Title: Living Dead Girl
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pub. Date: 9/2008
Genre: YA/Adult
Main Themes: Kidnapping, Rape, Pedophilia
Pages: 170
Plot (from GoodReads):
Once upon a time I was a little girl who disappeared.
Once upon a time my name was not Alice.
Once upon a time I didn't know how lucky I was.
When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over. Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.
This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.
I'm not sure that there are words to describe just how heartwrenching and horrifying Living Dead Girl is. Elizabeth Scott has written an absolutely breathtaking novel about a sickening topic, bringing light to a scenario that happens all too often and that few of us want to face.
I listened to this book on audiobook while driving to a book signing. I wasn't sure it was a good idea - I had a feeling that it would make me cry and crying is, generally, not recommended for freeway driving. I didn't cry though - I think I may have been in a bit of state of shock.
Living Dead Girl is written perfectly to portray the horror of the story it contains. I imagine that writing about child abductions, rape, and murder are not easy subject to write about in any circumstances - but telling the story from the point-of-view of the victim while she's the victim - you can't get much more personal or emotional than that.
Scott wrote a compelling story with a believable narrator. She touched on many subjects and attempted (and, I think, succeeded) in answering many questions that I know I have thought to myself on more than one occasion... Like, why didn't she/he fight back? Why didn't she/he try to escape?
This book is a bit graphic at points and I found myself needing to take a moment to pull myself together. While it is YA, I'm not sure all younger readers would be ready for this book. Not that they couldn't handle it, but they may want to prep a bit before reading... especially if they are naive about sex and rape.
Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 40/40 (A)
While Living Dead Girl is a quick read, it is not in any way a light read. If you are searching for a novel that will make you think and pull visciously at your heartstrings - this is it.
Great Review.
ReplyDeleteI read this book, and I couldn't get my mind of it. It's horrifying. But such a great book.
I agree about it not being a light read. It's so haunting and dark.
Well-written review! This sounds like a really powerful and emotional book. Obviously those issues aren't enjoyable to read about it, but I do like to read those intense, thought-provoking novels that open your eyes to situations like this. I'll have to have a look for this one.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a powerful review and story. I don't think I would have a stomach for thing. Now that I have a child I have a hard time reading about abuse of any kind towards children.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this honest review.
i agree 100% with everything you said. loved this book even if it did kind of creep me out.
ReplyDeleteOoh. I think I'll still read it....when the time is right. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteHi Sara :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read it yet, and after your heartfelt review I am going to have to be in the mood for such a tough subject. Sometimes the best books deal with the worst situations. I'm glad her novel is breathtaking and heartwrenching and horrifying.
I've put it on my ToBeRead list.
Thank you for sharing,
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
Wow, this definitely looks like a good one to check out. Thank you for the amazing review ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! The book is amazing isn't it? I found it really hard to read at times though - it just made my blood run cold.
ReplyDelete