Riley Sager’s 2023 thriller, “The Only One Left,” immerses readers in a chilling narrative that intertwines mystery, suspense, and gothic elements. Set against the backdrop of a decaying mansion on the Maine coast, the novel delves into the enigmatic life of Lenora Hope, the sole survivor of a notorious family massacre, and Kit McDeere, a caregiver with a troubled past.
Plot Overview
In 1929, the affluent Hope family was brutally murdered, leaving the community in shock. Seventeen-year-old Lenora Hope, the only survivor, was widely suspected of the crime, but no charges were ever filed. Decades later, in 1983, Kit McDeere, a home-health aide recently reinstated after a suspension, is assigned to care for the now-elderly and mute Lenora at her deteriorating estate, Hope’s End. Communicating through a typewriter, Lenora offers to reveal the truth about the fateful night, leading Kit into a labyrinth of secrets and danger.
Setting and Atmosphere
The novel’s setting plays a pivotal role in creating its haunting ambiance. Hope’s End, perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is depicted as a once-grand mansion succumbing to decay. The house’s physical deterioration mirrors the unraveling mysteries within its walls, contributing to a sense of impending doom. This atmospheric backdrop enhances the novel’s gothic undertones, reminiscent of classics like “Rebecca” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.”
Character Analysis
- Kit McDeere: A dedicated caregiver grappling with personal guilt and professional setbacks. Her assignment at Hope’s End serves as both a chance for redemption and a descent into uncertainty.
- Lenora Hope: Once a vibrant young woman, now confined to a wheelchair and rendered mute by strokes. Her mysterious aura and the unresolved questions about her family’s demise make her a compelling figure.
- Supporting Characters: The household staff, including the protective housekeeper Mrs. Baker, the enigmatic groundskeeper Carter, and the maid Jessie, each harbor their own secrets, adding layers to the narrative.
Themes and Motifs
“The Only One Left” explores several themes:
- Isolation and Confinement: Both physical, as seen with Lenora’s immobility and the mansion’s seclusion, and emotional, reflecting Kit’s internal struggles.
- Truth and Deception: The narrative delves into the elusiveness of truth, as characters grapple with hidden motives and buried secrets.
- Decay and Ruin: The crumbling mansion symbolizes the deterioration of both the Hope family’s legacy and the facades maintained by its inhabitants.
Critical Reception
The novel has garnered mixed reviews. Some critics praise its suspenseful plot and atmospheric setting, noting that it “evokes such genre classics as ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ and ‘Rebecca,’ establishing a moody atmosphere and intriguingly suspicious characters.”
However, others critique the later chapters for “outlandish turns” that “border on camp,” suggesting that the multitude of twists may stretch believability.
Conclusion
“The Only One Left” stands as a testament to Riley Sager’s ability to weave intricate tales of suspense and mystery. Its gothic elements, complex characters, and unexpected twists make it a compelling read for fans of the thriller genre. While opinions vary regarding its plot developments, the novel undeniably offers a gripping exploration of secrets, lies, and the haunting legacy of the past.
