The Kind of Fiction That Changes You After the Final Chapter

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden will draw you into a world full of mystery and manipulation. This book tells the story of a woman who works as a housekeeper for a wealthy couple whose lives appear perfect, and it will likely make you slowly believe that nothing is truly as it seems the deeper you read. This novel makes you question trust, intuition, and how humans can hide their darkest sides behind a neat image. Because it raises quite dark themes such as domestic violence, physical threats, manipulation, and flashbacks related to abuse, this book requires discretion in reading and is more suitable for late teens to adults. It should be noted that there are references to adult relationships between characters, but unlike in the film, there are no explicitly or vulgarly described sexual scenes.

For those who enjoy social commentary on the publishing industry, cultural appropriation, and the obsession with validation, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is the perfect book to read. The book tells the story of a writer who takes his deceased friend’s manuscript and publishes it as his own work, which is quite relevant to current social issues. Through this book, you will see the ambition, jealousy, and moral gray areas that are often hidden behind a person’s success.

Are you someone who likes to reflect on life through the concept of alternative realities? If so, read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. It’s not a suspenseful novel, but it will make you reflect on life because in this book, the main character, Nora, is given the opportunity to try out different versions of the life she could have lived. The novel also features a diverse cast of supporting characters, including Nora’s brother, Joe Seed, who is portrayed as having a different orientation. Through this book, you are invited to reflect on your choices, regrets, and happiness.