The Snakes

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this absorbing, thought-provoking ARC. Don't be misled by the title thinking it will be a horror story involving poisonous snakes. The snakes are only mentioned a few times and are of the harmless variety. This is a superbly written character driven novel which progresses at a slow pace, examining a twisted, very dysfunctional family, and the gradual strains on a marriage. The author examines in detail some very flawed characters and the greed and corruption that the acquisition of large sums of money entails. It was hard to completely like any of the characters, but the author’s skill makes them believable. There is tragedy part way through the book, and also violence, fright and dread at its open-ended conclusion.

The patriarch of the family is a greedy, overbearing bully, and a billionaire. He has exaggerated right-wing views on society, believes in the inequality of distribution of wealth, no use for public services and certainly no sympathy for the poor or even the working middle class. He has no hesitation in loudly proclaiming his views. He is obsessed with always accumulating more wealth and power. His fragile, needy wife is an enigma at first, but we gradually discover her dark secrets make her a danger to her family and as unlikable as her husband.

The parents have ignored their daughter, Bea, while she was growing up. Now the father is intent on pushing goods and money her way. She stubbornly refuses to accept any help from them. She argues with her father’s political/social views and appears to dislike him. Her greatest hatred is towards her mother whom she tries to ignore. We eventually learn her reasons.

Bea is married to Dan, a mixed race man, who once aspired to be an artist. He has had to go into real estate, which he dislikes intensely. Bea has become a psychotherapist. Together they make a modest salary and struggle to make ends meet. Dan initially agreed with her decision not to accept help from her family but is now changing his mind once he learns of the vast extent of their wealth. In fact, Dan’s father, who has been absent all his life, contributed to their ordinary city flat. Dan is so unhappy in his work that Bea agrees for him to give it up. They rent their flat and take their savings to embark on a 3 month holiday in Europe to see the major tourist sites.

They plan to make a short stop in Burgandy to visit Bea’s beloved brother. Alex, at a hotel their father gave him to run. Alex is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. He seemed fractured in his emotional development, and stunted at a teenaged stage, at times affectionate but childish. He has done nothing to make the dilapidated hotel functional. He keeps a ledger writing in a list of fictional guests and their favourable comments. Keys to the always vacant hotel rooms have been named for the 7 deadly sins which amuses him. Snakes have invaded the attic and serve as a metaphor for trouble.

Bea and Dan receive the unwelcome news that their parents are arriving for a visit. Dan cannot understand why she is cold towards the mother. They reluctantly stay as Bea feels she must protect her damaged brother. Soon a tragedy occurs, which prolongs their stay, and makes them endure questioning by the French police. Dan is subject of racism in his interviews, and there is a long struggle with bureaucracy. Somehow the couples’ lives are in mortal danger.

I found this book to be a gripping, disturbing character study increasing in menace and dread. I will be looking for other books by Sadie Jones. *4..5* stars

What an amazing thriller! I loved the character development and stayed up way past my bedtime to find out what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this author.