- Paperback: 464 pages
- Publisher: Corgi; New edition edition (1 Mar 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0552148857
- ISBN-13: 978-0552148856
- Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 10.4 x 3.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 319,964 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Gillian White writes truly scaring novels, one of which, The Sleeper, has recently been seen on BBC television. Jennie and Martha become close friends, though they are as different as chalk from cheese. Jennie is always worried and finds motherhood a huge effort. Only Martha delights her; and she tolerates this obsession even going on holiday together as families. As time passes the roles seem to reverse and Jennie becomes independent and successful while Martha's life crumbles. Then horror finally strikes. A truly chilling and hugely compelling tale; Gillian White at her very best.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
A chilling story of the jealousy which ends in tragedy.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having read almost all Gillian White's novels (some of which I have enjoyed more than others), I have to say this is the best yet. I read it in less than 48 hours, no mean feat as it's actually quite a chunky book.
The characters are brilliantly described; Gillian White has the skill of leaving just enough description to your own imagination, so that you can unconsciously fill in the details and make the characters your own.
Martha and Jennie are close friends...or at least, that's what one of them believes. This tale of love and obsession is drawn from a real-life case which ended, like the story, in tragedy. It is a brilliant depiction of what it feels like to be obsessed with another human being. The portrayal of the obsessive mind tormenting its owner is excellently told.
I would heartily recommend this novel to both general readers and also those working within the field of psychiatry.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a huge Gillian White fan, having read all of her books at least once. Second and third readings often reveal even more depth, but as another reviewer said, the brilliance in White's writing is that there is huge scope for your own imagination to build up an image of the characters.
'Copycat' on the surface is about two friends and neighbours who become victims of their reliance on each other, and it is hard to sympathise with one over the other. At first it seems a dark and unlikely tale, but I can guarantee that you will never again proceed into a friendship with your neighbours without caution! It is very believable and gave me quite a lot of insight into the misery of mental illness and behavioural psychology. When you have read 'Copycat' I would recommend that you go back and re-read Gillian White's other books. 'Chain Reaction' is absolutely brilliant and you have a whole host of deeply disturbed characters to absorb you. Come on Ms White, can't wait for another one .....!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Tells the story of an obsessive friendship between two women, Jenny and Martha who begin as neighbours, become friends, then rivals, then develop a love-hate relationship.
It's a novel about how things go wrong between them rather than one that keeps you in suspense about what will happen. Almost the first line of the novel, in a prologue narrated from prison, makes clear that eventually one of the central characters will murder the other. It doesn't make clear who kills who. In the subsequent chapters, supposedly based on "edited extracts from the diary of the victim" alternating with "transcripts of statements by the accused" the perspective switches between that of Jennie and that of Martha.
When they first meet, as new mothers who move into adjacent houses, Jennie admires and is jealous of Martha - of her house, gorgeous husband, apparent success in society and as a mother. But then the roles begin to reverse - Jennie becomes more successful as Martha's life falls apart. And the obsession on both sides becomes more and more dangerous ...
Interesting and well crafted but a bit sad and depressing. The author also leaves to the reader's imagination to deduce in several important matters what is actually going on. Those readers who like to be able to use their own imagination will probably appreciate this, those who like to be told exactly what has happened should leave this book alone.
It's a novel about how things go wrong between them rather than one that keeps you in suspense about what will happen. Almost the first line of the novel, in a prologue narrated from prison, makes clear that eventually one of the central characters will murder the other. It doesn't make clear who kills who. In the subsequent chapters, supposedly based on "edited extracts from the diary of the victim" alternating with "transcripts of statements by the accused" the perspective switches between that of Jennie and that of Martha.
When they first meet, as new mothers who move into adjacent houses, Jennie admires and is jealous of Martha - of her house, gorgeous husband, apparent success in society and as a mother. But then the roles begin to reverse - Jennie becomes more successful as Martha's life falls apart. And the obsession on both sides becomes more and more dangerous ...
Interesting and well crafted but a bit sad and depressing. The author also leaves to the reader's imagination to deduce in several important matters what is actually going on. Those readers who like to be able to use their own imagination will probably appreciate this, those who like to be told exactly what has happened should leave this book alone.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A page-turner
The build-up of tension in this story is wonderful - I couldn't stop reading! The author did a great job of making me empathise with both the main characters, despite myself. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Angela Green
Gillian White novels
Gillian White is my favourite author - I have picked up excellent quality novels from Amazon sellers.
Published on 11 Nov 2009 by Julie Nicholas
completely absorbing
Another excellent page turner, I became immersed in the world of Jennie and Martha from the first words. Almost tiring to read because of my level of involvement in the story. Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2008 by Mrs. Katharine Kirby
Addicted!
I'm reading Gillian White books at the pace of one a day. Can't get enough. This one, though slightly different from the others I have read, was none the less gripping and... Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2004 by "tabby2004"
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