The title of Jennifer Holdichโs darkly funny Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath is as delusional as its main character. 49-year-old Julie Tudor is, plainly, a psychopath, and her utter lack of self-awareness make this character study in insanity often very funny to read.
Psychopath (as the book shall be referred to from now on) opens with what appears to be the imminent demise of an unfortunate man named Sean. The narrative then flips to 2009, offering us a peak into Julieโs typical day of staring at Sean at his desk as his officemate, engaging in awkward social interactions, and drinking heavily.
At first, Julieโs mental instability is more amusing than concerning. Julie has zero ability to read others, take a hint, process rejection, or take any type of accountability for her actions. Thereโs a particularly funny scene as she attempts to seduce Sean via Facebook, and the office reaction to her online postings. Oh, poor Julieโwe initially root for her because sheโs a pathetic figure. Like a friendless, crazy Bridget Jones.
Sean has no interest in Julie, which is as readily apparent as the color of the sky. At one point, she does trick him into sleeping with her, resulting in a cringey, two-minute encounter endured by the blotto Sean by reciting the names of Hollywood starlets and sniggering. Sean is clear with Julie that the night meant nothing; and it isnโt long until he meets the love of his life, Susannah.
This is where the story turns. Julie isnโt a harmless kook. Her actions affect, kill people. (Also, animals). She has zero understanding of right or wrong, experiencing no remorse or guilt for any action. An attempt at murder is unsuccessful, and Julieโs only emotion is frustration at the wasted effort. When the flamboyant Gareth befriends Julie, taking her on a shopping spree to update her matronly wardrobe (Julie has kept Princess Diana hair for decades because itโs โclassicโ), we find ourselves flipping the pages with trepidation and worrying the well-meaning Gareth will meet a grisly end. By the novelโs conclusion, we donโt like Julie any longer. We want her locked away, where she belongs.
The novel has an unusual structure, the narrative switching between Julieโs early days, when she trains as a nurse and set her sights on an unsuspecting older doctor; and her current job as an office pariah and stalker-of-Sean. Psychopath is more of an origin story, although it doesnโt delve into the psyche of how Julie is the way she is. She seems, simply psychopathic; and itโs a marvel that early warning signs did not result in her being institutionalized. But where would the fun be in that?
For those who like dark comedy thrillers and unreliable narrators, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath is your next read. Itโs fun to follow this unhinged lover girl.
About the reviewer: A writer of dark comedy thrillers, Sarah Reida is currently seeking representation for her sophomore novel, Murder Boat. Herย ย debut,ย Neighborhood Watch, received aย Kirkus Starย andย was honored as anย Amazon editorial pickย as one of the Best Books of the Year So Far 2024. Join Sarahโs elite group of Instagram followersย here.
