Summary
Rock Paper Scissors, published in 2021, is the fourth novel by British author Alice Feeney. This psychological thriller has garnered significant attention in the literary world. Feeney, known for her masterful plot twists, delivers another gripping domestic thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The novel centers around a couple, Adam and Amelia Wright, whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. Adam, a screenwriter, lives with prosopagnosia, a condition that renders him unable to recognize faces, including that of his own wife. This unique premise sets the stage for a tense and suspenseful narrative that unfolds over a weekend getaway in Scotland.
Plot
Adam and Amelia Wright, a married couple facing difficulties in their relationship, win a weekend getaway to Scotland. Adam, a workaholic screenwriter, has prosopagnosia (face blindness), which prevents him from recognizing even his own wife. As they embark on this trip, both realize it could be the turning point for their marriage.
Every year on their anniversary, the couple exchanges traditional gifts, with Amelia writing Adam a letter he's never allowed to read. This time, however, things are different. The trip they've “won” isn't as random as it seems, and one of them is hiding something. As they arrive at their destination, a repurposed chapel in the Scottish countryside, tensions begin to rise.
The narrative delves into the couple's ten-year history, gradually revealing the secrets they've kept from each other. As the weekend progresses, it becomes clear that their marriage is at a critical juncture. The isolated setting adds to the growing sense of unease and suspicion between Adam and Amelia.
As events unfold, it becomes apparent that someone doesn't want their relationship to survive. The couple must confront the truth about their past, their present, and each other. This anniversary trip becomes a pivotal moment in their lives, forcing them to face the realities of their marriage and the consequences of their secrets.
Themes
Marital conflict and relationship struggles
Secrets and deception in long-term relationships
Face blindness and its impact on personal connections
The role of tradition and ritual in marriage
Psychological manipulation and gaslighting
Isolation and its effect on relationships
The thin line between love and hate
Setting
Rock Paper Scissors is set in the present day, with the story unfolding over a weekend getaway in Scotland. The novel's contemporary setting reflects modern marital challenges and the complexities of long-term relationships in the digital age.
While the exact year is not specified, the narrative primarily takes place in a remote, repurposed chapel in the Scottish countryside. This isolated location serves as a stark contrast to the couple's usual urban environment, intensifying the tension between Adam and Amelia as they confront their marital issues.
The story also incorporates flashbacks to various points throughout the couple's ten-year marriage, providing context for their current situation. These glimpses into their past are set in their home and other locations relevant to their relationship, offering a broader view of the geographical and emotional landscape that has shaped their marriage.
Characters
Adam Wright: The main protagonist, a screenwriter who suffers from prosopagnosia (face blindness). Adam is a workaholic who struggles to recognize people, including his own wife. He is suspicious of his marriage and the true nature of their anniversary trip. Adam's condition and past experiences have shaped his perceptions and relationships throughout his life.
Amelia Wright: Adam's wife and the other main protagonist. Amelia writes annual letters to Adam that she never allows him to read. She is complex and mysterious, with her true motives and feelings gradually revealed throughout the story. Amelia's actions and secrets play a crucial role in the plot's development.
Robin: A mysterious character connected to the Scottish getaway location. Robin's presence and actions add tension and mystery to the story. Their true identity and motivations are central to the plot's twists.
Bob: Adam's guide dog, who plays a supportive role in Adam's life. Bob helps Adam navigate both physically and emotionally throughout the story.
Adam's Mother: A minor character whose past actions have significantly impacted Adam's life and relationships. Her influence is felt throughout the story, even though she may not be directly present.
Quick facts
The novel was published in 2021, making it Alice Feeney's fourth book.
The story takes place over a weekend trip to Scotland that the couple wins.
The book explores ten years of marriage and secrets between the main characters.
Netflix announced plans to adapt the novel into a six-part series before the book was even published.
The novel was selected as one of Real Simple's “59 Best Books of 2021".
Author Megan Miranda chose Rock Paper Scissors as a Book of the Month selection.
About the Author
Alice Feeney is a New York Times million-copy bestselling author known for her gripping mystery and thriller novels. Her works include Sometimes I Lie, His & Hers, Rock Paper Scissors, and Daisy Darker. Feeney's books have achieved international success, being translated into over 35 languages and capturing the attention of readers worldwide.
Before embarking on her career as a novelist, Feeney spent 15 years as a journalist at the BBC. She began working there at the age of 21, holding various positions including producer for the One O'clock News, reporter, news editor, and producer for arts and entertainment programs. This extensive background in journalism has undoubtedly influenced her writing style and storytelling abilities.
Feeney's transition to writing fiction began when she was 30 years old. She wrote her debut novel, Sometimes I Lie, in her spare time and while commuting to work. To hone her craft, she completed the Faber Academy writing course. Her hard work paid off, and her novels have since garnered significant attention from the entertainment industry. Several of her books, including His & Hers and Rock Paper Scissors, have been optioned for television adaptations, with high-profile actors and producers attached to the projects.
As Feeney continues to captivate readers with her thrilling narratives, her seventh novel, Beautiful Ugly, is set for worldwide release in January 2025. Fans can stay updated on her latest work and adaptations by following her on social media platforms or visiting her official website.
