If you’re a fan of thriller novels, you’re probably always on the hunt for your next heart-pumping read. There are countless titles out there, and it can be tough to choose just one. That’s why we’re here to help you out. In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting two popular thriller novels: S.J. Watson’s “Before I Go to Sleep” and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”. We’ll be taking a deep dive into the plot, characters, setting, writing style, themes, and critical reception of both books. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of which of these two novels is right for you.
Watson and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Before diving into the specifics of each novel, let’s first get to know the authors behind them. S.J. Watson is a British novelist who rose to fame with “Before I Go to Sleep.” Published in 2011, it became a best-seller and was adapted into a Hollywood movie in 2014. Lars Emmerich, on the other hand, is a German-American author who gained popularity with his political thriller, “The Incident – Inferno Rising.” Published in 2016, it received rave reviews from critics and readers alike.
Aside from being successful authors, Watson and Emmerich also have interesting backgrounds. Watson worked as an NHS audiologist for several years before pursuing a career in writing. Emmerich, on the other hand, has a degree in economics and worked in finance before becoming a full-time writer.
Despite their different backgrounds, Watson and Emmerich share a passion for writing gripping and suspenseful novels. “The Incident – Inferno Rising” is a perfect example of this, as it combines Emmerich’s expertise in political thrillers with Watson’s talent for creating complex and unreliable narrators.
The Plot and Narrative Structure of Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Both novels follow a similar structure in terms of their storytelling. They both have a first-person narrative that puts the reader in the protagonist’s mind. However, the plots of the two novels are quite different.
“Before I Go to Sleep” tells the story of a woman named Christine, who wakes up every morning with no memory of who she is or what happened the day before. She starts keeping a journal to remember important details about her life, as she slowly begins to unravel the mystery of her past. “The Incident – Inferno Rising,” on the other hand, is a political thriller that follows protagonist Jason Conrad, a former CIA officer, as he tries to uncover a sinister plot involving the American President-elect.
Despite their differences in plot, both novels share a common theme of memory and identity. In “Before I Go to Sleep,” Christine’s struggle to remember her past and piece together her identity is a central theme. Similarly, in “The Incident – Inferno Rising,” Jason’s past experiences and relationships play a crucial role in his investigation and ultimately shape his identity as a character.
Another notable similarity between the two novels is their use of suspense and tension to keep the reader engaged. “Before I Go to Sleep” builds tension through the gradual unraveling of Christine’s memories, while “The Incident – Inferno Rising” uses fast-paced action and political intrigue to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
The Protagonists in Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Both novels have strong protagonists that keep the reader engaged throughout the story. In “Before I Go to Sleep,” Christine’s character is constantly evolving as she learns more about her past. Her vulnerability and confusion make her relatable, and readers can easily sympathize with her struggles. In contrast, Jason Conrad in “The Incident – Inferno Rising” is an experienced, competent protagonist who has seen it all. He uses his skills and expertise to navigate the complex web of intrigue he finds himself in.
Aside from their strengths, the protagonists in both novels also face unique challenges that add depth to their characters. In “Before I Go to Sleep,” Christine’s memory loss creates a sense of uncertainty and danger, as she struggles to piece together her past and determine who she can trust. Meanwhile, Jason Conrad in “The Incident – Inferno Rising” must balance his duty to his country with his own personal beliefs and values, leading to difficult decisions and moral dilemmas.
Despite their differences, both Christine and Jason Conrad share a determination to uncover the truth and overcome the obstacles in their way. Their journeys are filled with suspense, action, and emotional depth, making them compelling protagonists that readers will root for until the very end.
The Antagonists in Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Of course, any good thriller has to have a strong antagonist. In “Before I Go to Sleep,” the antagonist is revealed slowly over the course of the novel. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that the antagonist is someone close to Christine and has been manipulating her for their own gain. On the other hand, “The Incident – Inferno Rising” has a more straightforward antagonist in the form of a corrupt businessman who is pulling the strings behind the President-elect.
Despite their differences, both antagonists share a common trait: they are both master manipulators. In “Before I Go to Sleep,” the antagonist’s manipulation of Christine is so subtle that she doesn’t even realize it’s happening until it’s too late. Similarly, in “The Incident – Inferno Rising,” the corrupt businessman is able to manipulate those around him to achieve his own goals, even if it means putting innocent lives at risk. This common thread of manipulation adds an extra layer of tension and complexity to both stories, making them even more thrilling to read.
Themes Explored in Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Both novels also explore themes that are relevant to their respective plots. In “Before I Go to Sleep,” the theme of trust is central to the story. As Christine tries to piece together her past, she must decide which characters she can trust and who is betraying her. “The Incident – Inferno Rising,” on the other hand, is a political thriller that delves into themes of power, corruption, and espionage.
Setting: A Comparison of the Settings in Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
The settings of the two novels couldn’t be more different. “Before I Go to Sleep” is set in suburban London, with most of the action taking place inside Christine’s house or in hospitals and doctors’ offices. “The Incident – Inferno Rising,” on the other hand, takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of cities around the world, including Washington D.C., New York City, and Munich.
Writing Style: A Comparison of the Writing Styles in Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
The writing styles of the two novels are quite distinct. S.J. Watson’s prose is spare and minimalistic, giving the novel a sense of urgency and momentum. Lars Emmerich, on the other hand, uses more descriptive language and creates complex sentence structures, giving “The Incident – Inferno Rising” a more literary feel.
Reception: A Comparison of the Critical Reception of Before I Go to Sleep and Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Both novels have been well-received by critics and readers alike. “Before I Go to Sleep” has a 3.7-star rating on Goodreads and a 4-star rating on Amazon. It was also a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2011 by the San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post. “The Incident – Inferno Rising” similarly has a 4-star rating on Amazon and has been praised for its fast-paced plotting and intricate storytelling.
Conclusion: Which Novel is Worth Reading, Before I Go to Sleep or Lars Emmerich’s “The Incident – Inferno Rising”?
Ultimately, the decision of which novel to read depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you’re looking for a psychological thriller with a slow-burning reveal, “Before I Go to Sleep” is a great pick. But if you’re more interested in a political thriller with a complex web of intrigue, “The Incident – Inferno Rising” is the clear choice. Either way, both novels are well-written and engaging reads that are sure to keep you hooked until the very end.