My book review of 'Tony and Susan' by Austin Wright

by Austin Wright
Tony and Susan
by Austin Wright

Susan has been sent the manuscript of a book written by her ex-husband. As she reads the story we learn more and more about her life, her present husband, her former marriage, and her thoughts about this book and her response to it.

We read the story with Susan. Its central character is Tony whom we meet driving overnight to his holiday home with his wife and daughter. It goes terribly wrong when their car is forced to stop by two other vehicles. The men in these cars then abduct the women and drive Tony to a remote destination where he is abandoned. He desperately tried to get help and to find his family.

The book was amazing. Tony's story is truly gripping. The sequence of events is all the more terrifying because we can imagine it happening to us. Susan's response to the manuscript is interesting as she comments on the reading process in the light of knowing the author.

But I did find that I identified less with Tony as the story progressed, and I found that I wanted there to be more connection with the author, Susan's husband. I also felt that I wasn't picking up enough clues which I'm sure the reader was intended to find in reading Tony's story. Perhaps this is a book I need to read again. It was surprising though - I had no idea that it would be a thriller - and I did enjoy it.

Date of this review: January 2012