The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, Joel Dicker
Marcus Goldman, a prodigy of the well-known author, Harry Quebert is facing a writer’s block. At 28 years, his first book sold a million copies, and Marcus moves into a plush apartment in the Village. He buys a Range Rover, and dates Lydia Gloor, the star of a top-rated TV show. Marcus has it all, but he does not have the next big story idea. So begins his descent into failure.
His old mentor Quebert invites Marcus to his seaside village so that Marcus might find inspiration. In that entirely forgettable Somerset village on the Massachusetts, Marcus finds his next big story. Unfortunately it concerns his mentor Harry Quebert, who thirty three years ago allegedly killed a young minor girl he had an affair with. The body of the young girl Nola Kellergan is dug up in his garden and Harry is arrested.
Marcus is convinced that his mentor, the writer of the brilliant book ‘The Origin of Evil’ is innocent. As he investigates, Marcus rakes up loads of dust in that little town.
When I started reading the book, I was, quite frankly, not impressed with the storytelling. I tried to understand why this book , originally in French, was such a blockbuster in Europe.
Yet, soon enough you begin to understand the charm of the book. The lessons that Marcus learns from Harry Quebert on writing are precious. And just when you think you know who murdered Nola Kellergan, there is another twist in the tale..and till the very end you are on tenterhooks. You will be surprised with the ‘Origin of Evil’.
I loved the book and finished it in a day.
It is quite unforgettable! Rating 4/5
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair
Joel Dicker, Translated by Sam Taylor
643 pp. Penguin Books
Available in print, and as ebook on Amazon and other online stores, and in print in bookstores
About Preeti Singh
the good book corner 
Hi, I read La Vérité sur l’Affaire Harry Quebert earlier on this year and I absolutely concur about it’s charm & intrigue. I also view a bit as somewhat a great read for young, aspiring writers. Harry Quebert’s character dishes out some useful advice for writers, and Marcus’ personal story as a young writer is also really interesting.
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I didn’t think of that..but you are right…he is a good study to understand the craft!
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