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Neve is around eighteen, she thinks. She woke up in a hospital two years ago, her memory gone after she suffered a severe stroke. She now suffers from debilitating migraines and seizures – a result of the damage to her brain as a result of the stroke. She’s not sure of much, but what she is sure of is that she’s the best patient in the facility. Until Tiana comes onto the ward; a whirlwind which will destroy Neve’s entire world.
Filled with intrigue and nefarious characters Dichotomy Girls is a thrilling read that will grab you from its very first sentence. Neve narrates her life in the hospital, from her knitting hats for her fellow patients, to baking cookies and even cooking Thanksgiving Dinner. She also helps out within the hospital at large – offering what she believes to be placebo effect healing sessions. She follows the rules and especially looks forward to her regular chats with the doctor in charge of the ward – Dr Gerard.
Baha has created a frighteningly vivid and realistic world, where vulnerable young adults are effectively kidnapped from the streets and then gaslighted by the medical professionals in charge of their care. They’re forced to undergo invasive procedures that can somehow wipe their memories, and they are forced to shave their heads – the reason why Neve knits colourful hats so regularly. Baha also manages to discuss the fragile topic of mental health without tiptoeing around it on eggshells. She discusses suicidal ideations, and that it is not always a symptom of depression.
Dichotomy Girls is at times, quite a bleak novel. But that doesn’t mean it’s not an excellent read. There are sections of the book that are so beautifully written, with so much empathy; there are some funny passages, some somber, some bone chillingly scary. But all of it is brilliant.
With its dark, gothic setting, Dichotomy Girls is perfect for lovers of young adult, supernatural thrillers.
S. A.
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. as part of their ARC program. You can read the original post here.
Dichotomy Girls is available to buy on Amazon by clicking on its name.