Synopsis & Basic Details

What is Wretched about?

• Dark contemporary romance: Wretched is a dark contemporary romance that explores themes of grief, betrayal, and redemption within a fractured fairy tale setting.
• Villain's perspective: The story is told from the perspective of Eveline Westerly, a complex and morally ambiguous character who is deeply involved in her family's legacy of criminal activities.
• Undercover infiltration: DEA agent Nicholas Woodsworth infiltrates the Westerly family, leading to a dangerous game of deception and a complicated relationship with Eveline.

Why should I read Wretched?

• Complex characters: The characters in Wretched are multi-layered and morally gray, making them compelling and relatable despite their flaws.
• Intense emotional journey: The story takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring themes of grief, betrayal, and the search for identity and belonging.
• Dark and captivating romance: The romance between Eveline and Nicholas is intense and passionate, adding a layer of complexity to the already dark and gritty storyline.

What is the background of Wretched?

• Small-town crime: The story is set in Kinland, a small town with a strong Irish American presence, where the Westerly family has established a powerful criminal empire.
• Drug trade: The Westerlys are involved in the production and distribution of a highly addictive drug called "The Flying Monkey," which is causing widespread death and destruction.
• Irish mob influence: The story also touches on the history of the Irish mob in Chicago and their attempts to expand their influence into Kinland.

What are the most memorable quotes in Wretched?

• "Grief is a weird thing.": This quote, from the prologue, encapsulates the novel's exploration of grief as a complex and often misunderstood emotion. It sets the stage for Eveline's journey of loss and resentment.
• "Love. It's fake. Just a chemical reaction that people pretend is more.": This quote reveals Nicholas's cynical view on love, which is challenged as he develops feelings for Eveline. It highlights the theme of questioning societal norms and expectations.
• "There's no one like family, Evie, and there's no place like home. We have to stick together.": This quote, attributed to Nessa, represents the Westerly family's legacy and twisted sense of loyalty and the pressure Eveline feels to uphold their legacy. It underscores the theme of family bonds and their potential for both support and manipulation.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Emily McIntire use?

