Beware the Woman
An NPR Best Book of the Year
"Beware the Woman is Rebecca wedded to The Handmaid’s Tale . . . along with the feverish psychological twists and turns that Abbott’s novels are celebrated for.”—Maureen Corrigan, NPR
Honey, I just want you to have everything you ever wanted. That’s what Jacy’s mom always told her. And finally, Jacy did. Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her husband, Jed, embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Dr. Ash, in Michigan’s far-flung Upper Peninsula. The moment they arrive at the cottage snug within the woods, Jacy feels bathed in love by the hospitable Dr. Ash, if less so by his house manager, the enigmatic Mrs. Brandt.
But their Edenic first days take a turn when Jacy has a health scare. Swiftly, activities are scrapped, and all eyes are on Jacy’s condition. Suddenly, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother and complicated family history seem to eerily impinge upon the present, and Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage, her every move surveilled, her body under the looking glass. But are her fears founded or is it simply paranoia, or cabin fever, or—as is suggested to her—a stubborn refusal to make necessary precautions? The dense woods surrounding the cottage are full of dangers, but what if the greater ones are creeping inside?
"Beware the Woman is Rebecca wedded to The Handmaid’s Tale . . . along with the feverish psychological twists and turns that Abbott’s novels are celebrated for.”—Maureen Corrigan, NPR
Honey, I just want you to have everything you ever wanted. That’s what Jacy’s mom always told her. And finally, Jacy did. Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her husband, Jed, embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Dr. Ash, in Michigan’s far-flung Upper Peninsula. The moment they arrive at the cottage snug within the woods, Jacy feels bathed in love by the hospitable Dr. Ash, if less so by his house manager, the enigmatic Mrs. Brandt.
But their Edenic first days take a turn when Jacy has a health scare. Swiftly, activities are scrapped, and all eyes are on Jacy’s condition. Suddenly, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother and complicated family history seem to eerily impinge upon the present, and Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage, her every move surveilled, her body under the looking glass. But are her fears founded or is it simply paranoia, or cabin fever, or—as is suggested to her—a stubborn refusal to make necessary precautions? The dense woods surrounding the cottage are full of dangers, but what if the greater ones are creeping inside?
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Community Reviews
It reads like an allegory that illustrates the frustration of being a woman. I’ve don’t think I’ve ever been more frustrated reading a story; it definitely packs a punch.
This book is remarkably creepy and in the best way. First of all, Megan’s writing is enchanting and somehow, not cheesy. It should be—a little. The plot a little predictable but she weaves this gothic tension, atmospheric and looming. My favorite character is Mrs. Brandt. What a force! Took my breath away and the subplot of the mountain lion was clever. I think what I don’t love about this book… is that it hits a little close to home. The way men have been constantly acting a fool about women and their bodies feels old and tired but also so terrifying, in a very specific way that makes me love and hate this book. Read if you enjoy gothics, listening to that pit in your stomach and Handmaiden’s Tale.
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