Friday, September 23, 2022

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

A bank deposit should have been easy. OK, there was tension between Nora, Wes, and Iris. Relationships and lies will do that. Deposit the money in 20 minutes at the most, then sort out the other stuff later. Two bank robbers bring that all to a halt.  When the robbers don't get what the want (the bank manager here and now), it becomes a hostage situation. 

Nora is uniquely qualified for such a high stress situation. She spent her first twelve years helping her mother pull cons on unsuspecting (although often deserving) men. Nora's mother groomed her to play anyone to pull off the con to the point that Nora doesn't even know who she really is (her real name isn't even Nora). She was never allowed to just be herself. 

With the bank robbers pointing guns and making threats, Nora starts working on her plan to get all the hostages out. It's dangerous and risky, but that is how Nora has lived most of her life. If it weren't for her older sister rescuing her, she might still be pulling cons. 

A lot happens in this story. First, the interpersonal situation between the Nora, Wes, and Iris is always present and guiding what decisions they make in the bank. Second, the bank robbery and the criminals add the immediate danger and suspense. Third, the flashbacks of Nora's life with her family and friends fleshes out her motivations, knowledge, and emotions. It's a carefully written tale that surprises. 

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