The Golden Rule

Dive into a gripping and thought-provoking tale of female resilience, revenge, and the complexities of modern life with Amanda Craig's acclaimed novel, "The Golden Rule." This captivating story, a modern reimagining of Patricia Highsmith's "Strangers on a Train," explores the simmering anger and desperate choices of two women brought together by chance and united by betrayal. Hannah, once a bright and ambitious student who escaped her Cornish roots, finds herself a struggling single mother after her marriage to Jake crumbles, leaving her disillusioned and working as a cleaner to make ends meet. On a fateful train journey from London to Penzance, she encounters Jinni, a woman equally consumed by rage and injustice. United by their shared experiences of being wronged by their husbands, they make a pact a seemingly impossible agreement to "swap" murders, believing they are strangers who could never be connected. However, the consequences of this rash decision quickly unravel. When Hannah attempts to follow through with the plan, she discovers that Jinni's life, and Jinni herself, are shrouded in secrets and inconsistencies. The caretaker of Jinni's house paints a vastly different picture of the woman Hannah met on the train, casting doubt on everything she thought she knew. As Hannah delves deeper into Jinni's world, she is forced to confront not only the potential repercussions of their dangerous pact but also the very nature of truth, deception, and the lengths to which people will go to escape their circumstances. Is Jinni who she claims to be? What are her true motivations? And can Hannah trust anyone, including herself, as she navigates this treacherous web of lies and hidden agendas? Amanda Craig, celebrated for her insightful social commentary and compelling storytelling, masterfully weaves together themes of class, gender inequality, marital breakdown, and the search for justice in a society riddled with privilege and prejudice. With sharp wit, keen observation, and a profound understanding of human nature, Craig delivers a page-turning thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. "The Golden Rule" is not just a suspenseful read; it is a powerful exploration of the challenges faced by women in contemporary Britain and the enduring bonds of female friendship and solidarity. Critics have lauded "The Golden Rule" for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and its insightful commentary on contemporary society. Bernardine Evaristo praises Craig as "a skillful storyteller, who vividly dramatizes our lives with wit, wisdom and compassion," while Jonathan Coe applauds her ability to "anatomize the state of the nation with wit and empathy." Described as "A typically sharp and hugely satisfying page-turner" by the Daily Mail and "An irresistible summer read" by the Guardian, this is a must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction, social commentary, and stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Experience the rollercoaster of emotions and suspense that is "The Golden Rule" and discover why Amanda Craig is considered one of Britain's most important and insightful novelists.