“I was born with a need to break things, to shatter them and watch the pieces fly.”
— The protagonist reflecting on her destructive nature early in the story.
Archivist's Choice
I Can Be a Better You
Tarryn Fisher (2018)
Genre
Thriller / Mystery
Reading Time
6-7 hours
Key Themes
See below
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A woman's obsession with her neighbor's perfect life turns into a dangerous game when she moves in next door, determined to take it all.
Synopsis
Fig Coxbury, obsessed with her neighbor Jocelyn's perfect life, buys the house next door. She slowly enters Jocelyn's world, befriending her, getting close to her husband and child, and subtly manipulating things. When Jocelyn has an accident that leaves her with memory loss, Fig sees her chance to fully take over the life she believes should be hers. As Fig takes on more of Jocelyn's identity and duties, Jocelyn's husband, Ezra, feels uneasy, sensing something is wrong. Jocelyn, dealing with her unreliable memory, slowly recalls disturbing parts of the past, eventually realizing Fig's deception and their shared history. A tense confrontation follows, leading to a dangerous end where Jocelyn must fight to get back her identity, her family, and her future from the woman who tried to steal it.
Reading time
6-7 hours
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Suspenseful, Obsessive, Unsettling, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, obsessive characters, and a focus on identity theft and domestic suspense.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer thrillers with clear-cut heroes and villains, or find themes of gaslighting and extreme obsession unsettling.
Plot Summary
The Move to West Barrett Street
Fig Coxbury, a woman with a hidden past and a careful plan, buys a house on West Barrett Street. Her only reason is its closeness to the home of Jocelyn and Ezra Holt, and their young daughter, Daisy. Fig has been fixated on Jocelyn and her seemingly perfect life for a long time, watching their routines and gathering information. She begins to subtly enter their lives, starting with a simple introduction to Jocelyn, pretending to want friendship. This first meeting is a calculated move to get closer to the family she plans to take over.
Infiltrating Jocelyn's Life
Fig's first attempts to befriend Jocelyn are met with some caution, but Fig is persistent and good at manipulation. She creates situations to make Jocelyn feel she owes her, such as 'finding' Daisy when the child briefly wanders, or offering help with household tasks. Fig also quietly weakens Jocelyn's other friendships, planting doubts and causing small conflicts that push Jocelyn closer to Fig. Jocelyn, feeling more overwhelmed and alone, starts to rely on Fig, seeing her as a supportive friend, unaware of Fig's true intentions and the dangerous web she is weaving.
The Accident and Fig's Opportunity
A key event happens when Jocelyn is in a severe car accident, leaving her with serious injuries and a concussion that affects her memory. This event is a perfect chance for Fig, who immediately steps in to 'help' the Holt family. She takes over household duties, cares for Daisy, and manages Jocelyn's recovery, becoming the main caregiver and decision-maker. Ezra, overwhelmed by the crisis, is thankful for Fig's help, unknowingly giving her more power and access to his wife and daughter. Fig uses Jocelyn's impaired state to manipulate her further, planting false memories and subtly changing Jocelyn's view of her own past and relationships.
Ezra's Growing Unease
As Jocelyn slowly recovers, Ezra notices small changes in their home and in Jocelyn's behavior. He sees Fig's growing possessiveness toward Daisy and her quiet attempts to isolate Jocelyn from him. There are times when Fig seems to know too much about their private lives, or she quietly contradicts Jocelyn's memories. Ezra's initial thanks for Fig's help slowly turns into a creeping unease and suspicion. He begins to question Fig's background and her intense devotion to their family, sensing that her helpfulness is not as selfless as it appears. He starts to look into Fig's past, seeking answers to his growing worries.
Jocelyn's Fragmented Memories
Jocelyn's recovery is slow and confusing. She has vivid, but broken, memories that do not match the story Fig has been telling her. These memory flashes, often triggered by everyday objects or talks, cause her distress and make her doubt her sanity. She starts to feel a deep unease about Fig, despite the woman's outwardly caring manner. Jocelyn notices inconsistencies in Fig's stories and a manipulative tone in her interactions. She begins to secretly try to piece together the truth of her past and her accident, despite Fig's constant efforts to control her information and interactions.
