One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole
4.5 / 5 Stars
336 Pages
Originally Published in 2024
Finished Reading on July 22, 2024
Imagine returning to the place where your deepest traumas were born, only to find that the past is far more complicated than you ever remembered. In One of Us Knows, Alyssa Cole introduces us to Kenetria Nash – a woman grappling with dissociative identity disorder – as she returns to the remote island that holds the key to her shattered memories.
As a book lover who adores psychological thrillers (and a mom who knows a thing or two about juggling multiple roles), I found Kenetria’s journey both heart-wrenching and utterly compelling. Her struggle to piece together the puzzle of her identities resonated with me on a personal level, making this a must-read for anyone intrigued by the complexities of the human mind.
“Every personality is a piece of a puzzle, and the truth is only found when they all come together.”
What I Loved
Cole’s storytelling is as unpredictable as the human mind itself. I was captivated by the way she portrayed Kenetria’s internal battle. Each fragment of her personality fighting for recognition and control. The remote island setting amplifies the sense of isolation. This made every twist feel more visceral and impactful.
The shifting perspectives and dual timelines not only deepen the mystery but also provide a raw, unfiltered look at how trauma fractures identity. I truly appreciated the raw vulnerability in Kenetria’s character and the skillful way Cole balanced suspense with deep emotional insight.
“Trusting yourself becomes the hardest choice when you don’t know which part of you is in control.”
What I Didn’t Love
While the book’s psychological depth is one of its greatest strengths, it sometimes gets a bit too caught up in its own intricacies. There were moments when the narrative slowed down, bogged by excessive introspection and detailed inner monologues. Additionally, some secondary characters felt underdeveloped. This, at times, lessened the impact of the plot’s twists. Despite these minor issues, the overall gripping narrative kept me fully engaged throughout.
“Survival isn’t about denying who you are; it’s about embracing every piece of yourself – even the broken parts.”
Final Thoughts
At its core, One of Us Knows is a deep exploration of identity and the cost of trauma. The novel challenges us to consider how our past, especially our painful memories, shapes our present and our sense of self. It delves into themes of memory, trust, and the struggle for inner unity in the face of mental fragmentation. Ultimately, the book is a testament to the courage it takes to embrace all parts of who we are. Even those parts that feel fractured or lost.
This book is for:
- Fans of psychological thrillers that dive deep into the complexities of the mind
- Readers who appreciate stories about fragmented identities and the long journey toward healing
- Anyone who loves suspenseful mysteries with unexpected, emotionally charged twists
One of Us Knows is an engrossing and thought-provoking thriller that masterfully combines suspense with a raw exploration of dissociative identity disorder. Alyssa Cole’s nuanced portayal of Kenetria Nash’s internal battle makes this a standout in the genre, even if some pacing issues arise along the way. I highly recommend this book to anyone ready to challenge their perceptions of identity and truth.
I’m giving this book 4.5 stars!
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of understanding your own identity when faced with deep-seated trauma?