"I wonder if it hurts them to shed their skins."

Hello friends, and thank you for joining me on what might be the strangest reading journey I've embarked on yet. Usually, if I edit a star rating on one of my reviews, I'm typically knocking it down a peg because, the more I've thought on it, the more I decided I had let the initial high of the book cloud my unbiased judgement. I can't say for sure, but this might be the first time I've actually bumped a review up an entire star after careful thought and consideration. If you've missed the drama, which is likely if you aren't following my Instagram page, let me briefly summarize below.

A week or so ago I read an article via The Guardian with a review of The Snakes that discussed a controversial ending that was causing reviewers to feel widely divided over the entirety of this novel. Naturally, I decided to clear off every other TBR book and pick this up immediately, which is funny due to the fact that I had almost written this one off completely due to the overall low GR average rating. However, if you know me you know that I like to buck the trend and a low average can't keep me away from a book, because the more you tell me not to read it, the more I want to start it right now. I decided to take one for the US team, and to my surprise, it was completely unputdownable. Few books have captured my attention and crawled so deeply into my brain this year as The Snakes did, and even though this novel is the slowest of burns, I couldn't read it fast enough. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about when I could ditch everyone in my house and get back to reading it. AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW that the ending, the very reason why I picked this book up, was the most disappointing aspect for me.

I gave a little pre-review on my Instagram last night, stating the above facts, and the discussion surrounding this novel blew up! So many readers stated that they had all but written off this book, but now were so intrigued that they were planning on moving it up the TBR just because the suspense was thrilling them! See what I did there? 😏 I'm glad I chose to sit on my full review and process my thoughts on this one a bit longer, because I have not stopped thinking about these characters since finishing the book. This might be a perfect example of placing my expectations in a state too lofty to achieve; I read an article and based my thought pattern in a way that the book doesn't ACTUALLY give an impression of, so that's on me, and the more I think about it, the more I'm ok with the ending.

So what is this book about do you ask? The Snakes is a slow burning character study of a deeply dysfunctional family who's native tongue is wealth beyond all reason. I cannot emphasize the slow burn part enough; while I know that I flew through it in record time for a meaty 450 page literary crime fiction novel, I can imagine a majority of people going in would picture something a bit more speedy. There is essentially minimal-to-no plot progression here, and very little "action" takes place, but the dark beauty of this story is watching the characters slowly evolve into entirely different people, or perhaps come into the people they have been all along. There are a few literal snakes in this story, but they are minimal and take a backseat to the truly dangerous human snakes featured.

There is a bit of a mystery here, but I wouldn't commit to reading this book if that's all you're looking for, as the murder mystery really does take back burner to the character study that is provided. There are some really dark themes explored here, and readers should be warned that the narrative includes discussions and scenes featuring pedophilia, incest, child abuse, graphic violence, and much more. I really don't want to dive too much into what else happens, but I have a feeling that this is one of those few books that will remain memorable for years to come. I can only imagine how I'll be a black sheep reader of this one, so don't feel like you have to come at me if you hate this book, because I completely respect your decision and/or your thoughts on the ending, but perhaps this is the type of book that I needed to find to break me out of the dime-a-dozen psychological thrillers that seem to be plaguing the market today. If, like me, you found this book calling your name regardless of the average rating, give it a try! You never know what books may be written just for you.

<img src="http://pics.cdn.librarything.com/picsizes/14/44/14445cb9b4eb7cf5971795272674141414d6741.jpg">

Bea and Dan are that most rare of literary couples, they are happily married. And Bea is happy. She's left her family behind and while she and Dan don't have much money, she loves her job as a therapist, their tiny flat and especially she loves Dan. Dan, who went to art school, is far less content with their life. He hasn't been able to create anything in some time as his tedious job as an estate agent means long hours and returning home in the evening drained. He convinces Bea that they should take their small savings, sublet their flat and go travel in Europe for a few months. He has a list of places he wants to see, but first they go to France where Alex, Bea's brother and only family member she cares about, runs a small hotel in the countryside.

