The Telling

5 Star Review

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Editorial Book Review:

Anette Engel

The Telling, Alexandra Sirowy's psychological thriller, is a masterfully crafted work that explores the intricacies of memory, grief, and the shadows of the past. The interweaving of suspense and introspection in Sirowy's work is deeply resonant with readers.

The prose in The Telling is both precise and evocative, enticing readers into a world where the distinction between reality and illusion is uncertain. Sirowy's dual narrative structure alternates between Lana's contemporary experiences and the haunting fairy tales that her late stepbrother, Ben, used to share with her. This method not only enhances the narrative but also aligns with the protagonist's internal conflict and descent into uncertainty.

The Telling explores the themes of trauma at its core, the reliability of memory, and the enduring effects of loss. In the aftermath of tragedy, Lana's journey is a poignant examination of the extent to which individuals reimagine their identities and the measures they take to protect themselves from the painful truths. The novel also delves into the more sinister aspects of human nature, challenging the notion that the past can ever be truly buried or if it will inevitably reemerge.

The Telling is an emotionally compelling and unsettling experience. The narrative is both captivating and thought-provoking due to the tension between Lana's aspiration for normalcy and the encroaching horrors of her past. Sirowy's ability to elicit empathy and suspense guarantees that the novel will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

In The Telling, Alexandra Sirowy has crafted a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. Her exploration of complex themes through a richly layered story makes this novel a significant contribution to contemporary psychological thrillers.

About the Author 

Alexandra Sirowy

Alexandra Sirowy is a Northern California–based author of young adult thrillers, including her debut novel The Creeping and her second book, The Telling. Though the towns in her stories brim with secrets and suspense, her own hometown is quieter, nestled among forests and foothills. Sirowy has been crafting characters and stories since fifth grade and continued her passion for understanding human behavior through her studies in International Relations at Mills College and a graduate degree from the University of San Francisco.

Beyond writing, she enjoys traveling—particularly to Istanbul—exploring nature, baking sourdough and seven-layer cakes, listening to music that inspires deep emotion, and sharing adventures with her husband and sister. She is an avid reader and an advocate for equality, bringing the same curiosity and compassion to her life as she does to her fiction. Alexandra is represented by Brianne Johnson of Writers House.