Obsession by Lucy O’Callaghan

Obsession by Lucy O’Callaghan

I have often heard it said that love will take you places a sane mind would never go, and in this cracker of a read by Lucy O’Callaghan, that exact scenario is played out to perfection.

For starters, you know a book has you hooked when you don’t want to leave it down long enough to let the dogs out, and they are tearing the door down before you let them back in. Now, do NOT email me. There were no dogs harmed in the reading of this book. I adore my fur babies.

In full disclosure however, I will admit that I did end up at one stage calling the pup, Peter, when warning her if she didn’t behave she was going back in her crate. A Freudian slip I accredit to being totally engrossed in his character and how much I wanted him behind bars.

Another clear sign of a great read is when the end of every chapter leaves you wanting more, and O’Callaghan really mastered that in Obsession. I found myself continuously thinking just one more and then I really will go do some housework…

The subject matter is so fascinating – how ones thinking can get so out of whack – how easy it is to go from intrigue to fascination to obsession. We’ve all been there at some stage over something, albeit hopefully not within the context of this twisty tale.

Obsession, or hyper-fixation, is an extreme state of mind that causes a person to focus on a subject or activity to the point that they ignore everything else.

An example would be a writer who becomes so engrossed in their work that they completely lose track of time and suddenly realise several hours has passed. In that instance it’s a perfectly natural and healthy thought process.

On the other hand, Peter’s obsession with Rachel, is all consuming and has totally warped his grip on reality to the point that he is convinced she wants to be with him too. Taken to this extreme he is totally blinded to the truth in every area of his life.

The plot is teased out through several points of view which gives credence to the numerous dynamics at play.

Rachel, while haunted by her brother’s death and the pain of not being there to help him becomes heavily involved in the running of a The Hub, which was designed to help assist men with back to work skill, build their confidence and incorporate them back into society.

Within The Hub there is also a professional counselling service to help with any issues holding them back.

The brilliance of how this is played out shows how Rachel’s obsession becomes all-consuming totally blinding her to what appears an ordinary man seemingly down on his luck, who is hiding not only a serious dependency on painkillers and alcohol but also a rather warped and growing fixation to grab moments with her everywhere he can.

Peter’s need for them to be together leaves him reading way too much into a kind gesture, a simple smile or a wave.

While all of this is happening, Rachel is also totally unaware of family secrets emerging from the past. All the ingredients for a perfect storm resulting in disastrous consequences.

I’m dyslexic and a slow reader, but I flew through this book totally immersed in very well-rounded characters, short sharp chapters, and a really gripping plotline of which Peters story is just one. I’d go so far as to say, if you’ll excuse the pun – I’m obsessed with Obsession.

In a nutshell – it’s a psychological thriller in which unreciprocated love warps Peters grip on reality which I highly recommend. And with cover quotes like the following – need I say more.

“I raced through, deeply invested in the characters. Loved how it touches on different ways of being obsessed.” — Mary Watson

“Tense, taut and terrifying – a page-turner that also tackles important issues. I read it in one sitting!” — Edel Coffey

“A deliciously sinister compelling tale of secrets, infatuation and delusion.” — Michelle McDonagh