But the hotel isn't what they thought it would be. For one thing, Alex isn't capable of running any sort of business, for another, it's almost entirely unfurnished. And there are apparently vipers in the attic, drawn there by the many mice. And this is where Bea and Dan's solid relationship begins to fray, because when Bea's parents arrive, Bea is tense and withdrawn, overwhelmed with interacting with her dysfunctional family and Dan is startled to discover that when Bea described her family as well-off, what she actually meant was very, very wealthy. And he begins to feel that Bea's peace of mind, the peace of mind she has from refusing to use a penny of that wealth, is paid for with his ability to do his art. When Alex disappears and the French police show up, all the fracture lines are laid bare.

No one writes about the dysfunctional families of the British upper crust quite like Sadie Jones. And this is perhaps her best novel so far. Both Bea and Dan are complex and sympathetic, even when they are in direct conflict. Dan, who was raised in a council flat in a rough part of London, has no defense against the casual luxuries of the wealthy. And Bea, raised in a stifling, love poor environment, treats that wealth with casual familiarity and distain. And those differences of outlook make what is going on with the police and Bea's family more difficult until the entire situation spirals out of control. The writing is very fine, but what really makes this novel worthwhile are Jones's razor-sharp observations.

3.5 Stars

I am not a fan of snakes, but love my horror and after catching a glimpse of this cool cover, I was drawn in....and fooled. So....for those of you who steer clear of traditional horror novels, have no fear here....not really.

There are some snakes though....but mostly a treacherous humanoid variety. There's a creepy hotel I would not inhabit and a dysfunctional family with filthy rich, disgustingly hurtful parents....who have a horror of a secret.

THE SNAKES is a slow burn and dark tale with much tragedy where money is the root of most, but not all evil.

***Arc provided by HarperCollins Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for review***

A good story with a twist ending, it is refreshing to read books that don't end the way you think they're going to end. The family drama is interesting, as is the relationship between the main character and her husband. Everyone makes bad choices, no one has the whole story, and there is a lot of miscommunication. This ending will not be satisfying for everyone, but I enjoyed its realism.

The plot and themes of "The Snakes" are as gracefully sinuous as the titular creatures. At first the story seems to be about the tensions simmering between an outwardly happy married couple. Then it appears to be an exploration of the young wife's dysfunctional family. From there it seems to segue to a tale about the temptation of money, and then it apparently morphs into a flat-out crime thriller. In truth, the book is all of the above, layered one atop another, and thanks to the elegant prose, it works. My only criticism, and this definitely subjective, is that the writing is at times too studied; I admired the book intellectually more than I was moved by it emotionally.

The Snakes proves there's nothing like good old family drama. Like super dysfunctional with major issues, and money plays a role here. The snakes were creepy to think about, but it's not a story about snakes. The entire thing is so odd yet very intriguing. I didn't like the characters, but I liked the story. It's thought provoking and ambiguous and absorbing. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

A provoking and solemn family drama, focusing on the very flawed characters who have the misfortune to be related. It's a disturbing study of a truly dysfunctional family unit, told in haunting and multi-layered prose.

What an amazing thriller! I loved the character development and stayed up way past my bedtime to find out what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this author.

Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.  A "wish for" that was granted.

Snakes - they are reptiles.  Slithering and hissing, coldblooded and creepy.  Did you know there are warmblooded snakes, as well?  They look completely different, but are just as vile.  Yessssss, I'm talking about human snakes.  Poisonous, treacherous, apt to play serpentine games.  Does this brand of snake shed its skin?  If so, what lies beneath?  In a dilapidated hotel in France, there are nests of snakes in the attic.  They are the real deal.  It is the other type you should avoid.  Beautiful, commanding, mesmerizing.  Deadly.

