Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt review

About The Book

Book: Open Your Eyes
Author: Heather J. Fitt
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Bloodhound Books
Publication Date (UK): 27th June 2022

My Review

Frankie has been trying to break into crime reporting for some time, and she finally gets her chance when she’s sent to cover a police conference about a spate of violent attacks on women. She’s never seen herself as a feminist, but the experience begins to shift her perspective. When a fellow journalist challenges the police chief why he’s – “asking the victims to stop themselves being attacked. But you haven’t asked the men to stop going out at night, to help women feel safer” – a seed is planted in Frankie.

Later, over a chippy tea with her parents, Frankie learns that her mother was sacked for being pregnant and never returned to her career – something Frankie had always assumed was her mum’s choice. As her mum talks about the Yorkshire Ripper case, it becomes clear how little has changed: women were told to stay in then, just as they are now.

Running parallel is the story of Liam, a teenager who is humiliated when compromising photos of him are shared around school. Isolated and angry, he finds comfort in an incel forum that offers him dangerous validation.

As Frankie and Liam’s stories unfold, the stakes get higher and the consequences are chilling.

This is a dark, powerful novel that tackles urgent themes head-on. While the messaging is vital and thought-provoking, the tone remains heavy, with little reprieve. The lack of a lighter subplot and the bleak ending may be tough for some readers – but this is an important, uncompromising read that asks the hard questions.

Thank you to Love Books Tours and Bloodhound Books for the free ebook in order to take part in the tour.