With the popularity surrounding Big Little Lies, I had very high expectations for this book. Along with the intriguing premise of this book, I fully expected that this was going to be a 5-star read. It’s not that this book was bad in any way, I just expected a little bit more. While this book is definitely a great character study, I just expected it to be a little more plot-driven. That’s not to say that this book isn’t good, it was just very different from what I expected. I think I went into this book expecting more of an action-packed thriller, and what I got is a deep character study into the lengths people will go to and the ambiguity of right and wrong. 

     I thought the dynamics between the different characters in this book were fascinating. Some people attended the health resort alone, some as a couple, and even some as a family. Seeing how these people’s relationships change in every aspect; the way they feel about themselves and each other, and how they learn to act and carry themselves is probably the most amazing character development I have ever read. Each character started this book with a mountain to overcome, and they take the most unconventional but somehow effective way. The way that Liane Moriarty is able to write so many different generations, backgrounds and personalities so believably is a true testament to her ability as an author. 

     In terms of pacing, I will admit that I went into this book expecting a roller coaster of craziness that gave me whiplash from all the twists and turns. What I actually got is an excellent character study with no real action or pay off until the very end of the book, and even then it wasn’t super satisfying. This book is pretty slow, and I found it hard to find my footing with it. This may be because I decided to listen to this story as an audiobook, but it really shouldn’t have made a difference. By the end, everything really made sense, but the fact that this book kind of jumps from perspective to perspective between nine different people is kind of confusing at first. It seems like the beginning has good pacing, the middle drags a bit, and the ending wraps up so fast that it takes a while to process. 

     The plot itself has the most interesting and unique concept that really does keep you guessing until the very end. The tale of twists and turns spun by Liane Moriarty is brilliantly told and continues to plant seeds that grow and grow until it eventually pays off at the end, which results in a garden of fully developed plotlines and every loose end is tied up. Yes I had some issues with the pacing, and yes it was extremely different from what I expected, but I am a sucker for a good character study. I love seeing someone grow into something completely different from who they were at the beginning, whether that is for better or for worse, and this book does have a bit of both for better and for worse. 

     This book was a surprise for so many reasons, but I was thoroughly entertained and I enjoyed my reading experience. I think Liane Moriarty is a brilliant author and I am so looking forward to reading her other books. 4/5 stars to Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty.