I devoured this in a single day—it’s that compulsive. Slimani writes with such icy precision that you can’t look away, even as Adèle’s life unravels in the most unsettling, intimate ways. What gripped me most was how claustrophobic it feels inside her obsessions; the tension builds quietly but relentlessly. Dark, sharp, and deeply immersive, Adèle is a brilliant character study of desire and self-destruction. I finished it feeling breathless.

Having loved the previous published book by Leila, Lullaby, there was no way I was not going to be begging a review copy of this... I started the novel with high expectations the instant the postman delivered it & didn't go to sleep until I had read the last word! Loved the story telling, the characters, the plot - ok I loved the entire book! Very happy to recommend this on to others when it is published in Feb 2019. Thank you very much to the publisher for this early review copy!

This book won't be everyone cup of tea but it was mine. I loved everything about it, I couldn't put it down for two days. I won't give anything away but I highly recommend this book. The writing style is something I've not seen before, Lelia is truly talented. I hope to read more of Leila books. Also I DID NOT use amazon to buy this book! This is rare!

Leila Slimani’s first novel Lullaby was one of the most interesting and thought provoking novels of 2018. With Adele, we get to see her matter-of-fact , detached prose and storytelling. It is one woman’s path to destruction, almost like a modern Madame Bovary. She doesn’t make us like Adele or justify her actions, she just states them. I like the way she deals with difficult topics in her novels, but with the utmost of style and elegance.

Slimani isn't afraid to address the darker side of the human nature as evidenced by her previous novel Lullaby. Adele is outwardly a happy mother of a young son married to a successful doctor. She also has a career as a journalist specialising in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly Tunisia. She seems to have all the ingredients for a contented life. However Adele has a secret alternative life which is dangerous and self -destructive in that she has a sex addiction which puts her at risk. Slimani never offers explanations for her behaviour but keeps it as complicated and obscure for the reader as it is for Adele herself. As a trained counsellor I I have noticed that people who are sexually abused often suffer from lack of self worth and seek to gain "attention" through self -destructive patterns of behaviour, sometimes through a form of sex addiction. I did wonder if Adele might be like this? However it is the thrill of the moment that equates with what happens to other addicts. Gamblers' brains have been shown to alter during the "rush" of placing a bet etc. Maybe for Adele it's about power over men ? Slimani is brave to address a "taboo" subject again as unflinchingly as she did in "Lullaby" and explore the darkness which lies underneath the surface. Disturbing but compelling. I was lucky enough to have received a review copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Tracey Exeter High Street