What an unusual read this was. Not because there was anything unconventional to the style of writing or formatting, but because of the foggy sense of themes that do not really crystallize at the end.
It's a bit of a meandering book, but it still manages to maintain tension, which is a feat. None of the characters are particularly likable but this does not detract from the story, which is a testament to the quality of the narrative. There is one particular scene that manages to be the most frightening in the book, in which a man named Russ appears at the hotel where the protagonists are staying. Nothing really happens, but it makes your skin crawl.
Some readers have taken issue with the ending but I, contrarian that I am, actually think is perfect. The ambiguity of it matches the rest of the novel exactly as it should.
Definitely one I recommend.

This was different and was a mix of genres (well done, BTW). I got a little bored in the middle, but liked overall. The characters will well-written, even if it was tough to like a lot of them. The plot was a bit uneven, but mostly-well crafted. I have mixed feelings about the lack of closure at the end -- I usually like neat bows, but see value in open endings in some stories. Overall, 3.5 stars.

I really appreciate the free copy for revew!

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for this absorbing, thought-provoking ARC. Don't be misled by the title thinking it will be a horror story involving poisonous snakes. The snakes are only mentioned a few times and are of the harmless variety. This is a superbly written character driven novel which progresses at a slow pace, examining a twisted, very dysfunctional family, and the gradual strains on a marriage. The author examines in detail some very flawed characters and the greed and corruption that the acquisition of large sums of money entails. It was hard to completely like any of the characters, but the author’s skill makes them believable. There is tragedy part way through the book, and also violence, fright and dread at its open-ended conclusion.

The patriarch of the family is a greedy, overbearing bully, and a billionaire. He has exaggerated right-wing views on society, believes in the inequality of distribution of wealth, no use for public services and certainly no sympathy for the poor or even the working middle class. He has no hesitation in loudly proclaiming his views. He is obsessed with always accumulating more wealth and power. His fragile, needy wife is an enigma at first, but we gradually discover her dark secrets make her a danger to her family and as unlikable as her husband.

The parents have ignored their daughter, Bea, while she was growing up. Now the father is intent on pushing goods and money her way. She stubbornly refuses to accept any help from them. She argues with her father’s political/social views and appears to dislike him. Her greatest hatred is towards her mother whom she tries to ignore. We eventually learn her reasons.

Bea is married to Dan, a mixed race man, who once aspired to be an artist. He has had to go into real estate, which he dislikes intensely. Bea has become a psychotherapist. Together they make a modest salary and struggle to make ends meet. Dan initially agreed with her decision not to accept help from her family but is now changing his mind once he learns of the vast extent of their wealth. In fact, Dan’s father, who has been absent all his life, contributed to their ordinary city flat. Dan is so unhappy in his work that Bea agrees for him to give it up. They rent their flat and take their savings to embark on a 3 month holiday in Europe to see the major tourist sites.

They plan to make a short stop in Burgandy to visit Bea’s beloved brother. Alex, at a hotel their father gave him to run. Alex is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. He seemed fractured in his emotional development, and stunted at a teenaged stage, at times affectionate but childish. He has done nothing to make the dilapidated hotel functional. He keeps a ledger writing in a list of fictional guests and their favourable comments. Keys to the always vacant hotel rooms have been named for the 7 deadly sins which amuses him. Snakes have invaded the attic and serve as a metaphor for trouble.

Bea and Dan receive the unwelcome news that their parents are arriving for a visit. Dan cannot understand why she is cold towards the mother. They reluctantly stay as Bea feels she must protect her damaged brother. Soon a tragedy occurs, which prolongs their stay, and makes them endure questioning by the French police. Dan is subject of racism in his interviews, and there is a long struggle with bureaucracy. Somehow the couples’ lives are in mortal danger.

I found this book to be a gripping, disturbing character study increasing in menace and dread. I will be looking for other books by Sadie Jones. *4..5* stars

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Dan is a big jerk but he was the only one of these horrible people that remotely dispersed to live. This book had some great ideas but the experience was painful. I don’t think people who were raised in horrible rich people families (to be fair, most of the people who can afford to write novels these days) realize just how awful and outside the pale these people are. Anyone else will just want to see these people ground up into sausage to feed working people. The snakes were the least gross part of this whole situation. Ugh.