* I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Description
Camden, NJ, 1948.
When 11 year-old Sally Horner steals a notebook from the local Woolworth’s, she has no way of knowing that 52 year-old Frank LaSalle, fresh out of prison, is watching her, preparing to make his move. Accosting her outside the store, Frank convinces Sally that he’s an FBI agent who can have her arrested in a minute—unless she does as he says.
This chilling novel traces the next two harrowing years as Frank mentally and physically assaults Sally while the two of them travel westward from Camden to San Jose, forever altering not only her life, but the lives of her family, friends, and those she meets along the way. –goodreads.com
What I Liked
The one thing this book did that stands out is the fact that is broke my heart reading it. Even from the description you are warned that this is going to be a story where a man is going to abuse an 11 year old child, it did not prepare me for how much of a reaction I had. I was angry, disgusted, and devastated. This book made me cry, which has not happened for a while. Now it might sound weird to say that this is something I liked, but the writing and the way this story is told really made me invested.
Another thing I liked was that this novel was written in the manner that it was. Sadly, this story is based off of a true one, you can search the name Florence Sally Horner to find out about her case. But, it is also the case that inspired a novel well known called Lolita. I personally hated Lolita, it was creepy and rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like this story did more justice in telling the story of a child who has been abused.
What I Didn’t Like
One thing I have to point out is that some points were difficult to read, but I would not remove anything from this book. It simply is a personal preference and I still really enjoyed reading this heart breaking book.
Overall Thoughts
While this book is filled with abuse of various kinds, made me very angry, and told an awful story. It did so in a beautiful way. The first thing I noticed when I started this book, right in the first chapter when she confronted by the “FBI” man, they way the story was written sounded like the narration was from a young girl. You can feel her confusion, her terror, and worry not just read about it. Over all if you are able to read this type of content I would highly suggest this novel.
Author Links
website: https://www.tgreenwood.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/tgwood505
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tgwood505/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tgreenwoodauthor
Book Information
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: August 7th 2018
List Price: $26.99
ISBN: 9781250164193
Pages: 352 pages
* I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bookish Luna 
I have never read Lolita but I think I saw somewhere that it is a book that we have to read. I am not sure how bad of a reaction I will have for this book and its topics but the way that you review it makes me want to read it and have, weirdly, the experience of reading it! Thank for your review!
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Aww, this book sounds something that I would be heartbroken by to read too. (I have heard of Lolita a friend of mine has been recommending it too.) Nevertheless, still would read to feel it… Amazing review, you made me add it to my growing pile.
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Sorry, for getting it added to your growing TBR. But, it was a great one so I am happy you are adding it.
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Sounds perfect read .
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Lovely review! I also really enjoyed this book, while still struggling with some of the darkest sections. It may not be for everyone, but I was very impressed with how compelling and readable Greenwood made Sally’s story.
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I agree 100%, I am happy to hear you really enjoyed it too.
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