Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As the story opens, the tone seems distanced and almost clinical, but don’t let that put you off. As the narrative progresses, the tone grows on you. We’re seeing a disaster from all sides, like the lens of a camera, yet we’re able to get inside of each character’s head.
An interesting structure — beginning with the plane crash and death of a group of wealthy and influential people. The two survivors seem insignificant by comparison, but the way they survive and their bond afterwards is the glue to the story. The mystery unfolds as each person on the plane gets their own vignette before the crash — ie — before the fall — and who may have wanted that person to die. Add to that the media’s need for 24/7 instant news and a blustery star newscaster’s ability to churn up scandal and conspiracy theory in the absence of investigation results.
Scott, the down-at-heel painter, is an interesting character and he surprises at every turn. His past tragedies and obsessions equip him with the ability to carry out a heroic act. But it’s his actions after the rescue that are unexpected and intriguing and in their own way even more heroic.
This is a wonderful novel, both a page-turner and literary. I love it on many levels.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for making it available!