The first thing I'll say about this book is that it's not what I expected at all. I expected a more straight forward thriller but this one was slower paced and deeply psychological.

While the novel itself is quite wordy and sort of difficult to follow at times, I liked Acamporas style of writing very much, this was pretty much the only highlight for me.

Abby Graven is unsatisfied with her life and so she escapes into a dream state constantly and uses her skilled drawings as a way to get through her boring day to day. While at first I sympathised with Abby, as the story went on I felt more and more disquieted by the way she sees the world and her supposed 'best friend' Elise. When they reconnect after years of being apart, Abby takes this opportunity to try and regain her old connection with Elise.

A major theme within the book is friendship, but a severely twisted friendship for sure. Abby is basically obsessed with Elise and holds her up on a pedestal. But when Elise can't live up to her expectations, she gets increasingly bitter and angry. It's a very good portrayal of the darker side of a relationship and the lengths a person can go to in order to get what they want.

As well as Abby and Elise being the focal points of the story, there are a number of secondary characters which represent different things. As the novel is centered in LA, it is a study almost of contemporary Hollywood. Rafael - Elises on and off again boyfriend, is a high profile actor who has disturbing sexual fantasies and is a womaniser. Paul is a wannabe film maker, with whom Abby forms a really strange friendship. He wishes to make a film which will make a 'difference' but fails to see the desensitisation of the public to the immigrant plight he hopes to shed light on.

The ending of the book left me pretty unsatisfied and confused, I don't want to spoil it for anyone but it didn't feel realistic to me. It's definitely an ending which will be a bit polarising.

Overall, this is probably one of the strangest books I've read as of late, and one I can't see myself returning to unfortunately, hence the 2 star rating. I don't think this novel is for everyone but if you're a fan of psychological novels, with dark themes then this could be a good one for you.

Although I was drawn to this book because of the blurb, in the end, it wasn’t for me. This novel tells the story of the friendship and it’s demise of Abby and Elise through the eyes of Abby. The pacing is slow and the tone angsts, neither of my favorite flavors. I did not finish this one.

So so well written so multi layered a literary debut an author to watch a unique voice. Highly recommend #netgalley#Thepaperwasp#groveatlantic.

The Paper Wasp was an interesting read for me! The story deals mostly with the main character Abby, her thoughts, her art, and her obsession with Elise, her best friend from her childhood. Abby is shy and feels unloved and odd. Elise has moved on to stardom in Hollywood, where she has become a famous actress. Abby is obsessed with Elise. She hears that she is coming back to their small town high school reunion, and even though she dreads going and having to deal with her former peers, she goes. Elise is there and they find each other at the very end of the reunion. Elise gives Abby her private phone number and Abby quits her job at a supermarket and flies to Los Angeles, taking a chance that Elise will be happy to see her. Elise takes her in and from there, things get very strange.

I liked this book very much. It’s intriguing, fast moving and weird, in a good way!! I would like to read other work by Lauren Acampora. If you like stories that are a little off the wall, read this book!!

A stunning debut novel by Lauren Acampora. With a brilliant prose and her ability to delves deeper into characters's psyche, Acampora seems to be at top of her game. A must read for lovers of terrific literary genre.

The Paper Wasp certainly was an interesting read!
If you're looking for a fast-paced and action-filled novel, you'll be disappointed.

The story deals mostly with our main character Abby, her dreams and thoughts and her obsession with Elise. Abby desperately wants her friendship with Elise to go back the way it was. She's longing for the deep connection she shared with Elise in their childhood, but Elise is now a famous actress in Hollywood and Abby works at a local supermarket still back in her hometown.
After meeting at their highschool reunion, Elise invites Abby to come visit Hollywood and we get to see the story unfold.
The ending was great and I can definitely recommend this book if you like literary fiction and diving deep into a character's psyche.

Thank you Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC.

The plot is extremely intriguing, modern and captivating, whilst the characters are fleshed-out and relatable, with realistic motivating forces and emotional struggles. Acampora's prose is flowing; its rhythm and clarity makes for a gripping novel, one that stays with the reader long after he/she turns the final page. Will definitely be checking out other works by this author.

The paper Wasp by author Lauren Acampora is a fun, gripping story. Relatable characters and gripping plot, you won’t want to miss this! Loved it!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Paper Wasp in exchange for an honest review.