Book Review “Little Girl Gone” by Drusilla Campbell

February 22, 2012 2 Comments

LITTLE GIRL GONE by Drusilla Campbell
Published by Grand Central Publishing,
Division of The Hachette Book Group
ISBN-10: 0446535796
ISBN-13: 978-0446535793
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (from publisher): Madora was seventeen, headed for trouble with drugs and men, when Willis rescued her. Fearful of the world and alienated from family and friends, she ran away with him and for five years they have lived alone, in near isolation. But after Willis kidnaps a pregnant teenager and imprisons her in a trailer behind the house, Madora is torn between her love for him and her sense of right and wrong. When a pit bull puppy named Foo brings into Madora’s world another unexpected person–Django Jones, a brilliant but troubled twelve-year-old boy–she’s forced to face the truth of what her life has become.

An intensely emotional and provocative story, Little Girl Gone explores the secret hopes and fears that drive good people to do dangerous things . . . and the courage it takes to make things right.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Unfortunately, this story reminded me of some real life stories that we hear on the news too often. And because of that, the characters, the settings, the emotions, the “brain washing” techniques, read like a true story by the writer’s descriptive words. I read this book in a matter of days because it felt so real and I HAD to know how it would turn out. There is also a psychological subplot of parallel lives, that have similar beginnings, damaged psyches and different outcomes. This is the second book I have read by this author, the first being, The Good Sister, and she is a master at writing about relationship dynamics that grips the reader from deep within the heart and mind. A poignant, heart wrenching, disturbing at times, read. Definitely recommend!!