“Her stories only had a dramatic ending, never a sequel.”
The Sinner
Written by Petra Hammesfahr
Published January 1, 1999
Originally a German thriller, The Sinner, is perhaps one of the darkest and most disturbing novels I’ve ever read this year.
The novel introduces the reader to a young wife and mother named Cora Bender. Cora is bored in life and depressed. She has been looking for a way out and prepares to exit on a hot summer day by the lake in her small community. Those plans are ultimately foiled when she finds herself unexpectantly stabbing a man to death on the small beach.
With Cora quickly confessing to the murder, it seemed like a closed case; however, this story encompassed a ride of twists and turns. Because of the dark nature of this story, I had to take it slowly to avoid being overwhelmed. Yet, I’m so glad I decided to dive into it.
In 2017 the story was brought to the small screen in the form of a USA mini-series by the same name starring Bill Pulman and Jessica Biel. The first season would win the Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film. It would also win Jessica Biel the Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.
Despite being based and primarily filmed in New York, the epic scene on the beach with all the bloodshed was filmed in Cheraw State Park, South Carolina.
Indie Wire did a fantastic article comparing the two if you are interested in the book-to-screen adaptation. The link can be found here.
Books and Mischief 