The Girl Before

Written by:
Rena Olsen
Narrated by:
Brittany Pressley

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
107
Narrator
20
Release Date
August 2016
Duration
12 hours 23 minutes
Summary
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.
Reviews
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David Sanford

Really loved this book. Kept me going again!

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Anonymous

Unsettling subject matter but excellent story!

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Codi D.

Wonderful read !

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Eric C.

Excellent book! I didn't think I'd enjoy it so much. I loved how information was revealed bit by bit and also by switching between the past and now. Beware though, te story can be triggering for some as it talks about young children being taken away.

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Anonymous

Unsettling but well written.

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Amy Griffith

Predictable and the writing was not very sophisticated. The same phrases were used over and over to the point of frustration. Narrator's voice was very unnatural.

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Cathy Brennon

A riveting book, looking at an intriguing situation from the aspect of a victim who initially cannot see she is one. I really enjoyed this book although it was not the usual. It was also an eye opener to a subject I have little understanding of and had not given a lot of thought to. I found the story to be both frightening and empowering. A compelling read and one of the best audio books I have read to date.

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Tania Gion

Disturbing, yet fascinating story

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Sherri Barclift

Amazing listen. I loved it. It is a bit haunting as well, but what a great debut!!

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lisa patro lorentz

Easily one of the best audio books I've heard in a year! Easy to get into and captivating, I ended up listening to it during work hours as well as when doing dinner because I wanted to know what would happen. Thumbs up!

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Kylea Harvey

I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes I find books that flick between the past & present a bit confusing but this was brilliant. It's easy to comprehend where you were at each point, and although the story wasn't told in chronological order it always made perfect sense. I love the balance of being controlled & taking control. It was frightening & empowering. I loved it!!!

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Katie Reed

I could not put this book down, well on pause, since I listened to the audio version. This book is disturbing because there are so many people who are in the human trafficking world each day, but a really good read. The reader on the audio book does an excellent job reading this story.

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