leannaaker's review against another edition
3.0
Mildly interesting, but mis-categorized as psychological thriller. This is a drama. It is very predictable. I wish I had read hard copy rather than listened to the audiobook. Though the narrator did a good job, it was a bit difficult to listen to.
jennharmon's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
Clara, who was raised by her husband’s parents, loves her life. She loves her husband, the daughters that she “trains” for his business and loves their home. One day it is all ripped away and she finds herself sequestered and people are telling her that her name is Diana. Diana’s world explodes and everything that she thought was her reality quickly crumbles as layers are peeled ack to reveal her true identity and what she has been unknowingly involved in since she was a child.
carlydick28's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
alexandrias_library's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Gun violence and Abortion
addyreadsitall's review against another edition
4.0
This book had its hands wrapped around me and digging into my soul from page one. Rena Olsen wrote something that, quite literally, stopped my breath a few times. A story of abuse, manipulation, brainwashing, violence, strength, and courage - The Girl Before is a powerful look at human trafficking and just how ugly a world it is. This book disgusted me to the core and I don’t think I would have preferred it any other way. This book left me raw, angry, scared, and yet hopeful.
I truthfully believe that this is a book that everyone should read because it is a very real and prevalent issue in today’s society.
I truthfully believe that this is a book that everyone should read because it is a very real and prevalent issue in today’s society.
heyjasmyne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
wombat_88's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lisatroy's review against another edition
3.0
After reading the sample, I was intrigued by this story. Alas, I was disappointed. The book is well written and the pace is good--more so in the NOW parts than the THEN ones, that become a bit repetitive--but I failed to sympathize with the MC. I accept that she was a victim herself, and was raised not to know any better. But all through the book we see people telling Clara how smart she is and we see her be quite perceptive. Also the change from believing she was doing good to realizing she was selling people was SO abrupt. Plus, we see that she had her doubts even before they were arrested (she knew how bad things were at the brothels) and that she knew what they were doing was illegal. You can't be both doe-eyed and sharp as a tack.
So then why did she keep doing it carefree as can be? Because she wanted Glen and so she pretended everything was good and perfect. Yes. she was a victim, but she was a perpetrator too. And it was upsetting that right from the start, the police didn't blame her at all and she didnt serve any time in the end...
So then why did she keep doing it carefree as can be? Because she wanted Glen and so she pretended everything was good and perfect. Yes. she was a victim, but she was a perpetrator too. And it was upsetting that right from the start, the police didn't blame her at all and she didnt serve any time in the end...
carstensena's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, disturbing and very well-plotted thriller about human trafficking. Alternating between past and present is very effective, and the way the novel comes full circle is impressive.
Listened to the audiobook. Narrator was over-dramatic but tolerable.
Listened to the audiobook. Narrator was over-dramatic but tolerable.