Rock Paper Scissors - PDF Summary

"Rock Paper Scissors" by Alice Feeney is a psychological thriller that masterfully weaves together suspense, mystery, and complex character dynamics. The novel centers around Adam and Amelia Wright, a married couple whose relationship is teetering on the edge. As they embark on a weekend getaway to a remote chapel in Scotland, what starts as an attempt to rekindle their marriage quickly devolves into a haunting exploration of their deepest secrets and darkest fears.

Characters and Setup

• Adam Wright: A successful screenwriter known for adapting classic novels into films. He suffers from prosopagnosia, or face blindness, a neurological condition that prevents him from recognizing faces, including those of people he knows intimately, like his wife. This condition is a significant element of the story, as it symbolizes the emotional distance and lack of recognition that exists within his marriage.
• Amelia Wright: Adam's wife, who works at an animal shelter. Amelia feels increasingly isolated in her marriage, burdened by the weight of unspoken grievances and unmet expectations. She loves Adam but is deeply conflicted, feeling that their relationship is built on shaky foundations.

The couple's marriage has been deteriorating for years, plagued by miscommunication, unmet desires, and unresolved trauma. They win a weekend getaway to an isolated chapel in the Scottish Highlands, a trip that Amelia hopes will save their marriage. However, this remote location only amplifies the tension between them, setting the stage for a series of chilling events.

The Remote Chapel

The chapel, an ancient and eerie structure, is almost a character in its own right. It’s cold, dark, and filled with unsettling features—like a locked room that no one can access and mysterious messages left behind by previous occupants. The atmosphere is suffocating, with the harsh winter weather outside cutting them off from the world. This isolation exacerbates the couple's underlying issues, making the chapel a pressure cooker for the secrets and lies that have been festering for years.

The Letters

Interspersed throughout the novel are a series of letters written by Amelia to Adam, one for each year of their marriage. These letters were never intended for Adam to read and are filled with confessions and thoughts that she couldn’t bring herself to say out loud. Through these letters, the reader gains insight into the history of their relationship, the moments that led to its decline, and the secrets that each of them harbors.