Thriller novels are one of the most popular genres in fiction. They keep the readers on edge and make them hold their breath until the very end. Two great examples of this genre are Sarah Pinborough’s Behind Her Eyes and Lars Emmerich’s The Incident – Inferno Rising. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two novels, exploring their similarities and differences in various aspects including plot, characters, themes, narrative techniques and more.
An Overview of Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough
Behind Her Eyes is a psychological thriller novel by Sarah Pinborough that was published in 2017. The novel follows the story of Louise, a single mother who has a one-night stand with her new boss, David. However, she soon finds out that David is married to Adele, who befriends Louise. The plot then twists and turns with a puzzling turn of events that leaves the readers guessing until the final pages.
The novel is known for its shocking ending that has left many readers stunned and talking about it long after finishing the book. The author has been praised for her ability to create complex characters that keep the readers engaged throughout the story.
Behind Her Eyes has been adapted into a television series by Netflix, which premiered in 2021. The series has received mixed reviews, with some fans of the book disappointed with the changes made in the adaptation. However, it has also introduced the story to a wider audience and sparked new interest in the novel.
An Overview of The Incident – Inferno Rising by Lars Emmerich
The Incident – Inferno Rising is a political thriller novel by Lars Emmerich published in 2018. The novel focuses on the complex and well-plotted story that brims with suspense, excitement and action. The story revolves around the sudden and shocking death of a prominent politician and the investigation that follows. This leads the story into a complex plot filled with deceit, secrets and danger.
The novel also explores the themes of power, corruption, and the lengths people will go to maintain their positions of authority. Emmerich’s writing style is fast-paced and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the twists and turns of the plot. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, adding depth and complexity to the story. Overall, The Incident – Inferno Rising is a thrilling read that will leave readers wanting more.
Themes and Motifs in Behind Her Eyes and The Incident – Inferno Rising
One of the most notable similarities between the two novels is their exploration of themes and motifs that are relevant to the genre. For instance, both novels explore themes of trust, betrayal, manipulation, power and control. In Behind Her Eyes, the motif of dreams is used to create an eerie atmosphere that adds to the overall suspense of the novel, while in The Incident – Inferno Rising the author uses the political landscape to develop the central plotline.
Another interesting similarity between the two novels is their use of unreliable narrators. In Behind Her Eyes, the reader is constantly questioning the truthfulness of the main character’s perspective, while in The Incident – Inferno Rising, the narrator’s own biases and prejudices are revealed as the story unfolds. This technique adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot and keeps the reader engaged in trying to uncover the truth behind the events.
Character Analysis: Comparing the Protagonists of Both Novels
The protagonists of both novels are vastly different, with their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors contradicting one another. In Behind Her Eyes, Louise is portrayed as a vulnerable and naive single mother who is unknowingly drawn into a web of intrigue. Adele, on the other hand, is a manipulative individual who pulls the strings and controls the story. In The Incident – Inferno Rising, Alex Koves is the central protagonist, a determined investigative journalist who has an uncanny knack for uncovering the truth about the suspicious political situation that unfolding.
Despite their differences, all three protagonists share a common trait – they are all flawed characters. Louise’s insecurities and lack of self-confidence lead her to make questionable decisions, while Adele’s manipulative nature stems from her own traumatic past. Alex’s relentless pursuit of the truth often puts him in danger and strains his relationships with those around him. However, it is these flaws that make the characters relatable and add depth to their personalities, making them more than just one-dimensional heroes.
Plot Comparison: How Do the Two Novels Differ in Structure?
The structures of the two novels differ significantly. Behind Her Eyes has a nonlinear structure that works perfectly for the story as it adds to the unpredictability of the events. The readers are left guessing with each turn of the page. In contrast, The Incident – Inferno Rising has a linear structure that allows the story to unfold in logical sequences, yet still maintaining the element of surprise.
Another difference between the two novels is the use of flashbacks. Behind Her Eyes frequently uses flashbacks to provide insight into the characters’ pasts and motivations. This technique adds depth to the characters and helps the readers understand their actions. On the other hand, The Incident – Inferno Rising only uses flashbacks sparingly, and only when necessary to move the plot forward.
Furthermore, the pacing of the two novels also differs. Behind Her Eyes has a slower pace, allowing the readers to fully immerse themselves in the story and the characters. The Incident – Inferno Rising, on the other hand, has a faster pace, with action-packed scenes that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. Both approaches work well for their respective stories, but it ultimately depends on the reader’s preference.
Narrative Techniques: Examining the Writing Styles of Pinborough and Emmerich
The narrative styles of Sarah Pinborough and Lars Emmerich are both unique and distinct. Pinborough relies heavily on creating a suspenseful and ambiguous atmosphere, while Emmerich’s writing is more direct, analytical and precise. Emmerich’s approach allows the story to unfold in a more believable and predictable manner, while Pinborough’s storytelling creates a haunting and lingering effect on the reader.
Pinborough’s use of unreliable narrators and shifting perspectives adds to the complexity of her stories, leaving the reader questioning what is real and what is not. Emmerich, on the other hand, uses a more traditional approach to narration, relying on a single, reliable narrator to guide the reader through the story.
Despite their differences, both Pinborough and Emmerich are skilled at creating vivid and memorable characters. Pinborough’s characters are often flawed and morally ambiguous, while Emmerich’s characters are more straightforward and predictable. However, both authors are able to make their characters feel real and relatable, drawing the reader into their worlds and making them care about what happens to them.
Psychological Thriller vs Political Thriller: How Does Genre Affect Storytelling?
The genre of a novel plays a significant role in how a story unfolds. In the case of Behind Her Eyes, the focus is on psychological elements such as dreams, manipulation, and deception. In The Incident – Inferno Rising, the novel is a political thriller that revolves around power, conspiracy, and corruption. These differences in genre play a critical role in shaping the story and how it is told to the reader.
Audience Reception: What Do Readers Think About These Two Novels?
Both novels have received positive reviews from readers and critics. Behind Her Eyes has been praised for its unique twist ending and well-developed characters, while The Incident – Inferno Rising has been lauded for its intricate plot and fast-paced action. However, there are some readers who have criticized Behind Her Eyes for its implausible events while others have criticized The Incident – Inferno Rising for being too political and heavy-handed in its approach.
Which Novel Comes Out on Top? A Comparative Analysis of Behind Her Eyes and The Incident – Inferno Rising
Choosing between the two novels can be difficult. Both are excellent examples of their respective genres and are sure to leave readers with a memorable reading experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, you’re sure to love Behind Her Eyes. If, on the other hand, you prefer political thrillers that are action-packed and suspenseful, then The Incident – Inferno Rising is the novel for you.
In conclusion, Behind Her Eyes and The Incident – Inferno Rising are two great thrillers that are bound to keep readers entertained and on the edge of their seats. Whether you prefer psychological or political thrillers, both novels are excellent examples of their respective genres, and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a thrilling and suspenseful read.