When I Became Never by Nathalie Guilbeault (Book Review #1997)

Nathalie Guilbeault’s When I Became Never is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark recesses of the human mind through a complex web of revenge, madness, and narcissism. A stand-alone sequel to Inhaled, this novel delves deeper into the sinister psyche of Benjamin Rodriguez, a sociopath whose manipulative and toxic behavior leaves a trail of destruction across Spain, Nicaragua, and America.

The story follows Isabelle Duval, who, alongside two other women, seeks justice against Rodriguez for the harm he has caused in their lives. As they work together to unravel his twisted past and confront their shared trauma, Guilbeault takes the reader on a harrowing journey through the family history that shaped Rodriguez’s deadly narcissism. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are high as the women seek their own form of justice against a man who seems to have no limits in his pursuit of power and control.

Guilbeault’s writing is sharp and immersive, crafting a narrative that is both intimate and chilling. The novel’s exploration of the human mind—its vulnerabilities, obsessions, and dark capacities—is a standout feature. The characters’ motivations are complex and relatable, and the author’s lucid examination of their internal struggles adds depth to the thriller. It’s a book that not only grips you with suspense but also forces you to confront some of life’s most horrifying truths about manipulation, control, and the consequences of unchecked narcissism.

The pace is relentless, and the twists keep coming, making it impossible to put the book down. For readers who enjoy thrillers with emotional depth and psychological complexity, When I Became Never is a must-read. It’s a novel that will stay with you long after the final page, challenging your perceptions of human nature and the dark paths it can take. Whether or not you’ve read Inhaled, this novel stands strong on its own as a chilling examination of revenge and the devastating effects of toxic relationships.

Written by Jeyran Main

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