Title: [The Girl in 6E]
Author: Alessandra Torre
Genre: Thriller
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Early Review Text
Date Completed: August 1, 2014
Rating:
The Girl in 6E by A. R. Torre is a thriller about a woman who locks herself in her apartment for three years for fear of going on a murderous rampage, until an extreme situation elicits her sympathy and sends her on a twelve-hour drive. The premise of the story is interesting, as it explores the "opportunities" for an enclosed existence thanks to the internet, and the new life choices now available to enterprising individuals. Along the same lines of I Am Not a Serial Killer, Deanna struggles with an overwhelming desire to kill others, just to watch them die. And, like the former, she copes by arranging a life that will keep her from doing so, including avoiding all human contact for three years, and paying a junkie neighbor to deadbolt her door from the outside at night.
The similarities between the two continue, although Torre's characterization seems more forced and less confident than Wells' potential sociopath; Deanna is less capable and more empathetic, and therefore less believable. However, for those who are less-than-pleased with Wells' conclusions, Torre may be more satisfying, as her conclusion stays more grounded.
I've wavered between 3.5-4 stars for this novel, based on my personal response. I found the plot to be greatly disturbing, and not in the mildly-enjoyable way of many thrillers, due exclusively to the victims. While the overall narrative does have some redeeming qualities, I did have to put it down in the middle in order to regroup.
Overall, I think The Girl in 6E will appeal to fans of thrillers, specifically those who enjoy books like Dan Wells' Serial Killer trilogy.
