Delighted to include this title in the January edition of Novel Encounters, my column highlighting the month’s most anticipated fiction for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national lifestyle and culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

Lila is an actress who has come to psychologist Jonah to help unpack some childhood trauma as she embarks on a new movie with her director fiancee, Kurt. The new movie is based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, but with a feminist twist. It seems, though, that Lila has more going on than the childhood issues; is Kurt mistreating her, as well? Plus, there are things Jonah hasn’t told Lila about knowing her when they were at Princeton together.

This started very slowly for me. I wasn’t interested in all the movie scenes, nor am I much interested in F. Scott Fitzgerald. I have read “The Great Gatsby”, but nothing else by him and the author tells us early on there are a lot of Fitzgerald references (and Easter eggs). I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. The first bit of the book was a mix of the movie scenes and letters written by Lila to Jonah (as a way to put down her thoughts). Now, it did pick up in the last half or 1/3 of the book or so, and there were some tense moments, but it wasn’t enough to bring my rating up by much (though it did a little). The end was also ambiguous to me; I wasn’t quite sure what happened there, so I didn’t like that, either. Overall, I’m rating it ok, but only for the twists and extra suspense close to the end of the book.

Sweet Fury is a dazzling debut that is both titillating and thoughtful.

This book! As a first read of 2025, it was an excellent way to start the year off with a triumph. Part literary exploration of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s canon and our modern relationships with excess, glamour and its underlying darkness, part morally grey characters, unreliable narrators and a suspenseful plot, this book will draw you in and devour you.

Told between narratives from Lila Crayne’s point of view, both past and present, and therapy log notes by her therapist, Jonah, Sweet Fury Sweet Fury dives into Lila’s rise to fame and the steps she took to get there. It also looks into the games people play to win: lovers, money, success and how far we will go to reason with ourselves that we deserve the win.

There is obviously a lot of Fitzgerald influence in the story: from the literal adaptation of Tender is the Night to the cast of characters in Lila’s life and their obsession with their roles in the world. If you’ve read some of his work, you’ll recognize the easter eggs scattered throughout. You don’t have to be a Fitzgerald expert by any means to enjoy the book (side note, you should read Tender is the Night because it’s excellent). Sash’s writing is gorgeous and lyrical and enthralling. You’ll feel like you’re partly in a Fitzgerald novel, and party watching a movie. Her voice and character development are terrific, and her writing made a book that tackled some pretty big and serious topics easy to read. I couldn’t put it down.

Lila is a complicated and mutli-layered main character and I enjoyed trying to figure her out throughout the story. She’s smart, savvy and filled with a burning female rage. Without giving anything away, Lila’s devious plans for revenge on those who have wronged her in the past is fantastic.

This is a debut story from Sash, and I can’t wait for her to publish more. She is a talent to watch.

Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.

This book was so enjoyable to read! I forgot that I had a copy of it and had added it to my books to pick up when it was published so I was very excited to discover that it was waiting for me. I like how the lines were blurred between truth and tale making the reader become part of the game. No one is quite who they seem, and the process of putting the pieces together as the reader made this a great read. Once the first surprise in the book came I was hooked!

I definitely will be recommending this to everyone I know!

Lila and her fiancé, Kurt, have settled into a stunning West Village apartment as they begin filming their feminist adaptation of Fitzgerald’s ‘Tender is the Night’. Lila has the lead role while Kurt is a visionary filmmaker. Lila prepares for her role by beginning work with accomplished therapist, Jonah, to help her dig into the trauma of her past. As Lila makes breakthroughs and her life starts to unravel, Jonah is just the man to pick up the pieces. Everyone has secrets though…and no one is quite what they seem.

SWEET FURY is a thought-provoking and twisty read with eloquent and intelligent, if in places slightly overwritten and unnatural, prose. It reads like a love letter to Fitzgerald’s works. It features a dark and atmospheric vibe, touching on heavy themes whilst navigating toxic relationships, feminism, and misogyny.

This novel is told in three acts with multiple POVs. It took me a while to become immersed in this story, initially put off by the verbose prose, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to parse through to get to the root of what the author was trying to say. The first act is long and winding, making me question the direction of this novel. I had one idea but was soon pleasantly surprised when I reached act II and III to find that I actually had the wrong idea entirely. Acts II and III are riveting. I will add that the ending felt a bit too open and would have liked more clarity.

