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The Girl Before

Author:
Rena Olsen
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
111
Narrator
22
Release Date
August 9, 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
Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2023

Unsettling subject matter but excellent story!

Profile Avatar David Sanford Dec 2016

Really loved this book. Kept me going again!

Profile Avatar Michaela T. Jan 2026

great read

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jan 2025

The narration was well done and easy to listen to and follow as she switched between characters. The overall story and subject is important but there definitely should have been a heads up on the book bc it is not something I would have or should have chosen as a survivor myself. I reread the summary several times to see if I missed something but I didn’t. I had to stop listening for awhile after one section bc of how if affected me and really was hesitant to finish it.

Profile Avatar Codi D. Aug 2022

Wonderful read !

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2022

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.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2021

Unsettling but well written.

Profile Avatar Amy Griffith Feb 2017

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.

Profile Avatar Cathy Brennon Feb 2017

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.

Profile Avatar Tania Gion Jan 2017

Disturbing, yet fascinating story

Profile Avatar Sherri Barclift Dec 2016

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

Profile Avatar lisa patro lorentz Dec 2016

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!

Profile Avatar Kylea Harvey Oct 2016

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!!!

Profile Avatar Katie Reed Oct 2016

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.

The Girl Before

The Girl Before

Author: Rena Olsen
Read by: Brittany Pressley
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