Read with Sharon - February 2024

The Only One Left - Riley Sager

While I have read Riley Sager’s thrillers before, I hadn’t considered his work as historical, but his latest book The Only One Left is a perfect blend of both genres.

Set in Maine in 1983, it’s the story of Kit who takes a job caring for Lenora (Edgar Allen Poe, anyone?), a woman who in 1929 was accused of killing her family Lizzie Borden style. With some many subplots and mysteries within the story, Sager does a great job diverting our attention, distracting us as he brings so many seemingly unrelated threads into one colossal conclusion. While I guessed a few of reveals, I was shocked by the conclusion. It’s a fast read, and one I am sure you will enjoy!

This month, we will meet on Thursday, February 29 at 7:00 pm EST via zoom. I look forward to seeing you then.

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Reviews

First, she stabbed her father, as the schoolyard song goes, then she killed her mother before hanging her sister. But she swore she didn’t do it, even though no one else was there.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2023/06/21/riley-sager-only-one-left-review/70338455007/

The year is 1983. Kit McDeere is a disgraced home caregiver who has one chance to redeem herself: She’s assigned to look after the ailing, elderly Lenora Hope, a local Lizzie Borden figure. Back in 1929, Lenora allegedly murdered her parents and sister, and now, along with her remaining staff, she resides at Hope’s End, the Gothic mansion on Maine’s crumbling cliffs where the murders took place. 

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/riley-sager/the-only-one-left/

The Only One Left - Riley Sager

Book Club Questions

THE CHARACTER’S JOURNEY

  1. What did you think of Kit?
  2. What did you think of Lenora?

THE STORY PLOT

  1. The book is structured as a mystery, with layers of secrets and revelations. Were you able to anticipate the twists and turns, or did the story surprise you?
  2. The protagonist undergoes a transformation throughout the story. How does her character develop and change as the events unfold?
  3. The Only One Left explores themes of survival, resilience, and the lengths one would go to stay alive. How did these themes resonate with you? Did they provoke any introspection or reflection?

THE ENDING

  1. Did it work for you? What would you have changed?
  2. What do you think is the author’s message to readers of The Only One Left?
  3. What did you take away from the book?
  4. Are you left with any questions?

SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING

  1. Did you notice any symbolism?
  2. What foreshadowing did you notice? 

THE WRITING

  1. Use one adjective to describe the writing itself.
  2. What would you change if you could rewrite The Only One Left?

DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC

  1. What did you love most about the book?
  2. Did the book change any views/opinions that you have?

The Only One Left - Riley Sager