The characters are each interesting, well-written, and magnetic. The author shifts effortlessly through the main characters’ POVs, allowing the reader to learn their motivations while the story continues to unfold. It’s certainly a rich and powerful character-driven thriller, marking an exquisite debut for this author.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Simon and Schuster Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

Lila seeks help from therapist, Jonah, to unpack her trauma as she prepares for a role in a feminist adaptation of Tender is the Night.

Wild ride as I didn’t know who to believe because I knew someone was lying from the jump!!!! Told in alternating povs, it kept me hooked as I had to knew what the truth was. All characters were deeply unlikable but it didn’t deter me like most books would, which speaks to the writing and pace of the story. Great debut novel from @sash.bischoff!

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Sash Bischoff for a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a solid (but not excellent) debut novel from author Sash Bischoff. The novel revolves around the plot of movie star, Lila Crayne, and her film director partner creating an adaptation of Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night" which seemingly prompts the actress to enter therapy, with therapist Jonah Gabriel, in preparation for her leading role. Told from different perspectives, including diary entries and therapist notes, what follows is a twisty novel where the reader is left uncertain as to who is a reliable narrator and whether we should believe anyone's perspective.

The blurb of this novel says that it is akin to "The Silent Patient" so if you've read that novel, you will likely see the twist coming. I liked the deconstruction and examination of Fitzgerald's works through a feminist lens and also the behind-the-scenes look we get at the film industry. I just wish there was more of a focus on critiquing of these issues through these lens rather than the turn the novel takes, which while rooted in the human experience, seems to come out of nowhere with no foundation being really laid apart from a few passing references. While we get to hear more of Jonah's thoughts and experiences, we don't really get to see what Lila feels or experiences apart from what she wants to show the world. This left me disconnected with her character and I feel like this novel would have hit harder if it had done that.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.

The comp title says it all, if you liked The Silent Patient, you’re going to like this. Bonus points if you like feminist retellings and Tender Is The Night, which this novel explores by adapting it into a screenplay, or any of the other Fitzgerald novels.

This was twisty and manipulative. I can’t wait to see the movie.

Thirty-something movie star Lila Crayne has long dreamed of starring in a F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night leading role. She’s finally made it happen, with her fiancé, Kurt Royall, as director. In preparation for the role, she goes for therapy with Jonah Gabriel, to whom she claims Kurt is abusing her. Jonah, who met Lila while they were students at Princeton, has a long-standing obsession with her, which threatens his relationship with his fiancée, Maggie. Everyone has a secret, and no one is quite who they seem and then there’s the bombshell final twist. The book is about ambition, abuse and justice.

The pretentious writing style with many words I looked up in the dictionary and the numerous characters between real and actors had me struggling. I was prepared for some poetic prose as mentioned at the start of the book however I was at the point that if I saw F. Scott Fitzgerald’s name one more time I’d quit. Sash’s writing in a similar Fitzgerald style didn’t work for this psychological thriller. The first part when they are filming I skimmed read and for these reasons I almost stopped to give a DNF. Because of this ARC I pressed on and thankfully the relationship between Lila and Jonah and the ensuring twists had me reading to the end. I suspected there would be a murder however wasn’t sure who would be the killer. I was lost with the CODA ending and will check other readers’ comments when book is published. Rate is 3 as I maybe would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much! The different POVs and the incredible use of different mediums makes the story flow very fast. It makes you unsure who to trust and how much to trust them. The foreshadowing is there but not too in your face, and the twists keep you hooked until last page.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would 100% recommend to all thriller lovers!

Actress Lila Crayne and producer Kurt Royall are an unstoppable filmmaking team. They’re partners in life as well as business, and they’re seen as Hollywood’s “it couple.” But when Lila enters into therapy as part of research for a role, her therapist, Jonah Gabriel, is concerned by what she tells him about their relationship. However, what appears at first to be a straightforward story about a toxic partner is actually anything but. Because in this story, nothing—and no one—are what they seem.

I had a tough time getting into this one at first, but by the time the first twist was introduced, I was hooked! And the story just got better and better from there. I don’t want to give too much away about the plot, but I will say that the twists were foreshadowed absolutely perfectly. I saw one of the big ones coming, but the groundwork was laid so subtly that I felt really smart for figuring it out, which is honestly the sweet spot for me. The author deftly alternates between points of view. We get glimpses into different character’s heads, but some scenes play out almost cinematically, where we as the reader are just watching from the outside and don’t know anyone’s motives. This is clearly done intentionally and it’s incredibly effective.

