This 2016 award-winning novel is part of the revival of the thriller genre featuring domestic violence, psychological mystery, and an unreliable female protagonist.
Historical Context
Published in 2016, “The Woman in Cabin 10” was influenced by events from the mid-2010s. In 2013, Edward Snowden exposed the government surveillance on citizens, starting a global discourse on privacy. As people became more aware of the government watch, paranoia and distrust increased. In “The Woman in Cabin 10,” worry about privacy is depicted in the fear of the protagonist about being watched and followed.
Furthermore, the mid-2010s saw political divisions. This division promoted an environment of distrust and fear, illustrated in the themes. The lasting effects of the 2008 global financial crisis continued to display economic imbalance and social disparities. The elite got accused of being out of touch with the struggles of commoners. In the book, the luxury cruise depicts exclusivity and wealth.
The 2010s was a period that launched various technological advancements, such as the introduction of reusable rockets, cost-effective solar panels with over 20% efficiency, and Tesla’s Model 3. These advancements mirrored the creativity of the human mind in the 21st century.
Author’s Context
Born in 1977, Ware grew up in Lewes, Sussex, and attended Manchester University where she studied English. She worked as a waitress, bookseller, and publicist before becoming a full-time author.
Ware’s use of red herrings and confined spaces is traced back to Agatha Christie who she mentions as an inspiration. Influenced by classic gothic fiction, she uses psychological suspense, fear, and atmospheric settings.
As a child, Ware’s love for storytelling originated from reading. As a student of English, she was exposed to various genres and styles, solidifying her literary foundation. She also acquired life experiences and knowledge from her different careers. This knowledge gets incorporated into her character development and settings. For example, Carrie works as a waitress when she meets Richard Bullmer.
Fascinated by human psychology, Ware demonstrates how individuals react under mental pressure and anxiousness. She illustrates how fear alters reality and the absence of trust builds resilience.
Books by the Author
Ware also loves the idea of ordinary and imperfect women addressing and overcoming different personal and societal challenges. Her characters are usually vulnerable yet determined.
“In a Dark, Dark Wood” by Ruth Ware was published in 2015. It is the story of a crime writer who attends a bachelorette party for her estranged friend. There, old resentment and secrets are exposed, turning the scene dangerous. Ware brilliantly journeys through themes of trust, friendship, and memory. The success of this book established her as a known author of the thriller genre, paving the way for subsequent books.
“The Lying Game” was published in 2017 after “The Woman in Cabin 10.” It follows the story of four women united by a secret from the past. By analyzing the concepts of loyalty and friendship, the book solidified her success in the world of literature.
Published in 2019, “The Turn of the Key” was inspired by “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James. The novel narrates the story of a nanny who works in a mysteriously haunted house. The book received praise for its modern twist on classic horror features.
Cultural Context
The setting on a luxury yacht reflects cultural values around status, wealth, and consumerism. The extravagant environment and successful passengers depict obsession with material achievement. The backdrop assesses frivolity and emptiness usually linked with such lifestyles, highlighting the contrast between outward appearances and realities.
Culture and Movements
Contemporary culture receives condemnation using the theme of isolation in a connected world. Although surrounded by people, Lo still experiences isolation. This illustrates the paradox of modern connectivity, where social media and digital communication can sometimes worsen feelings of loneliness and detachment.
Ware also addresses the stigma that surrounds mental health patients. Their feelings are often invalidated.
Although the book was published before the ‘MeToo’ movement peaked, it resounded the idea of women being disregarded and their stories of assault or danger getting ignored. Subtly, the book integrates feminist motifs, emphasizing female autonomy. Lo’s story aligns with contemporary feminist discourse advocating the empowerment and equality of women.
Literary Context
“The Woman in Cabin 10” is a psychological thriller genre that falls within the sub-genre of domestic noir.
Various literary traditions, such as the gothic genre and the early detective story, contributed to the history of the thriller genre. The gothic genre originated with Horace Walpole’s dark “The Castle of Otranto” published in 1764. Most early novels of this genre explored religion, morality, and philosophy.
