Julia Bartz’s The Last Session is a psychological thriller that intertwines trauma, mystery, and a touch of erotic tension. Following the success of her previous novel, The Writing Retreat, Bartz delves into the darker recesses of human behavior, set against the enigmatic backdrop of a desert wellness center. While the novel boasts a compelling premise and moments of genuine suspense, it struggles to fully capitalize on its potential, leaving readers with a mix of intrigue and frustration.
At its heart, The Last Session explores the fragility of memory, the complexity of interpersonal relationships, and the lengths to which one can go to confront past demons. However, the novel’s execution occasionally falters due to uneven pacing and underdeveloped secondary characters, making it an engaging yet imperfect read.
Plot: A Haunting Journey Into the Desert
Thea, a social worker, is drawn into a labyrinthine mystery when a catatonic patient with ties to her past appears at her psychiatric unit. This patient, shrouded in ambiguity, serves as the catalyst for Thea’s descent into the desert-bound retreat run by a charismatic couple. The retreat’s aim to uncover romantic and sexual truths through intense, invasive exercises adds an unsettling layer to the narrative.
Bartz excels at setting up the locked-room premise, with the wellness center becoming both a physical and psychological cage. The exercises and their escalating intimacy are described in vivid, visceral detail, creating moments of palpable tension. Thea’s internal struggle—balancing her professional ethics, personal trauma, and growing paranoia—is skillfully rendered, pulling the reader into her fractured psyche.
However, the plot’s strength wanes as the story progresses. While the initial mystery is gripping, the resolution feels rushed and lacks the finesse needed to tie together the complex threads Bartz weaves. The ending, while not entirely unsatisfying, leans too heavily on genre tropes, which undermines the novel’s originality.
Character Analysis: A Flawed but Relatable Protagonist
Thea is undoubtedly the novel’s anchor, and Bartz does an admirable job of fleshing out her character. As a social worker with her own unresolved trauma, Thea’s perspective is layered and nuanced. Her determination to uncover the truth, even at great personal risk, is both commendable and self-destructive—a duality that makes her compelling.
The supporting cast, however, does not receive the same level of attention. The enigmatic couple running the retreat, while intriguing in concept, lack the depth needed to truly unsettle or captivate. Similarly, the other participants at the retreat are sketched with broad strokes, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. This lack of character development diminishes the stakes, as readers may struggle to emotionally invest in their fates.
Themes: Trauma, Memory, and the Illusion of Healing
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of trauma and memory. Bartz uses Thea’s experiences and the retreat’s invasive exercises to examine how the mind copes with pain and repression. The juxtaposition of professional wellness practices with the retreat’s controversial methods raises thought-provoking questions about the ethics of healing and the exploitation of vulnerability.
Another significant theme is the idea of control—both the control we exert over our narratives and the control others can wield over us. The retreat’s exercises strip participants of their autonomy, forcing them to confront truths they may not be ready to face. This dynamic creates a sense of unease that lingers throughout the novel.
Writing Style: Atmospheric but Uneven
Bartz’s prose is undeniably atmospheric, particularly in her descriptions of the desert setting. The barren, oppressive landscape mirrors Thea’s internal turmoil, enhancing the novel’s psychological depth. The dialogue, while occasionally stilted, effectively conveys the tension between characters.
However, the pacing is inconsistent. The novel’s middle section drags, with repetitive scenes that fail to advance the plot or deepen the mystery. This uneven pacing detracts from the overall suspense, making the climax feel less impactful.
Praise and Critique: A Balanced Assessment
What Works:
- Compelling Premise: The concept of a wellness retreat with sinister undertones is fresh and intriguing.
- Protagonist Depth: Thea’s character is well-developed, and her inner conflict is relatable.
- Atmosphere: The desert setting and the retreat’s claustrophobic environment are vividly portrayed.
What Falls Short:
- Secondary Characters: Lack of depth in supporting roles diminishes emotional engagement.
- Pacing Issues: A sluggish middle section and a rushed ending undermine the story’s tension.
- Predictable Twists: While engaging, the plot leans too heavily on familiar thriller tropes.
Comparative Recommendations
For readers who enjoyed The Last Session by Julia Bartz but crave a more polished execution of similar themes, consider these titles:
- The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz: Bartz’s debut novel shares thematic and stylistic similarities, with a stronger narrative structure.
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley: A suspenseful locked-room mystery set on a remote island.
- The Therapist by B.A. Paris: A psychological thriller exploring trauma and buried secrets.
- Verity by Colleen Hoover: A chilling tale of deception, manipulation, and dark truths.
Personal Take: A Mix of Intrigue and Frustration
The Last Session by Julia Bartz left me with conflicting emotions. On one hand, I admired Bartz’s willingness to tackle complex themes and her ability to create an unsettling atmosphere. On the other hand, I was frustrated by the novel’s missed opportunities. The promising premise deserved a more cohesive execution, and the lack of character depth made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
That said, the novel is not without its merits. Bartz’s exploration of trauma and memory is both sensitive and thought-provoking, and Thea’s journey is compelling enough to keep readers engaged. For fans of psychological thrillers, The Last Session offers an entertaining, if imperfect, ride.
Wrapping It Up: Is The Last Session Worth Reading?
With its mix of strengths and weaknesses, The Last Session by Julia Bartz is a solid choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong focus on trauma and memory. While it may not achieve the heights of Bartz’s debut, it showcases her talent for crafting tense, atmospheric narratives. For those willing to overlook its flaws, the novel provides a gripping, if uneven, reading experience.
