Book Description:
A Scottish journalist enters a dark online world in this unsettling novel about resentment and rage . . .
Edinburgh reporter Frankie has finally been assigned a high-profile crime story about a series of sexual assaults, and she relishes her big break. Her article focuses on the issue of women’s safety and looks at why conditions haven’t improved since the era of the Yorkshire Ripper.
Frankie begins to face a torrent of abuse online, attracting the attention of a group of men who want to prevent her from covering the story. But she won’t back down. What she doesn’t realise is that in this murky online world, one man is plotting a spectacular and shocking attack. Can Frankie continue to investigate and walk away unharmed?
My Thoughts:
The story alternates between two characters, Frankie and Liam. Frankie is a reporter who is after writing more hard-hitting articles and being taken seriously when it comes to her reporting. In some way’s she gets what she wants but she does have reservations when she gets the chance to write about feminism which in turn opens the door to writing about the recent rapes in the area.
Liam is a typical teenager who ends up being the butt of some school friends jokes which leaves him feeling humiliated and turning to the internet, seeking solace in what he has been through. I did feel empathy at times for this young man and where his character is concerned, it is also concerning at the forums and sites that are out there and how others can prey on people’s vulnerabilities although it never excuses anyone from any wrong doings.
I really liked Frankie’s character. She is determined in her quest for not only women’s rights but men’s also. I have seen other reviews where readers have mentioned that this story is very anti men but I didn’t find this at all. It was every bit about equality for women and men, sadly women’s rights are constantly having to be fought for and this is highlighted in the story line by the mentality of trolls. It also made me feel very sad.
Open Your Eyes is the author’s debut novel and a commendable one at that. I found the story line current and also thrilling as I kept turning the pages. The build up of tension as to how it would come to a head really gets the adrenaline pumping over the course of the novel. An enthralling page turner! Very much looking forward to reading more by the author.
bytheletterbookreviews 