Strangers

by Belle Burden

I found Strangers by Belle Burden surprisingly relatable, even though the characters move through the world with a level of privilege that's impossible to ignore. Burden's account of the sudden collapse of her seemingly stable twenty-year marriage is compelling largely because her guilt, fear, and uncertainty feel so recognizable and real. The book felt human, the circumstances messy, and the people flawed. The most compelling aspect was the victim’s instinct to dissect her own actions and wonder what she could have done differently, despite the strong sense that the outcome was never really within her control. It made for an engaging and thought-provoking read that lingered with me long after I finished.