• Alternating POV: McIntire employs alternating points of view between Eveline and Nicholas, providing insight into their inner thoughts and motivations. This allows readers to understand the complexities of their relationship and the conflicts they face.
• Dark and gritty prose: The writing style is dark and gritty, reflecting the harsh realities of the characters' lives and the criminal underworld they inhabit. The language is often raw and explicit, adding to the story's intensity.
• Foreshadowing and symbolism: McIntire uses foreshadowing and symbolism to create suspense and add layers of meaning to the story. Recurring motifs, such as the poppies and the color black, contribute to the novel's overall atmosphere and themes.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• Tattoos as hidden stories: Farrell's tattoos, initially described as mere prison ink, hint at a deeper, unrevealed history and potentially symbolize his past actions and affiliations. Eveline's curiosity about them suggests a desire to understand her father's hidden life.
• The significance of shoes: Dorothy wearing Nessa's shoes to the memorial mass is a seemingly small detail that speaks volumes about her envy and disrespect towards her deceased sister. It foreshadows her later betrayal and adds another layer to her complex character.
• Cody's computer skills: Cody's seemingly innocuous computer skills, initially presented as a sign of his "loser" status, become a crucial asset for Eveline, highlighting the importance of looking beyond surface appearances and recognizing hidden talents.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• Eveline's "impulses": Eveline's repeated references to her "impulses" foreshadow her violent tendencies and her struggle to control her emotions. This is a subtle hint at her darker nature and her potential for both good and evil.
• The significance of "sweetheart": The term "sweetheart," initially used by Nicholas as a playful endearment, becomes a trigger for Eveline, highlighting the power dynamics in their relationship and the way language can be used to manipulate and control.
• The poem book: The book of poems, a remnant of Nicholas's mother, serves as a callback to his past and a reminder of his motivations for becoming a DEA agent. It also foreshadows his connection with Eveline, who shares a love for poetry.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Oscar Norman and Nessa: The revelation that Oscar Norman, the mayor, was once closely associated with Nessa adds a layer of intrigue to her character and suggests that she may have been more involved in the family's legacy of criminal activities than initially believed.
• Zeke and Jack O'Connor: Zeke's connection to the notorious Jack O'Connor, king of the Irish mob in Chicago, adds depth to his character and provides context for his involvement in the Westerly's operations. It also highlights the cyclical nature of crime and the way legacies can shape individuals' destinies.
• Cody and the commissioner: The subtle hint that the city commissioner might be interested in Cody, referred to as "Oz," adds a layer of complexity to Cody's character and suggests that he may have more influence and connections than initially believed.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Zeke O'Connor: Zeke serves as a bridge between the Westerly family and the criminal underworld, providing valuable insights into their operations and motivations. His conflicted loyalties and his eventual decision to betray the Westerlys make him a pivotal figure in the story.
• Cody Baum: Cody's role as Eveline's confidant and tech expert provides her with the resources and information she needs to maintain her power. His betrayal as an undercover agent adds a layer of complexity to Eveline's world and forces her to confront the harsh realities of trust and loyalty.
• Rose Woodsworth: Rose's presence as Nicholas's sister provides a glimpse into his past and his motivations for becoming a DEA agent. Her struggles with addiction and her eventual recovery highlight the devastating impact of drugs on individuals and families.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Eveline's need for control: Eveline's meticulous control over the poppy cultivation and drug production stems from a deep-seated need to protect herself and her family. It's a way to compensate for the chaos and instability she experienced in her childhood.
• Nicholas's desire for redemption: Nicholas's relentless pursuit of justice is driven by a desire to atone for his past failures and to protect others from the pain and suffering he experienced as a child. His relationship with Eveline challenges his ability to remain detached and objective.
• Dorothy's craving for attention: Dorothy's constant need for validation and her willingness to betray her family stem from a deep-seated insecurity and a desire to be seen as worthy of love and attention. Her actions are driven by a desperate attempt to fill the void left by her absent mother and her father's favoritism towards Nessa.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Eveline's moral ambiguity: Eveline grapples with the moral implications of her actions, struggling to reconcile her desire for control and her loyalty to her family with her growing awareness of the harm they are causing. Her internal conflict is a key aspect of her character development.
• Nicholas's emotional detachment: Nicholas struggles to maintain emotional distance from Eveline, blurring the lines between his professional duty and his personal feelings. His internal conflict highlights the psychological toll of undercover work and the challenges of maintaining objectivity in emotionally charged situations.
• Dorothy's narcissistic tendencies: Dorothy exhibits narcissistic tendencies, characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Her actions are driven by a desire to maintain her sense of superiority and to manipulate others to her own advantage.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Eveline discovering Nicholas's true identity: This revelation shatters Eveline's trust and forces her to confront the reality of her relationship with Nicholas. It marks a turning point in her emotional journey, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about him and herself.
• Eveline learning about Dorothy's role in Nessa's death: This discovery ignites a fierce desire for revenge and forces Eveline to confront the dark truths about her family's legacy. It marks a turning point in her relationship with Dorothy and sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
• Nicholas admitting his love for Eveline: This confession challenges Nicholas's cynical view of love and forces him to confront the depth of his feelings for Eveline. It marks a turning point in their relationship, leading them to question their loyalties and their future together.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• Eveline and Nicholas: Their relationship evolves from suspicion and deception to intense passion and a shared understanding of their chaotic lives. Their connection challenges their loyalties and forces them to confront their deepest fears.
• Eveline and Dorothy: Their relationship evolves from sibling rivalry and resentment to open hostility and betrayal. The revelation of Dorothy's role in Nessa's death shatters their bond and sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
• Eveline and Farrell: Their relationship evolves from a power struggle and a desire for control to a final reckoning. Eveline's decision to break free from her father's influence marks a turning point in her journey toward self-discovery and independence.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The extent of Nessa's criminal involvement: The story leaves ambiguous the full extent of Nessa's involvement in the Westerly's criminal activities, leaving readers to speculate about her true motivations and her role in shaping Eveline's life.
• The future of Kinland: The ending leaves open-ended the future of Kinland and the fate of the Westerly's criminal empire. It is unclear whether the town will be able to recover from the damage caused by the drug trade and whether a new power will emerge to fill the void.
• The long-term viability of Eveline and Nicholas's relationship: While the ending suggests a hopeful future for Eveline and Nicholas, the story leaves open the question of whether their relationship can truly overcome the challenges of their past and the differences in their backgrounds.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Wretched?

• The bathroom scene: The explicit and non-consensual nature of the bathroom scene between Eveline and Nicholas is a controversial moment that raises questions about power dynamics and consent.
• Eveline's violence: Eveline's violent tendencies and her willingness to kill are morally ambiguous aspects of her character that may be disturbing to some readers.
• Nicholas's actions as an undercover agent: Nicholas's deception and manipulation of Eveline raise ethical questions about the use of undercover tactics and the potential for harm to innocent individuals.

Wretched Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• Eveline and Nicholas escape: The ending sees Eveline and Nicholas escaping to Ireland, leaving behind their past lives and the chaos they created. This symbolizes a desire for a fresh start and a chance to build a new life together.
• Leaving the criminal world: By leaving the criminal world behind, Eveline is choosing to break free from the cycle of violence and betrayal that has defined her family's legacy. This represents a rejection of her past and a commitment to a more peaceful future.
• Hope for redemption: The ending offers a glimmer of hope for redemption, suggesting that even in the darkest of circumstances, love can light the way to a brighter future. However, the story also acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, leaving readers to speculate about the long-term viability of Eveline and Nicholas's relationship.