Summary: This is the story of “Alice” who was kidnapped by Ray when she was ten years old. Alice is now fifteen. For five years she has been sexually, physically and emotionally abused and has become what she calls a “living dead girl”. Now Ray wants Alice to help her kidnap another young girl. Alice thinks this may be her only means of escape and agrees to help Ray.
Review: I walked into the bookstore yesterday afternoon and one of my co-workers handed me this book saying, “Read this book- it is the most disturbing book I have ever read.” So, of course, I sat down and immediately began reading it. I must admit, I had some issues with the book as well. I think that Scott’s sparse writing does an effective job at portraying someone who has completely shut down in order to survive. I get that, I do. I get her matter of fact way of explaining the way Ray repeatedly rapes and abuses Alice and how Alice herself has become full of anger and hate. What I don’t get is the point of this book, other than to shock and disturb. Fro me, there was no salvation, no redemption, no hope. I think a book targeted for young adults, which deals with such adult material, must offer one of those things. This one doesn’t. I think Scott presents a convincing narrator and makes the situation all too real for her readers and for that I give her kudos. However, the realness it just a little too real for me in the end.
State of Denmark 