The Dilemma: An Emotional Rollercoaster of Secrets and Sacrifices

B.A. Paris, known for her thrillers, takes readers on another tense journey in her

fourth novel, The Dilemma, by delving deep into the lives of ordinary people who are faced

with extraordinary decisions. The narrative revolves around Livia and Adam, a married

couple, over the course of a single day. It’s also Livia’s 40th birthday, for which she has been

planning a grand party for her lifetime. While it should be a day of celebration, a secret that

Adam has recently learned not only threatens to ruin this special occasion but also their

seemingly perfect lives. This secret in turn leads to a dilemma, as can be inferred from both

the book’s title and the author's words: "Knowing the truth will destroy her, keeping it a

secret will destroy him."

(Photo Credit: Grace Haugk, Canva)

Throughout the novel, the author switches back and forth between Livia's and Adam's

perspectives, giving readers a closer look at the character's inner thoughts and emotions. Even though this technique of dual viewpoints has occasionally delayed the pace of the story, the fact that it takes you from being an observer to stepping into the shoes of the characters has made it a great aspect for me. Still, what truly distinguishes "The Dilemma" from other works in its category lies in its skillful exploration of various feelings and emotions. This is most evident when the author portrays the raw vulnerabilities of the characters as they are confronted with challenging choices. And also, Paris never fails to balance heartfelt and suspenseful moments throughout the book, creating an even more captivating storyline. Even though there may have been some moments where the plot appears to have gaps and not fully make sense, the author’s storytelling and distinct writing style make up for any shortcomings.

Overall, The Dilemma by B.A. Paris is an emotionally intense and thought-provoking

book that will keep you engaged and guessing until the very last page. I would recommend

checking this book for anyone who is looking for a moving and emotionally packed story.

(Podcast Clip courtesy of The Bestseller Expirement)