Review: Him by Clare Empson

From the outside, Catherine’s life looks to be on plan – she’s married with two children, and her family has just bought a cozy cottage in need of some TLC. Yet things could have been so different. Fifteen years ago, while studying, she met Lucian – a gorgeous and very wealthy young man who had caught the eyes of all her peers. The two fell deeply and quickly in love, believing the other to be their soul mate. However, Catherine suddenly ended the relationship with no explanation, and left Lucian reeling. All this time later, the pair maintains feelings for each other, and an unfortunate occurrence in Catherine’s life allows fate to push the two together again.

Now, older and more cautious, Lucian and Catherine decide to reconnect. While she spends time with Lucian, she realizes that her life could have been so different, and his too, if only she hadn’t walked out on him fifteen years earlier. Determined to not repeat her mistake, Catherine decides to live in the moment, with Lucian at her side. Yet it seems that fate has decided not to grant her happiness, and something unspeakable happens, sending her into traumatized muteness.

Him is not your average romance. Granted, there are several moments which will have your eyes misting over or your heart beating at twice its normal pace, but there are also currents of underlying horror which add a delicious amount of drama to the story. In addition to the modern take on the whole ‘Prince Charming’ tale, Empson has presented a gritty, dark and real background to a twenty-first century heroine’s story, making Catherine relatable and tangible; she is more than just her emotions.

An unexpected twist and feverish conclusion make Him a joyride from start to finish, and there’s no doubt that you’ll be left bored; in fact, you’ll want more.

Him by Clare Empson is published by Orion Books and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.