Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera
A young woman gets her dream job working for a famous designer—and discovers the dark side of the glamorous world of fashion—in this gorgeously sinister novel of supernatural suspense.
Fashion-obsessed Samara finally has the life she’s always dreamed of: a high-powered job with legendary designer Antonio Mota. A new home in sunny California, far away from those drab Jersey winters. And an intriguing love interest, Brandon, a wealthy investor in Mota’s fashion line.
But it’s not long before Samara’s dream life begins to turn into a living nightmare, as Mota’s big fashion show approaches and the pressure on Samara turns crushing. Perhaps that’s why Samara begins hearing voices in the dark in her room at night—and seeing strange things that can’t be explained away by stress and anxiety, or by the number of drinks she consumes every night.
And it may not only be Samara’s unraveling psyche, because she soon discovers hints that her new city—and the house of Mota—may have been built on a foundation of secrets and lies. Now Samara must uncover what hideous truths lurk in the shadows of this illusory world of glamor and beauty, before those shadows claim her…
Review:
I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this one up, and I can honestly say that what I got was nothing I could have imagined. On one hand, I’m still thinking about this book which says something, but on the other hand, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. It’s not bad; it’s just really different and a little unsettling.
Our main character is Samara Martin, a young Cuban-American woman born and raised in New Jersey. After living at home for far too long, Samara feels like she’s finally hit her stride. After landing a high-paying job with a noted (and very temperamental) fashion designer in California, she’s ready to move away from home and find a new life away from her controlling family. She’s also ready to leave a few dark secrets and a drinking problem behind, and what better way to do that than moving across the country?
Now, things are looking up with a successful career, a luxurious new home, and a potential new beau who just so happens to be very wealthy. But, as one would expect after reading the synopsis, as Samara settles into her new job and home, she soon discovers that not everything is as perfect as it seems. Why is the head seamstress so cold toward her? Who is the mysterious woman she keeps getting glimpses of, and what is making those weird sounds inside her apartment every night at precisely 2:00 AM?
Samara is a captivating character in that she exudes strength and confidence, but as a reader, we know that there is something lying just beneath the surface that, once triggered, could make her completely unravel. We know off the bat that she may have a drinking problem, and it becomes abundantly clear that it’s not just her overbearing family in New Jersey that she is running from. For a while, I wondered if we’d ever find out why, and finally, at the very end, we learn what she is trying to leave behind.
The supporting characters in this book are equally compelling and play a significant role in the narrative. The story not only sheds light on women’s struggles but also delves into the unique challenges faced by women of color in a male-dominated society. It’s a message that’s both important and enlightening. While I wasn’t always sure how I felt about the story while reading, I can admit that it has a very important message that, sadly, will likely go over the heads of many.
I also have to say that while reading, I kept thinking that this book’s content would be perfect for a Darren Aronofsky movie. The unraveling of Samara’s psyche made me often think of “Black Swan.” It’s tense, but at the same time, I kept asking myself, “WTF is going on?” right up until the final chapter, when it all came together.
While not completely blown away, I will admit that this book is well-written and unforgettable. With its richly drawn characters, shocking conclusion, and important message, this is one I would recommend to anyone who loves high-brow horror. If you’re a Darron Aronofsky fan, this is definitely the book for you.
