Book Review: The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen
As a longtime lover of psychological thrillers, I was immediately drawn in by the description of The Women in White. The promise of suspense blended with psychology — and even touches of the paranormal — felt like exactly the kind of layered storytelling I adore. And this one absolutely delivered in so many ways.
What truly stood out to me was how seamlessly the novel blends documented psychological research and historical paranormal experimentation into the narrative. The references to real tests, telekinesis studies, and past research gave the story a grounded, almost unsettling realism. It blurred the line between fact and fiction in a way that made everything feel more plausible — and far more chilling.
The structure of the book is beautifully done. With multiple points of view and dual timelines, the story unfolds in a way that feels immersive rather than overwhelming. The 1960s timeline in particular was incredibly vivid. The attention to detail — from the women’s clothing and makeup to the societal expectations placed upon them — was striking. Even small touches, like references to articles from Good Housekeeping, added authenticity and depth. It was both fascinating and sobering to see how women were perceived and treated during that era. It made me deeply grateful for how much progress has been made.
The four women at the heart of the 1960s storyline — Betty, Ivy, Kathleen, and Helen — were compelling in their own distinct ways. Betty was my personal favorite. She absolutely stole the show for me in both timelines. There was something haunting about the way her life felt suspended in time — how her home and daily existence reflected a woman untouched by outside influence. Her character felt layered, strong, and quietly powerful.
Riley took me a little longer to connect with. At first, I struggled to relate to her, but watching her growth over such a short period of time was rewarding. By the end, she felt like a stronger, more self-assured version of herself, and I appreciated her journey.
And then there’s Dr. Trimble. Absolutely terrifying. The testing he conducted on the women was disturbing in ways that made my stomach twist. The power dynamics were chilling, and there were moments where I found myself horrified by what these women endured. It added a heavy, emotional weight to the story that made the suspense feel very real.
There was one twist I didn’t see coming. While I appreciated the surprise, I’m not sure it fully worked for me. Instead of amplifying the tension, it made me feel more sympathy than shock. Still, it didn’t detract from the overall impact of the novel.
The ending, however, was brilliant. It felt earned, thoughtful, and left me thinking long after I closed the book.
Overall, The Women in White is a layered psychological thriller that explores power, perception, science, and the treatment of women through a haunting and compelling lens. If you love thrillers that blend history with unsettling psychological depth, this one should absolutely be on your list.
You can see my review for Goodreads here:
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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