Disclaimer

By Renee Knight

Genre

Psychological Thriller

Book Summary

Disclaimer is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the devastating consequences of secrets and guilt. The story centers on Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful documentary filmmaker whose life is upended when she discovers a novel titled The Perfect Stranger in her home. At first, it seems like a harmless work of fiction, but as Catherine reads, she realizes the book recounts a dark secret from her past—one she thought was buried forever.

The narrative alternates between Catherine’s perspective and that of Stephen Brigstocke, a grieving widower whose connection to the novel becomes increasingly sinister. As the layers of the story unravel, readers are drawn into a tense exploration of memory, trust, and the devastating impact of shame.

Renée Knight masterfully weaves themes of betrayal, grief, and revenge into a tale filled with shocking twists. The novel forces readers to question the reliability of memory and the lengths people will go to confront—or escape—their past. Perfect for book club discussions, Disclaimer challenges perceptions of morality, complicity, and redemption, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

A secret can weigh as heavy as a stone. And sometimes, like a stone, it can drag you under.

Book Club Questions

1. The novel centers on the burden of secrets and the devastating impact of guilt. Do you think Catherine’s decision to keep her past hidden was justified? How might her life have been different if she had confronted the truth earlier?

2. Disclaimer frequently explores the unreliability of memory. How do the differing perspectives of Catherine and Stephen shape your understanding of what really happened? Were there moments when you questioned which version of events to trust?

3. Stephen seeks revenge as a way to cope with his grief and anger. Do you think his actions are understandable, or do they cross a moral line? Can revenge ever be a justified response to personal pain?

4. Both Catherine and Stephen view themselves as victims in different ways. How does the novel challenge the idea of victimhood? Are there moments where the characters take agency over their lives, and how does that shift your perception of them?

5. The fictional book The Perfect Stranger serves as a narrative device to reveal Catherine’s secret. How did this metafictional element affect your reading experience? Did it enhance the suspense or alter the way you engaged with the story?

Memory is a slippery thing, unreliable and frail. It shapes itself to fit the story we want to believe.”

My Opinion

In my opinion, Disclaimer was a compelling yet deeply frustrating read, particularly in how it portrayed Catherine and her actions. At first, I was convinced that Catherine was guilty of the crime she was accused of—her evasive behavior and refusal to confront the truth painted her in an unfavorable light. However, once the truth was revealed, I found myself profoundly disappointed in her inability to come forward, whether to the authorities, her husband, or even her own child. Trauma, as the story illustrates, cannot be suppressed without severe consequences, and Catherine’s silence made her appear complicit rather than a victim of a horrific crime. While I felt sickened and heartbroken by what she endured, her choices—especially withholding the truth from her son, who had witnessed the crime and was subconsciously affected—made it hard to fully sympathize with her. Her decision to leave her husband over his reactions to the rape versus suspected infidelity further underscored her lack of communication and maturity in addressing these struggles. Ultimately, I found the characters’ immaturity and inability to face their pain head-on disappointing, making it difficult to connect with the story despite its important themes.

The crimes committed in Disclaimer are a harrowing reflection of the real-life injustices that many individuals, especially women, endure. What makes the story even more poignant is its portrayal of the fear, anxiety, and lack of empowerment that often accompany such experiences, preventing victims from coming forward. In reality, these same barriers exist, compounded by societal judgment, disbelief, or the emotional toll of reliving the trauma. Catherine’s story highlights how silence, though it may feel like a protective measure, often amplifies the pain and leaves wounds unhealed.

What saddens me deeply is knowing that so many women who face these terrible crimes feel isolated and powerless, doubting their ability to seek justice or fearing the consequences of doing so. I only wish for those who encounter such horrors to find the internal strength and external support to fight for themselves and for justice. Their voices are vital not only for their healing but also to challenge the systems that allow such crimes to persist. Catherine’s reluctance to come forward serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to create a world where victims feel empowered to speak their truth and pursue justice without fear.

When pain turns to anger, it’s easy to believe in the righteousness of vengeance.