In the Eye
A scientist is forced to put all her cards on the table in this psychological page-turner
Relationships are a careful balancing act: what should you say and what is best kept to yourself? Should you share everything with your partner or is it acceptable to keep some things secret? That is the key question in acclaimed author Marijke Schermer’s riveting fourth novel.
The protagonist is Nicola, a microbiologist. As a scientist, she looks at the world through a microscope and keeps herself in the background. That serves her well in her work doing research on bacteria, but real relationships with other people need more than that. A partner wants to know about your feelings; friends want to be supported and support you in turn; children crave a sense of warmth and familiarity.
Nicola’s closed-off nature has long been a sticking point in her relationship. But when her girlfriend of seven years breaks up with her, Nicola is stunned. Nicola hasn’t told her that her application for a research grant has been turned down and for her girlfriend, this is the last straw – if you love someone, you share that kind of news with them.
Newly single and professionally adrift, Nicola decides to simply observe. She continues her research into bacteria in her own time and tampers with some of the results. She low-key stalks a man named Louis; they end up getting involved, but she doesn’t tell him much about herself. Letting herself into his house before they’ve even had a conversation, falsifying data – she figures it’s alright to cut some corners every now and then.
This is what makes the novel so exciting. As a reader, you’re in Nicola’s head, but you soon realise she’s an unreliable narrator. Does she have an accurate view of herself? Should we believe her? In the Eye is a well-crafted psychological thriller. Schermer’s prose often draws comparisons to Rachel Cusk and Zadie Smith, who similarly blur the boundaries between fact and fiction.
Gradually Nicola realises she can’t just be an observer. Life demands engagement. Her daughter Marie, a climate activist, demonstrates this when she glues herself to the highway in protest. The novel builds to a powerful dénouement: Nicola finally opens up about her past, making her new relationship a genuine fresh start.
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Cossee International Agency
Stella Rieck
rieck@cossee.com
“Marijke Schermer describes emotions in painstaking detail. She observes, dissects, plumbs emotional and psychological depths – and keeps on looking until she’s found the perfect words, whittling her prose down to taut, spare observations.”
“In the Eye is that rare thing – a novel you can read and reread while reflecting on your own life and relationships. Cheaper than therapy – and perhaps more effective.”
“Keen psychological insight in prose that will remain with you for days.”
“An excellent novel, packed with emotional truth and an elegantly turned narrative.”
