Sarah Pinborough's We Live Here Now is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of perception, reality, and the haunting nature of secrets. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Dartmoor, the novel explores the unsettling experiences of Emily and her husband, Freddie, as they attempt to rebuild their lives in the enigmatic Larkin Lodge. This book is a masterful blend of suspense, psychological intrigue, and supernatural elements, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

From the outset, Pinborough crafts a vivid and eerie setting that serves as a character in its own right. The Dartmoor country house, Larkin Lodge, is described with such detail and atmosphere that it becomes a palpable presence throughout the narrative. The house's creaking boards, extinguishing fires, and inexplicably falling books create an unsettling ambiance that mirrors Emily's internal turmoil. The author’s ability to evoke a sense of place is one of the novel’s standout features, drawing readers into the haunting beauty of the English countryside.

At the heart of the story is Emily, a character whose fragility and determination make her both relatable and intriguing. After surviving a near-fatal accident, Emily is left grappling with the aftereffects of her trauma, including a post-sepsis condition that causes hallucinatory side effects. This medical condition adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as readers are left questioning the reliability of Emily's perceptions. Is the haunting presence she feels in the third-floor room real, or is it a manifestation of her fragile mental state? Pinborough skillfully blurs the lines between reality and imagination, keeping readers on edge as they navigate Emily's world.

Freddie, Emily's husband, serves as a foil to her character. His pragmatic and optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with Emily's growing paranoia. Freddie's dismissal of Emily's fears and his eagerness to embrace their new life at Larkin Lodge add tension to their relationship, highlighting the strain that secrets and unspoken truths can place on a marriage. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both Emily and Freddie are harboring secrets of their own, adding depth to their characters and driving the narrative forward.

The theme of secrets is central to We Live Here Now, as Pinborough expertly weaves a web of mystery and intrigue. The house itself is shrouded in mystery, with Emily becoming increasingly convinced that it is haunted by someone who was murdered there. Her obsession with uncovering the truth about Larkin Lodge mirrors her own internal struggle to confront the secrets she and Freddie are keeping from each other. This dual exploration of external and internal mysteries adds a rich layer of complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the nature of truth and the impact of hidden pasts.

Pinborough's writing is both evocative and suspenseful, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. Her ability to create tension and maintain a sense of unease throughout the novel is commendable, making We Live Here Now a page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is expertly handled, with the gradual unraveling of secrets and the escalation of bizarre events building to a satisfying and unexpected climax.

In comparison to other works in the genre, such as Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House or Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, Pinborough's novel stands out for its modern take on the haunted house trope. While it shares thematic similarities with these classics, particularly in its exploration of psychological disturbance and the influence of setting, We Live Here Now offers a fresh perspective by incorporating contemporary issues such as medical fragility and the complexities of modern relationships.

Overall, We Live Here Now is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and ghost stories alike. Sarah Pinborough has crafted a novel that is both chilling and emotionally resonant, exploring the depths of human fear and the power of secrets. With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and expertly woven plot, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

For those interested in exploring the haunting world of Larkin Lodge and uncovering the secrets within, We Live Here Now is a must-read that promises to captivate and intrigue from start to finish.