Details
Mary Dixie Carter’s The Photographer is a slyly observed, suspenseful story of envy and obsession, told in the mesmerizing, irresistible voice of a character who will make you doubt that seeing is ever believing.
WHEN PERFECT IMAGES
As a photographer, Delta Dawn observes the seemingly perfect lives of New York City’s elite: snapping photos of their children’s birthday parties, transforming images of stiff hugs and tearstained faces into visions of pure joy, and creating moments these parents long for.
ARE MADE OF BEAUTIFUL LIES
But when Delta is hired for Natalie Straub’s eleventh birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn’t behind the lens but a part of the scene—in the Straub family’s gorgeous home and elegant life.
THE TRUTH WILL BE EXPOSED
That’s when Delta puts her plan in place, by babysitting for Natalie; befriending her mother, Amelia; finding chances to listen to her father, Fritz. Soon she’s bathing in the master bathtub, drinking their expensive wine, and eyeing the beautifully finished garden apartment in their townhouse. It seems she can never get close enough, until she discovers that photos aren’t all she can manipulate.
- Rating: ☆☆☆
- Title: The Photographer
- Author/Narrator: Mary Dixie Carter
- Genre: Domestic, Psychological Thriller
- Listening Length: 8 hours and 47 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
- Release Date: May 25, 2021
My Thoughts
I’ve seen this book cover so much on Instagram that I had to find out what it was all about. And because I already had so many book commitments, I reached out to my wonderful public library for an audiobook loan. I can always listen to a book while cleaning, driving, working outside, and ahem…even while showering!
This book started out interesting enough, but wasn’t anything that caused me to have trouble finding a stopping place. We have a very well known photographer, Delta Dawn, who, for the most part, is hired by the wealthy to take pictures of their children at birthday parties. Delta has the innate ability to take photographs that draw out many emotions with the timed click of her camera. And in some cases, if a little editing afterwards is needed, she has the ability to do that as well.
Shortly after photographing Natalie, the Straub’s 11-year-old daughter’s birthday party, Delta finds herself staying after to fill in for the babysitter who, at the last second, couldn’t make it. This works fine for Delta, since she feels an unexplained pull toward the house and the family.
As the friendship grows between the Staub’s and Delta, the story continued to chug along at a steady but slow pace. It felt unusual and a bit off, perhaps even creepy, so I kept listening with the thought that a surprising twist was just around the next corner.
My Concerns
As it turned out the surprise I kept waiting for never materialized. After 8+ hours of listening the end just sneaked up on me and the story was over.
I also had trouble feeling what I needed to in regard to the characters. Though their dialog felt believable, I just didn’t feel very involved with anyone. Actually, the Straub’s daughter, Natalie, came closest to bringing out any feelings.
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At this point I haven’t mentioned the narration, but even that wasn’t what I’m used to. I will say, however, that it was much better than most author-narrated audiobooks. I ended up playing it at a faster speed, which helped.
My Final Thoughts
This debut author really won points from me, regarding the originality of this story . The writing flowed and in many places the dialog felt believable. It just didn’t all gel and create the wow factor that was needed.
Would I recommend it? Yes and no. I would say read a few reviews that are highly rated and those with fewer stars. By that time you’ll get a good idea if you can overlook some of the things that were bothersome to readers.
It definitely has some great points. And for a debut novel, I say congratulations! It’s original, and good in many ways. How ’bout you just take a look at this fabulous trailer? My guess is you’ll want to read this and make your own decision.
Rating
About the Author
MARY DIXIE CARTER’s writing has appeared in TIME, The Economist, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Sun, The New York Observer and other print and online publications. She worked at The Observer for five years, where she served as the publishing director. In addition to writing, she also
has a background as a professional actor. Mary Dixie graduated from Harvard College with an honors degree in English Literature and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two young children. The Photographer is her first novel.
