Vantage Point" by Sara Silgar is a compelling and thought-provoking novel. Silgar's crisp prose and well-crafted characters keep you hooked, while the story's unexpected twists make it an unforgettable read. This book is a brilliant exploration of perspective, truth, and the intricacies of human relationships.
There was a lot to like with this story - family drama, coastal Maine locale, cutting edge technology - and for the most part, I was entertained. Did I buy the premise? Meh. Were the characters interesting and well thought out? Yes, generally, but I didn't have anyone that I was really rooting for.
This kept my interest and I enjoyed reading it. I wasn't totally satisfied with the ending, but, that happens often. I'd read more from the author.
I wasn't a huge fan of the cover.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
This was such a fascinating book! The story started and it really didn’t let up until the very end. At no point did I feel bored or disinterested. This book had deepfakes, holograms, a political race, and a family curse.
Teddy and Clara Wieland are siblings that have grown up on a small island with their parents in the families mansion, Vantage Point. It is rumored that there is a Wieland family curse that claims the lives of many of the Wieland family in the month of April. After Teddy and Clara’s parents die tragically, Clara begins to believe in the curse.
Years later, Teddy marries Clara’s best friend, Jess, and they all move back to Vantage Point as Teddy starts running for Senate. Soon after the Senate race has started, there is a very personal video that is released of Clara online that she does not remember making, nor does she remember the man she made the video with. This has her wondering if she is losing her mind or if this is even real to begin with. Once she brings it up to Teddy and Jess they automatically write her off as crazy and a danger to the campaign.
Another video of Clara comes out and she knows it’s up to her to figure out who is releasing these videos of her before it ruins her brother’s run for the senate and her and her families reputation.
Really interesting plot, old money, senate campaign, curse. I found the sibling dynamic very relatable and was rooting for them when things started to fall apart. The "twist" was hard for me to wrap my brain, but as technology advances, it's certainly plausible. My other struggle with this book was that it felt a little all over. A political campaign, eating disorder, family curse, best friends fighting. A lot of zigging and zagging.
I received this from the publisher when it wasn’t even on my radar and I am so glad that happened! What a great read! Clara and Teddy are wealthy siblings living on their family owned island, Vantage Point. Along with Clara’s best friend who is also Teddy’s wife, Jess, they are navigating a political campaign for Teddy. Amidst the campaign, a revenge porn video of Clara hits the internet and takes off like wild fire, embarrassing her and causing a huge uproar. The biggest problem? Clara has zero recollection of the guy in the video or even making the video. Is it a fake? A doppelgänger? Deepfake? Jess believes her and as another video pops up that includes Jess that they both KNOW isn’t real, they have to find out why someone is sabotaging them and stop it.
The side story of the family curse is very interesting also! Clara and Teddys family members have all passed away suddenly and some morbidly- is this the Weiland family curse or something deeper? Highly recommend this book!
The novel does an excellent job of exploring the dark side of technology, significantly showing how deep fakes are indistinguishable. It's a timely reminder of how easily our reality can be manipulated in the digital age. The character relationships are fraught with envy, secrets, and unresolved trauma, adding another layer of tension to the story.
Unfortunately, It's tiresome to keep my interest growing, and the characters are hard to relate to, but the intricate plot and psychological depth kept me going. The ending is unsettling and leaves you questioning what's real and what's not.
Overall, "Vantage Point" is a thought-provoking and eerie read that will keep you hooked, especially if you're into stories that explore the dark underbelly of family secrets and the dangers of modern technology.
This book has a unique premise, but I struggled connecting with the characters and plot. It was an entertaining read but not one that I truly loved, I’m sorry to say.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I really enjoyed this book except im not sure what I think about the final few lines. I thought this book was different and I liked the hologram plot line. I would recommend this book to other and I would be interested in reading another book by this author.
So, after gaslighting the shit out of her characters, the author decided to cheekily point out that the reader was also being punked (potentially)? Did...was that supposed to be cute?
Vantage Point is so incredibly funny and clever that I am reading it again.
It's a dark satire of the wealthy Wieland Family. They are so unlucky that they make the Guinness family seem fortunate.
When Jess was a teenager, her family died in the most awful and macabre way. Almost all Wieland deaths take place in the cursed month of April. Or do they?
Teddy is her spoiled brat elder brother. He's running to be a senator, and we are shown how he only cares about how things impact upon him.
I don't want to spoil the plot or the hilarious fake Wikipedia entries that litter this brilliant book. It's just so incredibly well written.
I enjoyed the premise of this book, It was a great interrogation of how deep-fake technology impact political and familial relationships. I just wish there was a little more suspense and mystery behind it.
This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!
Deepfakes and scandal and internet trolls, oh my!
The Wieland family knows tragedy, in fact through the years so many incidents have befallen them that there is said to be a curse upon the brood that takes place in April. Teddy and Clara and Teddy’s wife Jess are the latest generation to deal with life changing events that rock their world.
The three are living on a quiet Maine island called Vantage Point, inhabiting the expansive family property that has been in the home to Wielands for generations when an explosive video of Clara is leaked to the public. Chaos descends, and Clara becomes convinced the event captured never happened leading to a story full of twists and turns, dragging the nagging shadow of doubt.
This was a very well written story. The character descriptions are nuanced and layered. I found Clara to possess a haunting quality—she was supremely affected by her past experiences in a way that stunted her growth, kept her from maturing and moving forward. The inclusion of current technological trends wrapped up in a political race made for a unique tale that kept me interested, and, that ending, wow.
I recommend Vantage Point, especially if you’re interested in family dynasties and books with a technological storyline.
I received this free advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.
The writing is sharp and the chapters alternate between Clara’s point of view and that of Jess’s, her best friend and sister-in-law. I never quite knew what to expect as I turned each page and was immersed in this exploration of technology (vs. reality), class, ambition, and misogyny.
The Wieland family has it all, money, fame, and fortune along with a deadly curse. Not every April, but always in April, members of the family die tragically. The current generation brother and sister are entering the month of April when things start to go horribly wrong. Is it the curse or is there another explanation for the happenings? Solid story that keeps you turning the pages.
I didn't have high expectations of this book after the first few pages. It was a little slow but I was determined to finish.As I read on it got better. I got invested in the characters. The idea that the author came up with about the method used by the " villain" was very unique. For the most part it was very well written. I did enjoy the ending..
Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!