Killing Lily delves into the dark and complex world of cults and how they can strip people of their own identities.
The Synopsis of Killing Lily
Focusing on two friends, Mae and Lily, whose lives are deeply entwined within the confines of Sunnyside—a cult where women are expected to serve in silence and adhere to stringent, oppressive rules.
Mae’s rebellious streak and outspoken nature often put her at odds with the commune’s rigid expectations, while in contrast, Lily appears to be the ideal follower, both obedient and compliant. For years, these two girls have been inseparable, even marrying the same man, but when their husband dies, the new leader of the cult decides to claim Lily for himself, and their relationship takes a turn for the worse.
This power shift and the departure of Mae causes the peace facade of Sunnyside to crumble, highlighting a series of mysterious deaths that plague the community. Mae does her best to shield Lily from impending dangers but is banished to the outskirts of the commune, leaving Lily both vulnerable and isolated.
Faced with an agonising decision, Mae chooses to escape the night before Lily’s coerced wedding, embarking on a journey that forces her to confront haunting truths and the inescapable shadows of her past.
Killing Lily by Jillian Gardner
More about Killing Lily
After running away from the commune, Mae tries desperately to fit in with the outside world. Firstly, she heads to a farm run by the brother of an ex-cult friend, but after a series of distressing events, Mae finds herself once again on the run, seeking help from the only other person she knows, a podcaster hoping for a memorable story that will see her ratings fly.
Trying to navigate the outside world when you have never had to worry about things like money, reading, and writing is a struggle. Mae also has to learn who to trust while providing details of her life on the commune and discovering just how much the cult has brainwashed people.
My Thoughts on Killing Lily
Killing Lily delves into the psychological manipulation of cults, exploring how such environments can distort people’s perceptions of reality, and this novel examines just how far individuals will go to protect those they love, even at significant personal cost. The narrative also tackles the process of healing from trauma, illustrating that escape from physical confines does not mean you are free from psychological scars.
As Mae grapples with the guilt and complexities of freedom while remaining defiant, as a reader, you are desperate for her to find her way in the world. They say opposites attract even in friendship, and Lily’s character highlights the struggles of someone manipulated and coerced. It is the distinction between these two characters that add to the depth and intensity of the plot.
Gardner does a fantastic job at capturing the oppressive atmosphere of a cult, while her descriptions add to the suspense, ensuring that readers remain engaged. The intricate storyline that switches between the two characters adds further depth, providing several different unexpected twists and making it a captivating psychological thriller.
Have you read Killing Lily or any other books that focus on cults?
I was gifted a copy of this novel as part of a ‘Love Book Tours‘ book blog tour, but as always, all views are my own.
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