Patricia Highsmith’s “Stranger on a Train,” Ira Levin’s 1953 “A Kiss Before Dying,” and Ruth Rendell’s “A Judgement in Stone” are some works that launched the use of the psychological thriller genre to examine the human mind.
Psychological thrillers often feature protagonists whose perceptions and memories are questionable, creating suspense and doubt. In “The Woman in Cabin 10,” Lo Blacklock’s anxiety and past trauma make her an unreliable narrator.
Initially, the thriller genre was a low-brow entertainment featuring violence and cheap exhilaration. However, Edgar Allan Poe rose above the stereotype, influencing other authors. John Buchan also dominated the adventure and spy thrillers and inspired many filmmakers and politicians.
Postmodernism is a 21st-century perspective on art and literature that involves mixing ideas, references, and styles to modern society, in an ironic way. It usually blurs the difference between reality and perception. In “The Woman in Cabin 10,” Lo struggles to distinguish the truth from lies, showcasing postmodern concerns with subjective truth.
The structure of the novel that involves switching between different time intervals and Lo’s fragmented narration and memories indicate postmodern narrative techniques. Added to this, the Feminist Literary Movement impacted the novel. Feminist literature often presents strong, complicated female characters.
Comparison with other Books
In comparison with “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, both novels present erratic narrators and illustrate the mental complications of the protagonists. “Gone Girl” focuses on a conjugal relationship and deceit, while “The Woman in Cabin 10” focuses on trauma and external danger.
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins also features a female protagonist with a traumatic past who witnesses a crime but encounters doubt. In the two books, the concepts of memory and trauma get examined. Like “The Woman in Cabin 10,” this novel by Paula popularized the genre of domestic noir.
Although “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty centered on interpersonal relationships, the work similarly integrates female protagonists and secrets. Ware and Moriarty feature suspense through character-driven narratives and complex social dynamics.
Skillfully, Ware includes and builds upon the conventions of psychological thrillers, extracting from literary movements like postmodernism and gothic fiction.
Critical Analysis
After its release, “The Woman in Cabin 10” gained positive reviews from readers and critics. Its plot and suspenseful narrative made reviewers compare it with Agatha Christie’s writing. Some critics stated that although the story is interesting, the plot is not spectacular. Still, the book became a bestseller, solidifying Ware’s reputation as a talented author.
In “The Woman in Cabin 10,” the Aurora Borealis represents the affluence and extravagance exclusive to the rich and powerful. Exhibiting advanced amenities, the ship possessed spa facilities, a Jacuzzi, and a library. Also equipped with security systems and locks. The dark side of technology is exposed as the ship becomes a prison for Lo Blacklock. Through emails, social media posts, and virtual platforms, Ware portrays the role of technology in daily communication.
Women participated in journalism as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries when they wrote essays and pamphlets. Anne Marguerite Petit du Noyer published political newsletters in the early 18th century and was exiled many times for controversial opinions. In the 19th century, female journalists became more famous and multifaceted, reporting on women’s rights, culture, education, and health. “The Woman in Cabin 10” explores themes of empowerment and disbelief as Lo fights to assert her truth in the face of doubt. It also addresses the problem of gender dynamics as the experiences of women are often undermined.
Impact of the Book
To balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling, Ruth Ware uses details from ships and locations to describe the novel’s setting. She also includes challenges prevalent in today’s society to provide consistency. Using components of practicality and research, she creates depth and adds credence to the fictitious plot.
The success of “The Woman in Cabin 10” has had some impact on contemporary literature, increasing the popularity of the thriller genre. The genre has evolved and diversified, reflecting the social and political challenges of the times, such as globalization, terrorism, and the Cold War. Today, the genre is among the most popular in film and literature. It also covers many subgenres like medical thrillers and legal thrillers.
The popularity of the novel has also led to discussions of potential adaptations. In 2017, CBS announced plans to develop a movie based on the book. The good standing of the book is strengthened by its consistent popularity and its place within a broader trend of female-led psychological thrillers.
The works of Ware are cited as part of a wave of female authors who have reshaped the landscape of modern thrillers, along with writers like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins. The book’s impact extends to its readers, many of whom appreciate its suspense and complex characters.
