djohan's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
niinjah's review against another edition
5.0
What a BRILLIANT book. I read so many psychological thrillers where I end up being disappointed, because I don’t ‘buy’ the plot. Some are simply too unrealistic and far-fetched. But I never thought that while reading dear child. I also found the characters realistic, with the complexities of human beings perfectly captured. It was an intense and thrilling read, and I was also surprised at the ending, a major plus.
holsarmstrong's review against another edition
4.0
This was...for a lack of a better term, chilling. I don't even know where to start because this entire story gave me goosebumps. Although it reminded me a lot of the novel Room by Emma Donoghue, this one did have its own eerie twist on it. And I loved it!
As weird and twisted as it might sound, I am a massive fan of true crime and I have always been fascinated by cases - and kidnappings like this have always piqued my interest. I will honestly read anything with a storyline like this where - usually - a young woman is kidnapped and then escapes which is weird considering it's one of my worst fears.
- This was fast-paced from the get-go. I devoured this entire book last night into the early hours of the morning. I could literally not put it down. I was hooked, a true page-turner.
- I think reading from multiple perspectives in this book really worked. I liked reading from Hannah especially as seeing the view from a sheltered, but slightly disturbed child was interesting to me. I think Jasmin/Lena was a fascinating character. I liked how her chapters were addressed to the original Lena as if she was speaking to her directly.
- The writing was phenomenal and well-executed. I think the plotting was just right and it ended in a place I felt relatively comfortable leaving their stories behind.
I do wish considering we got three different perspectives that we got some perspective from the kidnapper, Johnathon and even of Lena beforehand. I feel like this would have enhanced the book because although I found Matthais' point of view interesting, I found myself less engaged with his chapters. I was much more interested in the goings-on inside the cabin and how outside life worked for them.
Overall, a fantastic, suspenseful mystery/thriller. I would definitely recommend.
As weird and twisted as it might sound, I am a massive fan of true crime and I have always been fascinated by cases - and kidnappings like this have always piqued my interest. I will honestly read anything with a storyline like this where - usually - a young woman is kidnapped and then escapes which is weird considering it's one of my worst fears.
- This was fast-paced from the get-go. I devoured this entire book last night into the early hours of the morning. I could literally not put it down. I was hooked, a true page-turner.
- I think reading from multiple perspectives in this book really worked. I liked reading from Hannah especially as seeing the view from a sheltered, but slightly disturbed child was interesting to me. I think Jasmin/Lena was a fascinating character. I liked how her chapters were addressed to the original Lena as if she was speaking to her directly.
- The writing was phenomenal and well-executed. I think the plotting was just right and it ended in a place I felt relatively comfortable leaving their stories behind.
I do wish considering we got three different perspectives that we got some perspective from the kidnapper, Johnathon and even of Lena beforehand. I feel like this would have enhanced the book because although I found Matthais' point of view interesting, I found myself less engaged with his chapters. I was much more interested in the goings-on inside the cabin and how outside life worked for them.
Overall, a fantastic, suspenseful mystery/thriller. I would definitely recommend.
horizonous's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Moderate: Car accident, Pregnancy, Child death, Infidelity, Suicide, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Vomit
◦ Mental illness = PTSDsarahgib's review against another edition
5.0
i picked this book up on a whim not expecting it to be this great. the writing style is so beautiful it really puts you into the characters heads!! so good
girlwiththepinkskimask's review against another edition
4.0
Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 3.5/5 | Ending: le sigh/5
THE PLOT
Lena's been missing for 14 years when she re-appears, but wait, it's not her but some other chick Jasmine who was kidnapped as a stand-in for Lena. Told from the POV of Jasmine, Lena's daughter Hannah, and Lena's father Matthias, we find out what really happened in the cabin.
MY OPINION
Tbh my writing, plot, ending ratings make no sense because how did I end up with 4 stars?? Sometimes even my own math does not math, but hey, I have two arts degrees! Anyways.
