Review of Un animal salvaje by Joël Dicker
When I first picked up Un animal salvaje, I didn’t know what to expect from Joël Dicker, an author I had previously enjoyed only in fragments. His earlier works, like La verdad sobre el caso Harry Quebert, left me with a curious blend of admiration and skepticism. Dicker has a knack for weaving thrilling plots, but would this latest offering keep me engrossed? The intrigue of a jewel heist set against the backdrop of Ginebra and Saint Tropez was enough to draw me in, and I found myself eager to dive into this tale of suspense and twisted secrets.
The novel kicks off with a pivotal robbery at an upscale jewelry store in Geneva, setting the stage for an intricate web of deception and hidden truths. The narrative unfolds around Sophie Braun, who is preparing to celebrate her milestone birthday, oblivious to the dark clouds gathering over her seemingly perfect life. Her husband is entangled in his own secrets, while their neighbor, a cop with a pristine reputation, harbors an unsettling obsession. The stage is set for a series of revelations and unexpected twists.
Dicker’s writing style in Un animal salvaje is marked by a lively pace and a well-crafted narrative. The novel employs a third-person perspective, incorporating jumps in time that flick between 2007 and 2022, keeping the reader engaged at every turn. The quick tempo makes it impossible to put down; I genuinely felt like I was racing through the pages, with the whole experience reminiscent of a Saturday night film—pure entertainment, albeit one that quickly fades from memory.
Yet, while the book dazzles with its rapid-fire twists, it lacks depth in character development. The focus leans heavily on the unfolding drama rather than the intricacies of the characters themselves. The "love triangle" adds a layer of melodrama that, for me, teetered on excessive but ultimately contributed to the novel’s page-turning allure. The mystery surrounding the characters propels the story forward, revealing secrets at a tantalizing pace. The climax, while somewhat predictable, is satisfying due to the careful plotting that Dicker has engineered.
What resonated with me was Dicker’s ability to construct a narrative filled with tension while maintaining a clear and swift writing style. The book is polished, leaving few loose ends, which reflects the author’s meticulous planning. One line that lingered in my mind was about the nature of trust and betrayal, themes that pulse through the plot like a hidden thread. Dicker excels at threading suspense throughout his storytelling, prompting readers to reconsider the characters’ motivations and secrets at every turn.
In conclusion, Un animal salvaje may not be the profound literary masterpiece some crave, but it serves its purpose as a gripping read for those looking to escape into a world of luxury, intrigue, and suspense. It’s a novel for readers who enjoy thrillers with a focus on plot over character depth. If you’re looking for a quick literary escape that won’t weigh heavily on your mind afterward, this might just be your next pick. For me, it was an enjoyable ride, even if it’s one I might soon forget. Three stars felt just right for this diverting tale, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, entertaining adventure!