Reads Across The Seas: REVIEW. Blind Obsession by Ella Frank

There are not nearly enough words in the world that I could use to do this book justice.

Blind Obsession was unlike anything I have ever read. It was truly one of a kind. I find myself wanting to write out everything that happened, in every excruciating detail, just so I can make my point. But of course, I won't. You need to experience this book and I mean that in every sense of the word.

This book is what Ella has described as, interactive. As you are reading along you come to descriptions of a piece of art, or a piece of music and instead of having to imagine it, you are shown. There has been a website created for the sole purpose of enhancing our read. And I have to say, it was the most wonderful thing. I felt like I was right there throughout the whole thing. Up until reading this book I really couldn't care less for classical music, it just isn't my thing. Yet, every time a piece was mentioned, I found I had no choice but to go and listen to it. I wanted to have that feeling.

I really don't know how to start describing this book, apart from saying that you have to just read it to understand and appreciate it. Gemma Harris is a journalist from the US, taking a trip around the world to France to interview a man that was once a well known and respected artist, but now spends his days secluded in his chatuea, away from the world. Phillipe Tibideau. The point of this interview is to finally allow Phillipe to tell his side of the story. Explain to the world he isn't the monster they all paint him to be, instead he is a broken man living with grief and a crushing, all consuming guilt.

"Who is Phillipe Tibideau? Is he just a misunderstood sad artist who now hides himself away? Or is he something much darker than that?"

Nothing goes to plan from the minute Gemma steps foot inside Phillipe's sanctuary. Surrounding her are paintings from the famous Blind Vision Collection; portraits of Chantal, painted by the famous Phillipe. Over time feelings emerge, lines are crossed and suddenly there aren't just two people there, exploring his story, there are three. Instead of acting as the journalist that she is supposed to be, Gemma soon finds herself playing the role of Chantal. Sitting for hours on end whilst Phillipe recreates the collection that once meant so much to him, but ultimately caused him to lose everything.

"When did this story morph? When did it change from a tale of two to a tragedy of three?"

My heart broke over and over here for Gemma whilst reading because I just could not understand why she was willing to give herself over to a man who so obviously wasn't 'there' with her. He was living in a fantasy world, with a woman no longer in his grasp. Yet at the same time as feeling so utterly devastated for her, I had to remember.. she had a choice. She didn't have to be there, she didn't have to be submitting to his every request. She chose that path.

"I'm struck with the realization that I'm holding onto a man who, for now, is holding on to me but he still has not let go of her."

The whole book was beautiful and haunting. I read things I never thought I'd read. I hated, I loved, I loathed. I felt absolutely every emotion possible where these characters were concerned. I was frustrated with Phillipe's inability to let go of the past, I was so angry with Gemma for allowing herself to be treated in such a way and I was even mad at Chantal. But above all I was so incredibly connected to all three of these characters. I didn't necessarily start out understanding their actions but over time everything became clear. Absolutely everything clicked in to place.

"You've fucking destroyed me. First, she did, and now you are."

I really don't think there is much more I can say about the story without ruining everything, which I'd hate to do. I recommend this to absolutely everybody. I feel as though everybody should experience this truly remarkable book, just as I have. I am going to mention, there is no typical HAE here. But in saying that, I couldn't have been happier with the way things ended up. Yes, I was absolutely sobbing in the last 3/4 chapters but that was because everything was written so perfectly, and anything different would not have done the book justice. In my mind there could not have been another outcome. Even if it did break my heart in two.