Book Review: The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis
As soon as I stumbled upon the synopsis for The Safari, I felt a thrill of anticipation. The idea of a luxury African safari intertwined with the drama of a wealthy, dysfunctional family was enough to ignite my intrigue. And when I saw Jaclyn Goldis’s name attached, I could hardly wait to dive in. I have been a fan of her work since the beginning of her literary journey, and The Safari did not disappoint. From the exotic landscapes to the long-buried family secrets, every page had me hooked.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Leopard Sands, South Africa, the narrative revolves around Odelia Babel, a fashion empire CEO on the brink of her second marriage. What could go wrong when you gather your adult children, a daughter-in-law, and a best friend to celebrate a wedding in such a stunning locale? Oh, quite a lot, it turns out. The tension between family members simmers just below the surface, waiting for the slightest spark to ignite a wildfire of discord. When Odelia is found dead just hours before her wedding, the stunningly designed thriller takes a sharp turn.
One of the standout features of The Safari is its masterful use of multiple perspectives. Through the eyes of Odelia’s children and her whirlwind of emotions, we receive a round-robin view that keeps us guessing. I found myself suspecting every character, immersed in a web of deceit and betrayal. The writing is vivid, encapsulating the thrill of a locked-room thriller while weaving in that deliciously Agatha Christie vibe. Goldis has a way of making every twist feel both shocking and inevitable, leaving you reeling with each revelation.
I did feel a slight hiccup in the pacing, particularly in the latter half of the novel when secrets piled one atop the other. At times, it felt like the author had thrown everything—including the kitchen sink—into the mix! While this made it hard to keep track of all the threads, I couldn’t help but appreciate the intensity and fast pace. I raced through the last third, devouring each cliffhanger as I breathed deeper, gripping the edge of my seat.
One particular moment struck me deeply: the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal, underscored by the absurdity of wealth. Goldis has a remarkable gift for crafting characters who are simultaneously repulsive and captivating. They evoke a mixture of disdain and pity, which kept me particularly invested in their outcomes. I found myself musing over the old adage: rich people problems, and yet, who doesn’t love to be a voyeur into their chaotic lives?
In conclusion, if you relish stories of opulent families embroiled in drama, filled with scandalous behavior and tangled motives, The Safari is a must-read. While the haze of secrets and the chaos can get a bit dizzying, the sheer enjoyment of unraveling this twisted tale makes it all worthwhile. I finished this gripping novel in under twenty-four hours, utterly captivated by the madness and mayhem of the Babel clan. It left me reflecting on the nuances of family and the darker corners of desire, ensuring that I’ll be thinking of this book long after the last page turned.
So, whether you’re a thriller aficionado or simply a fan of richly plotted family dramas, I promise you’ll find yourself not just a reader, but a voyeur in this masterfully crafted narrative. Grab a copy, and allow yourself to be swept away into a world where not everything is as it seems—especially when swept against the backdrop of a stunning African safari. 🌍✨