As Far as You Can Go

I have no idea how to rate this. It’s not what I was expecting, that’s for sure, especially the amount of explicit sexual content (which I skipped over, though none of it could be describe as erotic or lust-inducing, it’s horrifying, and some of it plain criminal) On the other hand, this is one of the scariest books I’ve ever read, and I found the writing and characterization itself fantastic. I just didn’t know it was going to be scary. I was expecting The Dry, and was reminded instead of a mixture of Gerald’s Game and the game Firewatch. I felt super unsettled by this whole book, but I tore through it. I think the author accomplished what she set out to do, but “enjoy” is the wrong word describe the experience of show more reading this. show less

I received an ARC e-book copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first read by Lesley Glaister and I enjoyed it very much. Strong characterization and deep insight into the motivations and inner thoughts of the main characters are enhanced by a tense plot line and a very thorough creation of place. I really felt the dusty isolation and squirmed at the insect onslaught of the deep outback as characters brushed away jewel toned flies, endless swarms of mosquitos and kicked away beetley creatures the size of small birds.

This novel is not for those that want blood drenched wars of attrition between heavily armed adversaries or hard as nails protagonists. This novel is more about show more manipulation of regular people. Choices. Where we are when a line has been crossed that leads us to a new line... The unexpected discovery of evil and how we react. What we will do to keep what we (have convinced ourselves) need. I found this novel to be compelling yet completely realistic.

4 stars. show less

The remote outback of Australia is a perfect setting for this novel of disquiet and dread. So many of the things that make this region uniquely beautiful are the exact same things that prey on Cassie's and Graham's minds-- poisonous creatures that can be hiding in any nook or cranny, the harsh red rocks and soil that cover everything in layers of dust, the towering gum trees that never seem to provide shade. The heat alone is almost enough to drive them mad because there never seems to be enough water to bathe properly. They never feel clean or cool.

Add to the setting a cast of characters guaranteed to make you nervous. The man who makes grocery deliveries sometimes seems to be a friend, but at other times, he feels more like a foe. show more Larry, always cool and immaculately turned out, is a superior sort who seems to relish watching Cassie and Graham stumble as they try to acclimate themselves. Larry's wife Mara seems to have some sort of mysterious mental problem and must be kept medicated most of the time. Everything seems determined to keep Cassie and Graham off balance and unsure of themselves.

I didn't really find the storyline surprising, but the book is meticulously plotted and very adept at keeping the reader's sense of unease and dread simmering. Although I did figure out almost everything that was going on, the process of deduction was an enjoyable one albeit detrimental to my opinion of the English couple.

In many ways, As Far As You Can Go can also be considered a character study of Cassie and Graham-- two rather spoiled and self-centered people who are thrown in a situation that is completely beyond anything they could imagine in their wildest dreams. Their strengths and weaknesses are laid bare as they gradually uncover the truth about what's happening at Woolagong, and the story isn't neatly tied up with a little bow at the end. No, at the book's conclusion, the author allows us to speculate on what the future holds for Cassie and Graham-- and I enjoyed letting my imagination fill in the blanks. show less

This a tense psychological thriller, with sinister undertones.

Cassie answers a job advertisement requesting a couple for a housekeeping position in a remote part of the Australian bush. She thinks that this will either make or break her relationship with the unreliable Graham.

However, when they get there, they find that things are very strange. The house owner and his wife Mara are an unusual couple to say the least. Cassie and Graham send letters and cards home, but never receive any mail back, and there is no telephone for them to contact anyone.

To say much more would be to give away too much of the plot, but I really enjoyed this book. The fact that there are so few characters, and the majority of the book is set in such a remote show more atmosphere, makes it a 'claustrophobic' read. It is a real page turner, and I would definitely read more by this author. show less

creepy novel about a couple who are employed in Britain for a job in the Australian outback. I really enjoyed this book but began to question the couples decisions. Would anyone be so naive as this couple?

I would have never read 'As Far As You Can Go by Lesley Glaister (I have never read anything of hers) if I hadn't been offered a pre authorization to offer me the chance through NetGalley to receive it. Yes it was Creepy but I loved it...The landscape opened up so believable and it held my interest to the extent I finished it very quickly, falling in love with the characters and felt I knew everyone, understanding what was happening to them. Cassie and Graham, who need to ask more questions before they decide anything. How is Mara? Where is Fred? Thank you NetGalley for a great read. Now I want to read Easy Peasy.....

", the outback, the heat, the insects, and the landscape were like their own characters. I'm glad to have read this book for the setting"
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