If you’re looking for a feminist thriller with glamorous Hollywood vibes…oh, friend, this one is definitely for you!

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 7, 2025
Sash Bischoff’s debut novel, “Sweet Fury” is a unique exploration of the film industry, written as an homage to the literary great F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Lila Crayne is America’s Sweetheart- beautiful and compassionate, she sparkles on the big screen. She and her legendary filmmaker fiancé, Kurt Royall, team up to create a feminist adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Tender is the Night”. Lila knows that to give her all to the performance, she needs to face the trauma of her past head-on, which is why she seeks out the help of therapist Jonah Gabriel. Through Jonah’s guidance, Lila feels she is making headway but there are some deep secrets in Jonah’s past that are about to forever alter the lives of both Jonah and Lila forever.
“Sweet Fury” is a story of quiet, bubbling feminine rage, and it has never been so relevant. Lila is the protagonist who presents herself as one way to the world that adores her, while inside she plots revenge from a violation that took place years ago. There are some pretty deep topics in “Fury”, including domestic violence and sexual assault, so it’s not a novel to be taken lightly, but it is captivating, emotional and socially powerful.
I will admit that I have only ever read “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald, so a story that retells “Tender is the Night” was a little intimidating at first, as I thought that a knowledge of “Night” would be almost mandatory to enjoy Bischoff’s novel but I can honestly say that Fitzgerald’s work sets the stage, but Bischoff tells an entirely unique tale that stands on its own.
The story is told by Lila, through journal entries, and Jonah, as we slowly uncover their shared past (and the secrets within). Bischoff herself has some background in acting, so the portrayal of the nitty gritty underbelly of Hollywood holds some obvious realism.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Fury” but I was surprised by Bischoff’s impressive writing. The themes of “Fury” hold an even stronger relevance now, and readers looking for a #metoo revenge tale will flock to Bischoff’s debut. Bischoff is a unique voice that I can’t wait to hear more from.

There is no doubt Bischoff is a Fitzgerald fan, the parallels and the characterizations were spot on. But I also think as a Fitzgerald fan you will either love this or have a hard time letting the similarities go and I unfortunately fell into the latter.

Entertaining, juicy, feminist it’s going to be a great book club pick.

A fast paced read about a beautiful Hollywood starlet who is making a modern adaptation of Tender Is The Night by Fitzgerald with her director husband.
As you follow along with the story you realize that no one is quite who they appear to be. I ate this book up and really enjoyed all the nods to Fitzgerald and I couldn't wait to see where the story took me.
I really enjoyed this beautifully written debut, and look forward to reading more from this author.

For my more indepth, spoiler free review you can check that out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VniqVn6ak9Q&t=375s

An incredibly strong first novel from Sash Bischoff! This writer is ooozing talent! This was a fast paced and captivating book. While some of the chapters were unnecessarily long I appreciated the dark and twisty complexities of the different characters - particularly Lila. I was somewhat disappointed by the ending but ultimately that didn’t detract from my appreciation of the book as a whole. Looking forward to Bischoff’s next offering already! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
Lila Crayne is America’s sweetheart: she’s generous and kind, gorgeous and magnetic, and she’s loved the whole world over. She and her boyfriend, visionary filmmaker Kurt Royall, have settled into a stunning apartment in the West Village, and are embarking on a modern feminist adaptation of Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night.

To prepare for the leading role, Lila begins work with charming and accomplished therapist Jonah Gabriel to dig into the trauma of her past. Soon, Lila’s impeccably manicured life begins to unravel on the therapy couch—and Jonah is just the man to pick up the pieces. But everyone has a secret, and no one is quite who they seem; before long, careers, reputations, and lives are in danger of being irrevocably destroyed.

A twisty, thought-provoking novel told through the lens of the film industry, and in conversation with the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sweet Fury takes a hard look at America’s deep-rooted misogyny, and offers a fresh take on the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. A meta novel of construction and deconstruction about the narratives we tell ourselves—and what happens when we co-opt others into those stories—Sweet Fury examines the true meaning of justice, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.

I really wanted to like this book. However, I simply could not deal with the overly descriptive, flowery writing style. I struggled to finished.

2 out of 5 ⭐️