I’ve had my eye on C. Spencer for a while. Her social media presence is filled with artful photography, tasteful snippets of her life, and interesting thoughts. I picked up Truth or Dare expecting something unique and mindful, what I read was that and more. This title is rich in complex relationships, multiple viewpoints, and imperfect characters. To say I was pleased would be an understatement.
Here’s a quick summary—
As a snowstorm rolls into town disrupting a long weekend among friends, a window is cleared into the lives of six women all in different stages of life—new love, old love, and love that’s since past. Alternating perspectives between Jessie, Hadley, Sam, Ella, Ryan, and Brie give an in-depth look into each woman’s life as relationships are examined leading up to an anniversary celebration.
Six alternating, first-person narratives is such a challenge and Spencer really outdid herself. Tone, voice, and word choice were all so distinct between each character. I really appreciated those small details that set them all apart, but also, the name of the character or relationship was given before each chapter/section where there was a change, making it even easier to keep track, though I don’t mind working a little for my fiction. The layout allowed for a seamless look inside each character’s head.
Perhaps even more impressive than the distinct voices were the compelling personalities of six very different women. Each character had their own edge, not always positive, but not exactly negative either—just, real. Take Sam and Ella, the couple who’ve been married five years and are still very much in love. While their narratives carry that romantic feel, they also don’t sidestep around the pitfalls of long-term relationships. Spencer allows her characters to be honest, whether it’s aching for a past lover or seizing the love in front of them.
If you’re looking for a story full of introspectiveness, compelling characters, and a wider view of the lesbian relationship, you might enjoy Truth or Dare.