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Book Review of The Rapture

The Rapture
The Rapture
Author: Liz Jensen
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
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THE RAPTURE is an unusual though frighteningly scientifically plausible take on the apocalypse. It is not an easy read: Gabrielle's colloquial narrative takes you right into her head, which may or may not be effective, depending on the reader. The first half of the book builds slowly, as it focuses more on developing Gabrielle and her relationship with her lover. Bethany is supremely dislikable all throughout, but more so at the beginning.

Even with these minor complaints, however, Liz Jensen writes a story that's full of scientific accuracy in a way that sucks you in. Apocalyptic tales only work when they're done intelligently, and both THE RAPTURE and its author are well aware of and accomplish that. While I found the pacing of this novel a little odd--too slow in the beginning, too quickly building to its climax towards the end--it is still a masterfully suspenseful read in the end.

THE RAPTURE is not for the faint of heart, and it focuses more on Gabrielle's emotional damage and the apocalyptic possibility of Bethany's predictions than the actual psychological aspects of their relationship. However, for those who love speculative fiction and similar geological horror/thriller movies, this will be a good read.