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1st Place Awarded to Inside Outside by Firebird Book Awards

-March 2025

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Five Star Review: INSIDE OUTSIDE

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Faye Arcand's Inside Outside, Leslie retreats into herself and starts harmful habits after her husband leaves her for another woman. The deepest betrayal for Leslie was when her husband caused this woman to become pregnant while she and her husband were in the midst of fertility treatments. Leslie sits by her front window, observing strangers to get through her days. Leslie’s attention was caught by Selena when she missed her bus to school and got into a van instead. Selena lives with her mother and two younger sisters, whom she cares for deeply. Selena's mother's boyfriend misbehaved toward her sisters, so she reported it to the school nurse. Feeling the urge to protect Selena, Leslie ensured their paths would cross. Leslie and Selena formed a friendship, and, when Selena needed a place to stay, Leslie eagerly offered her a home.

Inside Outside by Faye Arcand was a powerful and moving read. The pace was fast, and the suspense kept me captivated throughout. With all the unexpected twists, I was never sure what would happen next. I found it impossible to put the book down and eagerly flipped through the pages. The writing style was compelling, and I was completely engrossed from beginning to end. The chapters shifted between Leslie and Selena, allowing me to learn more about them. This gave me a deeper insight into the decisions they both made and helped me empathize with them. The writing was engaging and included everything necessary for a fantastic story that would linger with me for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and it far surpassed my expectations.

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Inside Outside

Faye Arcand

Blue Robin Books (2024)

ISBN: 978-1069029508

Reviewed by Chrissy Very for Reader Views (01/2025)

“Inside Outside” by Faye Arcand is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of personal growth, self-discovery, the complexity of human emotions, mental health, and the intertwined dynamics between our inner and outer narratives.

The story follows two women; Leslie, a woman challenged by her feelings of inadequacy and the profound stresses of life – and Selena, a teenager who has been forced to grow up quickly thanks to her toxic environment. Both women experience incredible turmoil that shapes their identities. The novel toggles between a series of interconnected scenes, offering glimpses into the lives of Leslie and Selena, both grappling with loneliness, regret, anger, anxiety, fear, and what the purpose of their lives may be.

Their lives parallel each other, then intercept directly, bringing readers full circle. It gradually builds up a series of subtle – yet significant – moments that lead to a very satisfying end. The pacing of the novel may be slow for some readers, but because Arcand does not rush the narrative, “Inside Outside” is a more realistic depiction of the character’s experiences. It doesn’t force unnecessary conflicts or cliffhangers but rather provides authentic and relatable dialogue to engage readers wholeheartedly. Arcand’s writing style and pacing strengthens the empathy and connections that readers will feel toward Selena and Leslie immensely.

The gradual development of their inner worlds put beside their outward experiences is where Arcand thrives. The pacing may not be as fast as some readers expect from a traditional thriller, but it works to fully immerse the reader and allow them to draw parallels to their own experiences.

“Inside Outside” explores how our internal world – our emotions, thoughts, and self-perceptions –significantly influences how we navigate “outside,” or through our physical experiences in the “real world.” The duality of inside versus outside serves as both a literal and metaphorical framework for Leslie’s and Selena’s journeys, and in turn, our own. The dual perspectives from the two protagonists expand on the theme and bring in additional, relatable themes of personal identity and relationships, making “Inside Outside” incredibly relatable. This symbolism adds an extra layer of depth and meaning, giving readers something to think about long after they’ve finished the book.

I would recommend “Inside Outside” to anyone who enjoys literary fiction and thought-provoking narratives, especially those diving into their personal identities to discover who they are, those struggling with mental health or traumatic experiences, or those who want a novel with significant, deep meaning. “Inside Outside” by Faye Arcand is a book that encourages reflection and contemplation, making it well-suited for readers who appreciate slower-paced works that explore the intricacies of human emotions and mental health.

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