The Unveiling of Fig's Past
Ezra's investigation into Fig's background uncovers a shocking truth: Fig Coxbury is not her real name. He discovers that she is actually Bethany, a woman with a troubled past and a connection to a tragic incident involving Jocelyn years ago. Bethany, as she was known then, was involved in a devastating fire that killed her own child and left her traumatized. He learns that Bethany has been obsessed with Jocelyn ever since, blaming her for her problems and carefully planning to take over her life as a twisted revenge and a way to get back what she believes was stolen from her. The full extent of her dangerous fixation becomes clear.
Jocelyn's Revelation and Confrontation
Through her own recovered memories, Ezra's discoveries, and key evidence, Jocelyn finally understands the horrifying truth about Fig. She remembers Bethany, the fire, and the complex, tragic events around it. The realization that Fig has been systematically trying to erase her identity and steal her family is devastating. Armed with the truth, Jocelyn confronts Fig. Fig, trapped and exposed, reveals the depth of her delusion and her belief that she deserves Jocelyn's life. The confrontation grows, putting Jocelyn and Daisy in danger.
The Climax and Escape
The confrontation between Jocelyn and Fig reaches a terrifying peak. Fig, desperate to finish her plan, becomes more unstable and violent. She tries to hurt Jocelyn and take Daisy, believing the child is hers. Jocelyn, despite her trauma, finds an incredible amount of strength and maternal instinct. She fights back fiercely, determined to protect her daughter. Ezra arrives, having been warned of the danger, and joins the fight. The scene is chaotic and dangerous, with the Holt family fighting for their lives against Fig's relentless attacks. They manage to overpower Fig, but not without a struggle and fear.
Aftermath and Recovery
After the intense confrontation, Fig is arrested, ending her reign of terror. The Holt family, though physically safe, is deeply traumatized. The aftermath involves police investigations, hospital stays for recovery, and the hard process of dealing with the psychological impact of Fig's manipulation. Jocelyn and Ezra must work through the emotional scars left by Fig's invasion of their lives and the near-loss of their family. They begin the long journey of healing, rebuilding trust, and reclaiming their home and sense of security, knowing their lives will never be quite the same.
Reclaiming Identity and Future
In the months after Fig's arrest, Jocelyn works to fully reclaim her identity and strengthen her bond with Ezra and Daisy. She goes to therapy to process the trauma and rebuild her memories, ensuring she is no longer vulnerable to manipulation. The experience, though terrible, ultimately strengthens her resolve and deepens her appreciation for her family. The Holts consciously create new, positive memories and set boundaries to protect their privacy. They learn to live with the lasting effects of Fig's actions but refuse to let it define their future, choosing resilience and love to move forward and protect the life they almost lost.
Principal Figures
Fig Coxbury (Bethany)
The Antagonist
Fig's arc is one of escalating delusion and violence, culminating in her exposure and apprehension.
Jocelyn Holt
The Protagonist
Jocelyn's arc transforms from a trusting, vulnerable woman to a resilient survivor who reclaims her identity and strengthens her family bonds.
Ezra Holt
The Supporting
Ezra moves from initial gratitude towards Fig to deep suspicion, ultimately becoming a key figure in exposing her and protecting his family.
Daisy Holt
The Supporting
Daisy remains largely unaware of the full danger, serving as a catalyst for her parents' actions and ultimately being protected by them.
Detective Miller
The Supporting
Detective Miller's arc involves moving from initial skepticism or routine investigation to fully understanding the depth of Fig's psychological manipulation and criminal intent.
Themes & Insights
Obsession and Identity Theft
The novel explores the destructive nature of obsession, especially when it leads to the desire to steal another's identity and life. Fig's whole existence revolves around watching and then trying to replace Jocelyn. This theme shows in Fig's careful planning, her adoption of Jocelyn's routines, and her attempts to erase Jocelyn's memories and relationships. It highlights the horror of having one's sense of self undermined by an outside force.
“She wanted Jocelyn's life, not just a piece of it, but the whole thing, down to the last perfect detail.”
Memory and Reality Manipulation
A central theme is how fragile memory is and how easily perception can be manipulated, particularly when someone is vulnerable. Jocelyn's amnesia after the accident gives Fig the perfect chance to rewrite her past, planting false memories and distorting reality. This theme creates a chilling psychological suspense, as Jocelyn (and the reader) struggles to tell what is real from what is made up. It makes us examine how our personal stories are built and how easily they can be taken apart.
“Memories are funny things. They can be bent, twisted, even entirely invented, if you know how.”
