Stephanie Wrobel’s “ Darling Rose Gold” was one of my favourite debuts, and I knew it would be a hard one to follow. To achieve these lofty goals, Wisewood participants must commit themselves fully to the program designed by the retreat’s mysterious leader, a figure known as “Teacher”—including cutting off all communication with the outside world for the duration of their stay at the resort. This often means being literally elbow-deep in gore (during C-sections or, as we see in one of the opening scenes, keeping a prolapsed umbilical cord where umbilical cords are preferably kept until the baby is out). This kind of story telling is smart but it can be also too complex for you to focus on the main conflicts and big revelations. First of all, thank you to Berkley Publishing and Stephanie Wrobel for my ARC of this book that comes out on February 22, 2022.

Reviews of This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel - BookBrowse

But the biggest problem is that this narrative is framed as a mystery without delivering the pleasures of a mystery. Wisewood is a seemingly innocuous “retreat” on a deserted island, claiming to “completely transform” its guests after their six month stay. My mind is working overtime and I’m actually glad it’s not made absolutely clear or flagged with complete certainty as it’s just more to think about which I really like. The overstretched staff at every level – apart from consultant – are permanently at breaking point, every moment of every day requiring them to dig a little deeper into themselves to deliver basic care without melting down in front of an undeserving, or indeed deserving, patient.

This is one book you won’t forget in a hurry, it certainly makes you reflect on human nature, on control and manipulation and how far we’re prepared to go as human beings.

This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel | Goodreads

Wrobel had one heck of a challenge in writing a sophomore novel on the heels of such a gritty and disturbing novel as “ Darling Rose Gold” but I think “This Might Hurt” is just the novel to do it.Wisewood’s teachings and practices aren’t as fluffy as they first appear, and as Nat learns more about this community and finds her skepticism turning to fear, Wrobel uses the setting of Wisewood itself to mirror Nat’s inner state and reflect her inner turmoil. Initially, her stay was to be 6-months, where she would be completely cut off from the outside world, including from her older sister, Natalie. Six months later Natalie receives a menacing e-mail from a Wisewood account threatening to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from Kit. Nothing bothers Natalie whereas Kit is struggling to cope with the day to day pressures brought on by work and family.

This Might Hurt - Stephanie Wrobel

Using this new strategy," I say, "we're confident we will make your brand the number one beer with men twenty-one to thirty-four years old. She rushes to Maine where she’s about to learn that she’s up against way more than she bargains for.Almost immediately it’s made very clear that she is unwanted, and the retreat is available by invite only, and outsiders are not to be trusted.