The Girl Before
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.
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.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
It's been hours since I finished The Girl Before and I have to tell you all-- I'm still thinking about it. The subject matter is really difficult to read about but it is handled in a non-exploitive way, which I appreciated. You feel for all of the characters, and there are definite villains, but sometimes you wonder if they are all just victims. I loved the way Olsen took us from Then and Now, the dual time frame just heightened the mystery behind Clara's life and gets you to really feel for her and fall in love with her. I normally don't cry while reading and I teared up several times during this book. It's so sad-- but Clara is so hopeful-- it's just helped the story to end on a very rewarding note. When I was done, I wasn't depressed or sad, which I was grateful for. Loved that Olsen gave us a very satisfying ending. I listened to this one, and the narrator was excellent and I'm sure helped with getting such an emotional reaction from me. But I think this book is definitely worth your time. Very good read and an excellent audiobook.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.