Lisa Unger’s latest thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10, immerses readers in a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek that escalates into a perilous fight for survival. Set against the eerie backdrop of Falcao Island, the novel delves into themes of identity, the perils of social media fame, and the blurred lines between reality and performance.
Plot Overview
Charismatic adventurer Maverick Dillan, known for his extreme stunts, orchestrates the ultimate game of hide-and-seek on the desolate Falcao Island. The prize: one million dollars and unparalleled online fame. Among the participants is Adele, a single mother and fitness influencer, who joins the competition at the urging of her teenage children. Unbeknownst to her, the previous game led to a participant’s mysterious disappearance. As the game commences, a fierce storm descends, and the contestants realize they’re entangled in a deadly contest where the distinction between the virtual and real worlds becomes increasingly tenuous.
Character Development
Unger crafts a diverse ensemble of characters, each bringing depth and complexity to the narrative. Adele stands out as a protagonist driven by maternal instincts and a desire to secure a better future for her children. Her evolution from a social media personality to a determined survivor is both compelling and relatable. Maverick Dillan serves as a catalyst for the unfolding chaos, embodying the dangers of unchecked ambition and the dark side of influencer culture. The supporting cast, including other contestants and behind-the-scenes orchestrators, add layers of intrigue, each harboring secrets that propel the plot forward.
Thematic Exploration
At its core, the novel examines the performative nature of online identities and the lengths individuals will go to maintain relevance in the digital age. Unger delves into the psychological impact of living under constant scrutiny, highlighting how the quest for virtual validation can lead to real-world consequences. The narrative also touches upon themes of trust and betrayal, as alliances form and fracture under the pressure of the game. The isolation of Falcao Island serves as a metaphor for the characters’ detachment from reality, emphasizing the dangers of losing oneself in a curated online persona.
Setting and Atmosphere
Falcao Island, with its abandoned hotel and encroaching wilderness, provides a haunting backdrop that amplifies the novel’s tension. Unger’s vivid descriptions evoke a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom, making the island a character in its own right. The relentless storm mirrors the escalating turmoil among the contestants, creating a palpable atmosphere of suspense. This setting not only heightens the stakes but also underscores the themes of isolation and the unpredictability of nature, contrasting sharply with the controlled environments the characters are accustomed to in their online lives.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
Employing a multi-perspective narrative, Unger skillfully weaves together various viewpoints, allowing readers to gain insight into each character’s motivations and fears. This approach creates dramatic irony, as readers are privy to information unknown to the characters, enhancing the suspense. The novel is divided into four parts: “Close Your Eyes,” “Ready or Not,” “The Game,” and “Home Base.” Each section escalates the tension, with flash-forward scenes offering glimpses of impending chaos, compelling readers to piece together the unfolding mystery. While the pacing is generally brisk, certain middle sections delve deeper into character backstories, providing context but occasionally slowing the momentum.
Critical Reception
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 has garnered acclaim for its intricate plotting and timely themes. Kirkus Reviews commended Unger’s ability to weave multiple points of view, stating, “Weaving together multiple points of view from her believable characters, Unger plunges the reader right into a sense of dread.” Booklist highlighted the novel’s appeal to fans of atmospheric thrillers, noting, “Unger’s latest is a fast-paced, atmospheric, locked-room thriller… Readers of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware will surely enjoy this nail-biter.” These endorsements underscore Unger’s prowess in crafting suspenseful narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Personal Reflection
As a reader, I found Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 to be a thought-provoking exploration of modern society’s obsession with online personas and the lengths individuals will go for validation. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the potential dangers lurking behind the curated images we present to the world. Unger’s portrayal of the psychological toll of influencer culture is both timely and unsettling, prompting reflection on our own interactions with social media. The suspenseful plot, combined with well-developed characters and a haunting setting, makes this novel a compelling read that lingers long after the final page.
Conclusion
Lisa Unger’s Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 is a masterful blend of psychological insight and gripping suspense. Through a high-stakes game set on a foreboding island, Unger explores the dark underbelly of social media fame and the fragile boundaries between reality and performance. The novel’s rich character development, atmospheric setting, and timely themes make it a standout addition to contemporary thriller literature. For readers seeking a narrative that challenges perceptions while delivering relentless tension, this book is an essential addition to their collection.
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