The Hypnotist's Love Story

By: Liane Moriarty

Narrated by: Tamara Lovatt Smith

A “sharp and funny romantic tale” (O, the Oprah Magazine) from the number one New York Times best-selling author of Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers and Apples Never Fall.

Ellen O’Farrell is a professional hypnotherapist who works out of the eccentric beachfront home she inherited from her grandparents. It’s a nice life, except for her tumultuous relationship history. She’s stoic about it, but at this point, Ellen wouldn’t mind a lasting one. When she meets Patrick, she’s optimistic. He’s attractive, single, employed, and best of all, he seems to like her back. Then comes that dreaded moment: He thinks they should have a talk.

Braced for the worst, Ellen is pleasantly surprised. It turns out that Patrick’s ex-girlfriend is stalking him. Ellen thinks, actually, that’s kind of interesting. She’s dating someone worth stalking. She’s intrigued by the woman’s motives. In fact, she’d even love to meet her.

Ellen doesn’t know it, but she already has.

©2012 Liane Moriarty (P)2012 Penguin

UNUSUAL STORY, WONDERFUL NARRATOR - AUSTRALIAN HIT

What did you love best about The Hypnotist's Love Story?

The plot and characters are unusual (including a female stalker) that somehow all show varying levels of humanity, always with humor. The story is extremely well crafted, and the Australian accent of the narrator (and setting of the novel) adds to the charm.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The protagonist - the author does a great job of layering her emotional portrait.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I didn't laugh or cry, but I cared about the characters.

Any additional comments?

I've already recommended this book to several friends as a fun, captivating read.

Not Moriarty's best

This book was just OK. I found myself not being able to put the book down because I wanted something exciting to happen that never quite happened. A nice ending and a quick read.

Perfect light read

Loved the performance and the story. It’s a light book and good chaser after a heavy story. Kept me hooked.

This book to a long time to get interesting

It never really became enthralling. The narrator had an interesting voice but the story would fluctuate between characters and thee was nothing to indicate that a new character was speaking.

Kinda boring

The first chapter was slow and then it got a little better in the middle but the ending was slow and boring again.

Suspense? What suspense?

You keep waiting for something - anything to happen - and the climactic point is about as thrilling and shocking as when you drop something fragile on the floor and it doesn’t even break.

Loved!!!

This may be my favorite Liane Moriarty novel so far. I love the wicked humor, realistic emotions, and totally original plot. The main characters are wonderful. The narration is fantastic. Just perfect!!!

Could have been better

The lengthy character self analysis made the story difficult to get through. If I was reading the actual book I would have skimmed over many pages. The story idea was great, but a boring, slow delivery.

Strange and interesting love story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The only thing I would change was the would be the exchange between the characters. The story changes points of view between Ellen, the hyptnotist. Who is now involved with Patrick, and Saskia, Patrick's ex who is now stalking him.(Saskia even goes as far as to become a secret patient of Ellen's practice.)The narrator never says "Saskia" or "Ellen" so the listener never knows who's talking at the time. She just glides from person to person. So I had to listen closely to figure out who is talking. This made the story hard to follow and annoying, for almost the first half of the story. Until the characters really developed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Hypnotist's Love Story?

I think the biggest momment is when Saskia breaks into Ellens home in the night and the big confrontation. Up until then, Saskia always kept her distance.Except for being her secret patient, of course, And this was a big turning point in the story.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I liked the story as a whole. These are two women that I had an immediate empahy with. They're real, and failible. With real insecurities. Two girls that otherwise would probably be friends. As I stated before, I just didn't like how the reader slide from one character to the other without a pause.

Do you think The Hypnotist's Love Story needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Maybe, I would love the find out what happened to Saskia, and if she actually finds a love of her own.

Any additional comments?

Overall, a good story. Just listen closely.

Eh

Kinda boring , good narration though. Compared to her other books I think I like this one the least