Thank you to NetGalley/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for a copy of While We Were Burning in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
After her best friend’s mysterious death, Elizabeth Smith’s picture-perfect life in the Memphis suburbs has spiraled out of control — so much so that she hires a personal assistant to keep her on track. Composed and elegant, Brianna is exactly who she needs and slides so neatly into Elizabeth’s life, almost like she belonged there from the start. Soon, the assistant Elizabeth hired to distract her from her obsession with her friend’s death is the same person working with her to uncover the truth behind it.
Because Brianna has questions too.
She wants to know why the police killed her young Black son. Why someone in Elizabeth’s neighborhood called the cops on him that day. Who took that first step that stole her child away from her. And the only way she’s ever going to be able to find out is to entwine herself deep into Elizabeth’s life, where the answers to her questions lie. As the two women hurtle towards an electrifying final showdown, and the lines between employer and friend blur, it becomes clear that neither of them is what they first appear.
The Horror of an Unlikeable Protagonist
Unfortunately, I cannot give a very detailed review of Sara Koffi’s While We Were Burning, or else I’d give the whole thing away. Instead, I’d like to say that Koffi has done a remarkable job here centering complex, problematic, and, frankly, unlikeable women. There seems to be a lot of pressure to make your protagonists likable, even in the age of the antihero. I’m of the camp that compelling is way more critical than likable.
RELATED: 6 Great Historical Fiction Novels Focused on Real Women From History
While We Were Burning isn’t for the faint of heart; it’s a disturbing novel. The work explores the worst parts of the human psyche and how we can harm each other. But, dang, is it a good thriller, filled with twists and turns. Even better, once you get to the ending, you’re like, “of course,” in that satisfied way.
While We Were Burning deftly explores class and racial issues without being heavy-handed. “Genre” pieces (here, a thriller) are such a great way to expose the underbelly of society because they can get to the soft jelly without knocking you over the head with a sledgehammer to do so.
Should You Read It?
Sara Koffi’s debut novel is expertly crafted. I highly recommend it to fans of thrillers and mysteries. (I absolutely disagree with this being classified as “women’s fiction.”) (Why is that even a category?) But as I said earlier, you need to be prepared to loathe the main characters and find them more and more problematic the deeper you get into the book. Please also take close care to read the content warnings, as this novel tackles some possibly triggering subjects.
RELATED: 5 Great Science Fiction and Fantasy Books With Autism Representation
In the end, though, While We Were Burning is a brave piece of literature that deserves readership.
While We Were Burning hits shelves on April 16, 2024. Pick up a copy at your local indie bookstore or library. 📚👠🪢
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/the-origin-of-tropes-the-antihero/
- The Origin of Tropes: Vampire Lore - February 5, 2025
- Millennial Misremembers: CAPTAIN PLANET AND THE PLANETEERS - January 18, 2025
- The Origin of Tropes: The Antihero - January 14, 2025
