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The Girl Before

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The Girl Before

Written by: Rena Olsen
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
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About this listen

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.

©2016 Rena Olsen (P)2016 Penguin Audio Psychological Fiction Marriage Suspense
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What the critics say

"[A] thoughtful look at victims and perpetrators and the difficulties that arise for someone who is both at once.... [ The Girl Before] moves at the pace of a mystery, but the novel is strongest when it allows Clara to unpack her past and consider who she will be going forward. A moving story of recovery and responsibility." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"I couldn't put it down. The novel is compelling, perplexing, and ultimately uplifting! The unusual structure is a perfect match for the magnetic voice of the central character. I predict this daring debut will make Rena Olsen 'the girl ahead' among psychological suspense authors." (Karen Harper, New York Times best-selling author of Upon a Winter's Night)
"A disturbing story, haunting and important." (Alexandra Burt, author of Remember Mia)

What listeners say about The Girl Before

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Stephanie

just OK

Not sure why this is so highly rated. it's an OK book but not worthy of 5/5.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for Kristin Ballah

LOVED!

This book keeps you completely on your toes, I was mesmerized from the first chapter.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Sarah

couldnt stop listening!

this story was way more than i expected it to be. An intriguing take on a brutal situation. the book was not dark and graphic- it really described a bad situation from someone who believed it wasnt bad. very happy with the ending

the writing was great as was the performance!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Okatango

Superb narration, difficult subject, suspenseful

Very well written, even if now, listening for the second time around, I had felt a strong dislike for the primary character. Narration is superb, difficult subject treated with sensitivity and depth.

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