The
Story
Nathalie Guilbeault’s WHEN I BECAME NEVER is a stand-alone thriller that complements the author's preceding novel, INHALED. Diving deeper in the making of madness, Guilbeault traces the family history of Benjamin Rodriguez: Spain, Nicaragua, and America. Uncovering further victims; those, too, that have been inhaled by the sociopathic ways of Rodriguez’s toxic, and deadly narcissism, Isabelle Duval is joined by two other women in seeking their revenge. From start to finish, WHEN I BECAME NEVER is not only a page-turner, it is a book that is not to be missed for its lucid look into the human mind, its limits – and the lack of them. As with INHALED, the reader is confronted with a gripping exploration of life’s sometimes all too horrifying realities.
A work of profound intimacy.
A feminist novel that deals with self-effacement and the birth of a rebellion.
A poetic exposure of the human's psyche - the woman's.
And you might ask yourself as you read on: What happens when a woman disappears from herself?
#literaryfiction
#lyrical
#claricelispector
#raw
#psychologicalfiction
#womenandviolence
#jennyoffill
#revenge
#trauma
#ethereal
#invisibility
#poeticexistentialism
#identityloss
#maggienelson
#silence
#emotionalestrangement
praise
“When I Became Never” by Nathalie Guilbeault is a haunting psychological thriller that explores the devastating ripple effects of generational trauma and abuse. At its core is the story of Isabelle Duval, a woman who has become entangled with Benjamin Rodriguez, a man whose capacity for manipulation and violence stems from his own dark family history in Nicaragua. “When I Became Never” is a stand-alone sequel novel to Guilbeault’s previous book “Inhaled”.
Guilbeault masterfully tells the across different countries and periods, beginning with Benjamin’s family origins in 1920s Spain and continuing through to the present day. The novel’s structure mirrors its themes of how the past echoes through time, as we see how patterns of abuse and dysfunction are passed down through generations of the Rodriguez family.
The author’s prose is lyrical yet unflinching in its depiction of psychological and physical violence. Guilbeault has a particular talent for rendering the interior landscapes of her characters, showing how trauma warps their perception of reality and relationships. The sections focusing on Benjamin’s victims – particularly Patricia, an elderly woman he manipulates – are especially devastating in their portrayal of predatory abuse.
What elevates this beyond a simple thriller is Guilbeault’s lyrical writing style and nuanced exploration of the subject matter. Isabelle’s journey from victim to someone seeking retribution raises complex moral questions about justice and healing. The novel suggests that while vengeance may offer temporary catharsis, true healing requires confronting difficult truths about oneself and breaking cycles of violence.
The book’s ambitious scope occasionally results in narrative threads that feel slightly underdeveloped, and some readers may find the non-linear timeline and lack of quotation marks challenging to follow. However, these are minor critiques of what is otherwise a remarkably assured work that tackles difficult subject matter with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty. The author demonstrates particular skill in her portrayal of women’s relationships, who find both solidarity and purpose in their shared trauma.
“When I Became Never” is not an easy read – its subject matter is often disturbing and its structure demands close attention from the reader. However, it rewards that attention with profound insights into the nature of evil, survival, and redemption. Guilbeault has crafted a powerful meditation on how we carry our histories with us, and whether it’s possible to break free from the patterns of the past.
The novel’s ending strikes a delicate balance between justice served and the recognition that some wounds never fully heal. It’s a conclusion that feels both emotionally satisfying and true to the complexity of trauma recovery. This is a remarkable and memorable book that announces Guilbeault as a significant new voice in literary fiction."
-Adam Rowan, Book-Shelfies Reviews
"WHEN I BECAME NEVER by Nathalie Guilbeault is a haunting and deeply unsettling psychological thriller that delves into the making of a monster and the devastation left in his wake. Exploring themes of manipulation, generational trauma, and revenge, Guilbeault crafts a narrative that is as gripping as it is disturbing. This is more than just a thriller; it’s a brutal portrait of human psychology and the far-reaching impact of abuse. Guilbeault’s poetic and evocative writing style draws readers into the minds of both predator and prey, making for an intimate and often uncomfortable experience. Scenes of heartbreak and horror are balanced with moments of profound reflection, highlighting the resilience of those seeking revenge against unspeakable wrongs. Despite its heavy subject matter, WHEN I BECAME NEVER captivates with its jaw-dropping twists and unrelenting suspense. It’s a raw and thought-provoking look at the limits of humanity, perfect for readers who enjoy dark, twisted tales of tragedy and vengeance. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and intense family sagas."
-Frank Torn, author
"The author gives readers a poignant front-row seat to the devastation wreaked in victims' lives and the subsequent overpowering longing for vengeance and vindication."
- The US Review of Books
"A dark and twisted psychological thriller with plenty of things to love and get shocked by. WHEN I BECAME NEVER is anything but simple."
- Andrea Smith, Reedsy book blogger.
"Guilbeault is a writer to watch ... her deep dives into human psychology, is matched by her power with words. WHEN I BECAME NEVER is a masterful narrative that traces the seeds of evil, and the outcome of lives touched by it."
- Christian Fennell, The Nelligan Review
"Guilbeault’s writing is sharp and immersive, crafting a narrative that is both intimate and chilling. The novel’s exploration of the human mind—its vulnerabilities, obsessions, and dark capacities—is a standout feature. The characters’ motivations are complex and relatable, and the author’s lucid examination of their internal struggles adds depth to the thriller. It’s a book that not only grips you with suspense but also forces you to confront some of life’s most horrifying truths about manipulation, control, and the consequences of unchecked narcissism.
The pace is relentless, and the twists keep coming, making it impossible to put the book down. For readers who enjoy thrillers with emotional depth and psychological complexity, When I Became Never is a must-read. It’s a novel that will stay with you long after the final page, challenging your perceptions of human nature and the dark paths it can take. Whether or not you’ve read Inhaled, this novel stands strong on its own as a chilling examination of revenge and the devastating effects of toxic relationships."
- Review Tales, Jeyran Main