I gave this 4 stars because the creepy vibes were there. I was so hyped at the beginning because it was VERY juicy. Hannah's POV was incredibly well-written; a masterclass in showing not telling. You can clearly see how her upbringing impacted her thought process and her unique way of seeing the world around her. I cackled when she was thinking about how Sister Ruth was a grade A dummy. #mood
Tbh... Matthias' POV could go. We didn't get anything out of him except that he's in a toxic relationship with the media and low key obsessed with his daughter (or is that just how parents love their kids?) It was Jasmine and Hannah who drove the story toward its Criminal Minds ass ending, so I vote Matthias off the island.
A fair warning, this is a translated book, so while for the most part it is solid, there is some confusing aspects. Also, originally Lena's flashbacks were italicized, but then the editor said fuck it and you had scenes jumping back and forth without an indication. I love my European writers and this definitely had all the trademarks of their unique writing style, so if that isn't for you... NEXT!!!!
SPOILERS SO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM AGGRESSIVELY
I rated the ending "le sigh" because the big reveal of why and how was disappointing and contrived. So after doing the most with all the chains and handcuffs and whatnot, he let her go free because Hannah said so? This didn't make sense. Someone with that level of control issues definitely would've dragged her by the hair back to the cabin and slapped an extra handcuff on her to the bed just to be safe. He certainly would not have be like, ok, you get a 3 days head start but IMA FIND YOU!!!! What???
PROS AND CONS
Pros: beginning was JUICY AF, Hannah's POV was perfectly written, Jasmine's POV provided insight into a traumatized mindset, translation was top tier
Cons: lots of timeline jumping within the same scene without indication, some confusion around the relationship between Kirsten and Jasmine (maybe a translation thing? I thought they were BFFs but they're definitely BFFs++), ending was doing the most, Matthias' POV was pointless
THE PLOT
Lena's been missing for 14 years when she re-appears, but wait, it's not her but some other chick Jasmine who was kidnapped as a stand-in for Lena. Told from the POV of Jasmine, Lena's daughter Hannah, and Lena's father Matthias, we find out what really happened in the cabin.
MY OPINION
Tbh my writing, plot, ending ratings make no sense because how did I end up with 4 stars?? Sometimes even my own math does not math, but hey, I have two arts degrees! Anyways.
I gave this 4 stars because the creepy vibes were there. I was so hyped at the beginning because it was VERY juicy. Hannah's POV was incredibly well-written; a masterclass in showing not telling. You can clearly see how her upbringing impacted her thought process and her unique way of seeing the world around her. I cackled when she was thinking about how Sister Ruth was a grade A dummy. #mood
Tbh... Matthias' POV could go. We didn't get anything out of him except that he's in a toxic relationship with the media and low key obsessed with his daughter (or is that just how parents love their kids?) It was Jasmine and Hannah who drove the story toward its Criminal Minds ass ending, so I vote Matthias off the island.
A fair warning, this is a translated book, so while for the most part it is solid, there is some confusing aspects. Also, originally Lena's flashbacks were italicized, but then the editor said fuck it and you had scenes jumping back and forth without an indication. I love my European writers and this definitely had all the trademarks of their unique writing style, so if that isn't for you... NEXT!!!!
SPOILERS SO SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM AGGRESSIVELY
I rated the ending "le sigh" because the big reveal of why and how was disappointing and contrived. So after doing the most with all the chains and handcuffs and whatnot, he let her go free because Hannah said so? This didn't make sense. Someone with that level of control issues definitely would've dragged her by the hair back to the cabin and slapped an extra handcuff on her to the bed just to be safe. He certainly would not have be like, ok, you get a 3 days head start but IMA FIND YOU!!!! What???
PROS AND CONS
Pros: beginning was JUICY AF, Hannah's POV was perfectly written, Jasmine's POV provided insight into a traumatized mindset, translation was top tier
Cons: lots of timeline jumping within the same scene without indication, some confusion around the relationship between Kirsten and Jasmine (maybe a translation thing? I thought they were BFFs but they're definitely BFFs++), ending was doing the most, Matthias' POV was pointless
themartinmama's review against another edition
5.0
Great compelling thriller. Quick read because you want to know it all soon.
shelf_inspiration's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 STARS
"What a gruesome miracle life is."- Dear Child.
