Told by three main characters: Lena, a kidnapped woman; Hannah, her 'daughter'; and Lena's father, Matthias, who lost his daughter, Lena, 13 years earlier, the story progresses quickly. Unfolding layer by layer, one views the life that Lena, Hannah and young Jonathan, Hannah's brother, endure. They live in a small cabin in the woods locked inside by "Papa," who goes off to work, brings home food, and disciplines everyone all who must obey his rules. Even windows are blackened and bolted tight. The children have known nothing else but Lena (actually Jasmine) was captured four months earlier and forced to live as their mother and his wife. She quickly learns the consequences of disobedience when she is beaten, threatened and deprived of what privileges are few.
Beginning with Lena's escape, the tale impresses the reader with what happens to those who are so treated. It's sad, heart breaking and hard to believe. The reality is that sadistic people who hurt others exist in our world. Perhaps it gives one a look at how many react in our own country in 2024. It's a thriller that hard to put aside. Read it. It's very good.
Beginning with Lena's escape, the tale impresses the reader with what happens to those who are so treated. It's sad, heart breaking and hard to believe. The reality is that sadistic people who hurt others exist in our world. Perhaps it gives one a look at how many react in our own country in 2024. It's a thriller that hard to put aside. Read it. It's very good.
The main question of this entire book is what happened to Lena? Her family and friends have continued to hope for her safe return for 13 years. As the book continues, we hear of her captivity in a small cabin by a man that has complete and total control of âhis familyâ. Other possibilities are explored regarding another woman, children and a car accident that may hold some answers.
The book is upsetting & violent with twists and turns throughout. I wanted to stop reading but had to find out what happened and why. It is definitely not light reading. I gave it a 2 1/2 star rating simply because I had to find out how it ended.
The book is upsetting & violent with twists and turns throughout. I wanted to stop reading but had to find out what happened and why. It is definitely not light reading. I gave it a 2 1/2 star rating simply because I had to find out how it ended.
