The Girl Before
Aug 2016 · Penguin
4.5star
25 reviewsreport
Ebook
320
Pages
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About this ebook
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.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
25 reviews
Kimberly Lovelady
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June 22, 2018
It was incredibly easy to become completely submerged in this story and the characters. This novel shows a different side to human trafficking. A side that we rarely consider or hear about. If you're someone looking for an engaging but quick read, this a book for you. Hats off to the author.
Karen Perri
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July 11, 2017
I'm picky about what I read and look for good psychological thrillers/mysteries. I wasn't sure about this book but decided to give it a try and wow, am I glad I did! This book hooked me right from the beginning and dropped me deeply into the characters and story line. Wonderful twists and turns that will make it hard to put down. Definitely a must read!
1 person found this review helpful
Gerda Hensel
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October 1, 2016
amazing book..wont go into details as it has superb twists ....must read...
3 people found this review helpful
About the author
Rena Olsen grew up moving around every few years, following her minister father from church to church, and her exposure to so many different people and environments sparked an interest in human nature. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. A licensed therapist, she works in Des Moines, Iowa.
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