Book Review: My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley--Ryan

I was mindlessly scrolling through YouTube on a early Sunday morning when I saw a book review on My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley on my recommended feed. The channel, Dee Seturumane, was a small channel but their review of the book was very entertaining so I decided to read the novel for myself. 

Gwendoline Riley's My Phantoms is a captivating and introspective novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the long-term effects of trauma, and the elusive nature of memory. Bridget, a writer in her forties, is struggling to come to terms with the traumas of her past and the strained relationships of her present. 

Bridget's relationship with her mother is the focus of the first section of the novel. Readers gain insight into Bridget's upbringing and how her mother's controlling and manipulative behavior left lasting scars through a series of flashbacks. Riley captures the emotional weight of Bridget's memory and the tangle of her feelings deftly in her depiction of mother-daughter dynamics. 

The novel's second section focuses on Bridget's relationship with her husband and best friend. Bridget is forced to confront how past traumas continue to affect her current relationships as she faces the challenges of her marriage and the demands of her writing career. Riley's writing is razor-sharp and perceptive, and she excels at capturing the complexities and contradictions of human emotion. 

The depth and complexity of My Phantoms' characters is one of its most notable strengths. Bridget is a complex and multi-layered character whose struggles with trauma, relationships, and her own sense of self are depicted in a nuanced and sympathetic manner. Riley does an excellent job of demonstrating how Bridget's experiences have completely changed her. 

The novel's use of effective language is another one of its strengths. Riley uses poetic and lyrical language in her writing to provoke strong feelings and vivid visuals. The book is replete with lovely, enduring sentences that perfectly express Bridget's feelings and experiences. Riley says, "Memory is a grief that refuses to be consoled, that insists on its own brutality, its own bloody-handedness." for instance, while Bridget is considering her past. Bridget's memories and experiences, which continue to mold her, are disturbing and visceral, and this statement perfectly captures that. 

Riley also examines the concepts of trauma, power, and control throughout the book. She presents illustrations of the negative effects trauma may have on a person's life and relationships, as well as how the desire for control and power frequently results in inappropriate behavior. However, she also provides a apathetic viewpoint on these problems. 

The complexity of interpersonal connections and the lasting repercussions of trauma are two major themes in My Phantoms, a strong and thought-provoking book overall. Riley has written a fascinating and thought-provoking piece of fiction that is razor-sharp, observant, and emotionally evocative. This book will stay with readers long after they've finished reading it, making it a requirement for anybody interested in learning more about the human psyche.