The Adversary

by Emmanuel Carrère
The Adversary cover
Good Books rating 4.23
True Crime
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  • ID: 2800
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781473547858
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2017-07-06
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Adversary begins with a harrowing account of a father's unimaginable act of violence against his own family. Acclaimed author Emmanuel Carrère delves into the 18-year web of lies spun by Jean Claude Romand, a man who presented himself as a successful doctor while hiding a dark and dangerous secret. This gripping narrative explores the psychological depths of deception and the extremes to which ordinary people can go. Carrère's masterful storytelling transforms a true crime into a profound examination of human nature, making it a must-read for those intrigued by the darker aspects of the human psyche. /n/n The book has been widely praised for its chilling portrayal of a man who maintained a facade of normalcy while harboring a monstrous secret. Carrère's exploration of Romand's life and crimes is both disturbing and mesmerizing, offering a unique perspective on the capacity for evil within seemingly ordinary individuals. The Adversary is not just a crime story; it is a deep dive into the mind of a killer and the societal illusions that allow such horrors to go unnoticed.

Reviews
The Irish Times · 2019-08-31
disturbing 4.20

The book is a disturbing exploration of shame and horror, with the reviewer finding an unsettling identification with the protagonist.

The reviewer from The Irish Times finds 'The Adversary' to be a deeply disturbing yet fascinating exploration of shame and horror. They note how Carrère's identification with Jean-Claude Romand is unsettling, as it forces the reader to confront the abyss of shame and the horror of Romand's actions. The reviewer appreciates the psychological depth and the way Carrère's personal reflection adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. They also highlight how the book challenges the reader to think about the nature of identity and the consequences of living a lie.

Quick quotes

    In The Adversary, Carrère finds himself identifying unsettlingly with Romand, seeing himself reflected in the abyss of Romand's shame and the horror of its consequences.

    This book is a deeply disturbing yet fascinating exploration of shame and horror.

    Carrère's personal reflection adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

Baking Thad Books · 2017-07-15
chilling 4.50

The book is a chilling exploration of deception and the human psyche, leaving a lasting impression of the dark side of human nature.

This reviewer found 'The Adversary' to be a deeply unsettling yet compelling read. The way Carrère delves into the mind of Jean-Claude Romand, a man who lived a life of lies and ultimately committed unspeakable acts, is both fascinating and horrifying. The reviewer appreciates the psychological depth and the way the narrative unfolds, revealing the layers of deception and the tragic consequences. They also note how the book challenges the reader to question the nature of truth and the facades people put up.

Quick quotes

    The Adversary is a true story of monstrous deception that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality.

    Carrère's exploration of Romand's psyche is both chilling and captivating.

    This book is a masterclass in psychological suspense and a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk within us all.

The Guardian · Rachel Cooke · 2017-01-03
thought-provoking 4.00

The true tale of one of France's most notorious killers makes for a grisly but thought-provoking read.

Rachel Cooke from The Guardian finds 'The Adversary' to be a gripping and thought-provoking account of a truly disturbing case. She highlights how Carrère's narrative makes the winter darkness feel even more oppressive, drawing the reader into the grim details of Jean-Claude Romand's life and crimes. Cooke appreciates the way Carrère balances the horrific nature of the story with a deep psychological analysis, making it a compelling read despite its grim subject matter. She also notes how the book raises important questions about identity and the masks people wear.

Quick quotes

    The true tale of one of France's most notorious killers makes for a grisly but thought-provoking read.

    Carrère's narrative makes the winter darkness feel even more oppressive.

    This book is a compelling read despite its grim subject matter.

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