The Girl Before — from the publisher
In this powerful psychological suspense debut, when a woman’s life is shattered, she is faced with a devastating question: What if everything she thought was normal and good and true . . . wasn’t?
Clara Lawson is torn from her life in an instant. Without warning, her home is invaded by armed men, and she finds herself separated from her beloved husband and daughters. The last thing her husband yells to her is to say nothing.
In chapters that alternate between past and present, the novel slowly unpeels the layers of Clara’s fractured life. We see her growing up, raised with her sisters by the stern Mama and Papa G, becoming a poised and educated young woman, falling desperately in love with the forbidden son of her adoptive parents. We see her now, sequestered in an institution, questioned by men and women who call her a different name—Diana—and who accuse her husband of unspeakable crimes. As recollections of her past collide with new revelations, Clara must question everything she thought she knew, to come to terms with the truth of her history and to summon the strength to navigate her future.
My review
“The Girl Before” is an engrossing psychological thriller, spellbinding yet dark at times. The use of alternating “Then” and “Now” scenes create suspense, but may take some getting use to. The writing is excellent, the characters well-developed, and the plot solid. The suspense builds from beginning to end.
Clara Lawson evolves through the novel into a complex character. She has been living a life far less normal than what she believes it to be. The exposure of Clara’s complexities shows how a victim can unknowingly become a perpetrator.
Rena Olsen’s debut novel is a poignant page-turner about a difficult subject, human trafficking. The writing is powerful, making this a gripping and unforgettable story.
FTC Full Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by its publisher.
