Fool’s PARADISE
ALL IS NOT SO WELL AT LIANE MORIARTY’S HEALTH RESORT
If you’ve always dreamt of going on a wellness retreat, this might be the novel to make you think twice.
All is not as it seems at rural Australian boutique health resort Tranquillum House. The retreat’s director, beautiful and driven Masha, has promised her latest group of guests they will leave feeling transformed, but she has more than a massage and a couple of yoga sessions on her mind.
The latest page-turner from bestselling Sydney author Liane Moriarty doesn’t disappoint.
It’s an absorbing read, filled with tension, unexpected twists, and a great cast of characters.
Frances Welty has signed up for a 10-day retreat because her life is in crisis. Her once successful career as a romance novelist is going downhill, she has been ripped off in an internet love scam, her back hurts, she’s menopausal, and she can’t shake a cold. She needs a break from everything.
At the remote resort she meets eight strangers, all with their own reasons for seeking an escape from their everyday lives. Ben and Jessica are falling out of love, Zoe and her parents are marking a traumatic anniversary, Tony is unfit and doesn’t like himself much anymore, Lars has a tricky situation at home, and Carmel thinks getting thinner will make everything better.
Their stay gets off to an interesting start when guests who have smuggled in contraband treats find their luggage has been searched. Then they are told they must spend several days in complete silence.
Soon it becomes apparent that this is no ordinary health spa and (no spoilers!) the experience is about to get a whole lot weirder.
I’ve been trying to put my finger on what makes a Liane Moriarty novel so enjoyable and I think it’s that the whole package is slick. The characters are believable, the story dramatic and dark at times, there’s enough depth to everything and everyone, and the writing is sharp and pacey.
Nine Perfect Strangers is pure enjoyment. I loved every moment of it.