REVIEW: Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Romy Hausmann for proving me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of "Dear Child" in exchange for an honest review! This book follows Lena and her children's story as they are captured and held to strict rules by their father. Every part of their day is determined by strict rules regarding eating, sleeping, and even set times where they are allowed to use the bathroom. However, one day Lena manages to escape, but she isn't able to avoid the nightmare for long.
This book was a wild ride. I read a lot of thrillers, and *usually* I am able to guess some twists or aspects of the story, however, I was not able to guess a single twist in this book. That in itself is amazing. The twists were done so well and really enhanced the plot of the book. I also liked how this book followed two different timelines: the past where Lena was held captive, and the future where Lena is able to escape. This back-and-forth adds to the mystery of the book, as the reader is kept in the dark about what all the characters know. This was definitely a page-turner and a well thought out thriller! I am rating this book 4.5 stars overall, but have rounded it down to four stars for review purposes. Overall, I would recommend this book to others who love thrillers or mystery novels, or those who enjoyed the book/ film "Room". The. I would also recommend going into this book as blind as possible so that you are able to enjoy all the dark twists and turns.
"Sometimes there simply isn't a reason...Sometimes two people cross paths in a most unfortunate way and all you can do is accept this and somehow carry on."- Dear Child.
SYNOPSIS: In a windowless shack in the woods, Lena's life and that of her two children follows the rules set by their captor, the father: Meals, bathroom visits, study time are strictly scheduled and meticulously observed. He protects his family from the dangers lurking in the outside world and makes sure that his children will always have a mother to look after them.
One day Lena manages to flee--but the nightmare continues. It seems as if her tormentor wants to get back what belongs to him. And then there is the question whether she really is the woman called "Lena," who disappeared without a trace 14 years ago. The police and Lena's family are all desperately trying to piece together a puzzle which doesn't quite seem to fit.
"What a gruesome miracle life is."- Dear Child.
REVIEW: Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Romy Hausmann for proving me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of "Dear Child" in exchange for an honest review! This book follows Lena and her children's story as they are captured and held to strict rules by their father. Every part of their day is determined by strict rules regarding eating, sleeping, and even set times where they are allowed to use the bathroom. However, one day Lena manages to escape, but she isn't able to avoid the nightmare for long.
This book was a wild ride. I read a lot of thrillers, and *usually* I am able to guess some twists or aspects of the story, however, I was not able to guess a single twist in this book. That in itself is amazing. The twists were done so well and really enhanced the plot of the book. I also liked how this book followed two different timelines: the past where Lena was held captive, and the future where Lena is able to escape. This back-and-forth adds to the mystery of the book, as the reader is kept in the dark about what all the characters know. This was definitely a page-turner and a well thought out thriller! I am rating this book 4.5 stars overall, but have rounded it down to four stars for review purposes. Overall, I would recommend this book to others who love thrillers or mystery novels, or those who enjoyed the book/ film "Room". The. I would also recommend going into this book as blind as possible so that you are able to enjoy all the dark twists and turns.
"Sometimes there simply isn't a reason...Sometimes two people cross paths in a most unfortunate way and all you can do is accept this and somehow carry on."- Dear Child.
SYNOPSIS: In a windowless shack in the woods, Lena's life and that of her two children follows the rules set by their captor, the father: Meals, bathroom visits, study time are strictly scheduled and meticulously observed. He protects his family from the dangers lurking in the outside world and makes sure that his children will always have a mother to look after them.
One day Lena manages to flee--but the nightmare continues. It seems as if her tormentor wants to get back what belongs to him. And then there is the question whether she really is the woman called "Lena," who disappeared without a trace 14 years ago. The police and Lena's family are all desperately trying to piece together a puzzle which doesn't quite seem to fit.
chalita's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
4.0