In Faye Arcand’s Inside Outside, Leslie retreats into herself and starts harmful habits after her husband leaves her for another woman. The deepest betrayal for Leslie was when her husband caused this woman to become pregnant while she and her husband were in the midst of fertility treatments. Leslie sits by her front window, observing strangers to get through her days. Leslie’s attention was caught by Selena when she missed her bus to school and got into a van instead. Selena lives with her mother and two younger sisters, whom she cares for deeply. Selena’s mother’s boyfriend misbehaved toward her sisters, so she reported it to the school nurse. Feeling the urge to protect Selena, Leslie ensured their paths would cross. Leslie and Selena formed a friendship, and, when Selena needed a place to stay, Leslie eagerly offered her a home.

Inside Outside by Faye Arcand was a powerful and moving read. The pace was fast, and the suspense kept me captivated throughout. With all the unexpected twists, I was never sure what would happen next. I found it impossible to put the book down and eagerly flipped through the pages. The writing style was compelling, and I was completely engrossed from beginning to end. The chapters shifted between Leslie and Selena, allowing me to learn more about them. This gave me a deeper insight into the decisions they both made and helped me empathize with them. The writing was engaging and included everything necessary for a fantastic story that would linger with me for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and it far surpassed my expectations.

Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025 Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2025