The Façade of Perfection
The novel quietly questions the idea of a 'perfect' life, which Fig obsesses over. Jocelyn's life, from an outsider's view, seems ideal, prompting Fig's desire to have it. However, the story reveals the hidden vulnerabilities and challenges within even the most perfect-seeming existence. The theme suggests that such perceived perfection can be a dangerous draw, attracting envy and showing how superficial external appearances are compared to the complex realities of human experience.
“From the outside, it was all so beautiful. The house, the husband, the child. Everything I wanted.”
Maternal Instinct and Protection
Despite the psychological manipulation and trauma, the powerful theme of maternal instinct stands out. Jocelyn's main reason for fighting back and regaining her memory is the strong desire to protect her daughter, Daisy. This instinct goes beyond her confusion and fear, giving her the strength to confront Fig. It highlights the strong bond between a mother and child and is a powerful force against Fig's attempts to take over the family.
“She would burn the world down before she let anyone take her child.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Reliability of Narration
The story often blurs the line between what is real and what is perceived, especially through Jocelyn's eyes.
This device is crucial, particularly after Jocelyn's accident. Her memory loss and Fig's active manipulation create a highly unreliable narrative perspective for Jocelyn. The reader experiences her confusion and doubt, making it difficult to trust her perceptions. This heightens the suspense and psychological tension, as the audience is forced to question what is real alongside the protagonist, making Fig's gaslighting more effective and chilling.
Gaslighting
Fig systematically manipulates Jocelyn's perception of reality to make her doubt her sanity.
Gaslighting is a primary tool used by Fig to control Jocelyn. By altering Jocelyn's environment, planting false memories, and subtly contradicting her experiences, Fig makes Jocelyn question her own sanity and memory. This psychological abuse isolates Jocelyn and makes her more dependent on Fig, who presents herself as the only reliable source of information. It's a key element in establishing Fig's power and Jocelyn's vulnerability throughout the story.
Dramatic Irony
The audience is often aware of Fig's true intentions before Jocelyn or Ezra fully grasp them.
Dramatic irony is employed to build suspense. The reader is often privy to Fig's internal monologues or her calculated actions that Jocelyn and Ezra misinterpret as genuine kindness. This creates a constant sense of dread, as the audience watches Fig's plan unfold, knowing the danger that the unsuspecting Holt family is in. It amplifies the tension and makes Fig's manipulative acts more impactful.
The Unseen Past
Fig's tragic backstory is gradually revealed, explaining her extreme motivations.
The novel uses the device of the 'unseen past' to explain Fig's extreme obsession. Her true identity as Bethany and the details of the fire that destroyed her family are slowly revealed, often through Ezra's investigation. This backstory provides a psychological foundation for her actions, transforming her from a purely villainous figure into a disturbed individual driven by profound grief and trauma, adding depth to her character even as it highlights her dangerousness.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Everyone has a dark side. Some just hide it better than others.”
— A general observation about human nature and secrets.
“Love is a dangerous game, and I was never good at games.”
— The protagonist's cynical view on relationships and love.
“Sometimes the monster is the one you least suspect.”
— A recurring theme about hidden identities and true evil.
“We all wear masks. Some are just more convincing than others.”
— Reflecting on the various personas people adopt.
“The past is a predator, and it always catches up.”
— A thought about the inescapable nature of past actions.
“Trust is a weapon, and I learned to wield it from a young age.”
— The protagonist's manipulative approach to gaining trust.
“Every lie we tell creates a debt, and eventually, that debt must be paid.”
— Considering the repercussions of deceit.
“There's a fine line between love and obsession, and I've always danced on it.”
— Exploring the protagonist's intense emotional attachments.
“The truth is a dangerous thing, especially when it's buried deep.”
— Discussing the impact of uncovering hidden truths.
“You can never truly know someone until you see them at their worst.”
— An insight into the true nature of individuals under pressure.
“Sometimes, the only way to escape your past is to become someone else entirely.”
— The protagonist's motivation for changing her identity.
“Revenge is a dish best served cold, but sometimes, it's served with a smile.”
— A reflection on the subtle and deceptive nature of revenge.
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. The second greatest was convincing me I was normal.”
— The protagonist's self-awareness of her own unique and perhaps disturbed nature.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel centers on Fig Coxbury, who deliberately buys a house next to the seemingly perfect life of her former best friend, Jolene, in an attempt to infiltrate and take over Jolene's husband, child, and entire existence, fueled by a deep-seated obsession and past grievances.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
