Book cover from www.sanity.com.au
Tranquillum House, a mind and body posh retreat, is run by a Russian lady named Masha. The 10-day package is pricey and limited to a select few people. Nine perfect strangers are about to combat their demons and experience what it feels to be a lab rat. The author, Liane Moriarty, is Australian and had written several books before this one. She describes the characters of the nine people coming from different paths of life in a lengthy way and as the storyline progresses, we discover that Masha is a more complex, and complexed, personality. And so are the guests enjoying the facilities at her property.
What answers will this stay bring? What are these strangers about to discover? About themselves and the other What will be shed light on? I realize that I spend a lot of time driving, which is mostly when I listen to Audibles, and this book was narrated in a captivating way to keep me interested in the plot. Knowing that it's "another novel", I forced my mind not to overanalyze those stated clues, even if I couldn't help myself, and went searching for more info in some situations. I check-proofed the medical implications of certain substances mentioned and tried to make sense of the info provided until I decided to just chill and enjoy the story.
In 2021, Hulu premiered an adaptation of this novel published in 2018. The character of Masha is played by Nicole Kidman, who seems to fit the role perfectly with her slender, blond figure and being an Aussie herself. Frances Welty, the struggling writer, is cast by Melissa McCarthy. I haven't watched the mini-series that has been signed on for a second season in May 2022, and I don't think I will. I'm pleased enough with the book and don't want to put a new depiction on what my mind imagined listening to this audiobook. In the end, I will quote what still lingers in my mind: "don't let your heart be a casualty of your head". Words to think deeper about in our day-to-day routines...
