Through the Wall

Book Review

When you hear your neighbor’s life unfolding through the thin walls of your apartment, it’s easy to imagine them having everything you don’t. This is the premise of Through the Wall by Caroline Corcoran, a psychological thriller that plunges into the dark corners of envy, obsession, and the perilous misconceptions we can develop about those who live just a wall away.

The story begins in a psychiatric hospital with a cryptic visit to one of the main characters. From there, we dive into the lives of Lexie and Harriet, two women living side by side but leading vastly different lives—or so it seems. Lexie, seemingly living the dream with her partner Tom, is caught in the emotional whirlwind of IVF treatments, desperate to have a child. On the other side of the wall, Harriet, reeling from a devastating breakup, envies everything Lexie appears to have. But as the chapters flip between these two women, it becomes clear that neither of their lives is as perfect as the other imagines.

Character Dynamics and Development:

Lexie and Harriet are fascinatingly flawed, and Corcoran does a superb job of unraveling their psyches as the story progresses. Lexie’s desperation for a child consumes her, making her increasingly paranoid and detached from the life she once cherished. Harriet, on the other hand, spirals into a dangerous obsession with Lexie’s life, fixating on Tom as the key to her own happiness. The alternating perspectives provide a deep dive into each woman’s mind, allowing readers to witness their unraveling firsthand.

Harriet’s character, in particular, is unsettlingly real. As her obsession deepens, her actions become more erratic and chilling. Corcoran’s portrayal of Harriet’s mental instability is both empathetic and terrifying, showing how grief and loneliness can warp reality. Lexie’s journey is equally compelling, as her struggles with infertility and her deteriorating relationship with Tom make her more relatable, even as her own obsessive tendencies come to light.

Writing Style and Pacing:

Corcoran’s writing style is immersive, with a slow-burn pacing that mirrors the gradual escalation of tension between the characters. The alternating viewpoints not only heighten the suspense but also create a sense of impending doom that keeps you turning the pages, even when the atmosphere feels almost claustrophobic. This is a novel that knows how to build tension—much like listening to a neighbor’s muffled conversations through the wall, the sense of something hidden, something sinister, grows with every chapter.

The language is accessible yet evocative, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil of both women. The narrative voice is strong, with each character’s inner thoughts and fears laid bare, making their descent into obsession all the more believable.

Emotional Resonance and Personal Reflections:

What struck me most while reading Through the Wall was how relatable the characters’ emotions were, despite their extreme actions. The novel touches on themes of envy, loneliness, and the dangers of social media, where everyone’s life looks better than yours. The idea that we never really know what’s happening behind closed doors—or in this case, behind thin walls—resonated deeply, making me reflect on the facades we all present to the world.

The emotional weight of Lexie’s infertility struggles is palpable, and knowing that Corcoran drew from her own experiences adds an extra layer of authenticity to the character’s pain. Harriet’s downward spiral, though disturbing, also elicited sympathy as it became clear how much she had lost and how far she was willing to go to fill that void.

Final Thoughts:

Through the Wall is a haunting exploration of the dark side of human nature, where envy and obsession can push people to the brink. While the story starts as a slow burn, it quickly becomes addictive, with a tension that builds relentlessly toward its chilling climax. Corcoran’s debut is not just a thriller—it’s a stark reminder of the dangers of making assumptions about other people’s lives.

For those who enjoy psychological thrillers that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, Through the Wall is a must-read. It’s a book that will make you think twice about the person living next door—and perhaps even about your own life.