A deeply compelling mix of high school drama and page-turning mystery that asks profound questions about family, truth, and love
Fifteen-year-old Carey and six-year-old Jenessa have been living in the woods with their mother for as long as they can remember; the sheltering trees and a broken-down camper are all they know. But what they've never been told is that Carey vanished from the real world ten years ago, when their mother took her, causing an uproar in the media-and in her father's life.
Now, abandoned by the mother they trusted, they're often left alone for long periods of time to fend for themselves-but, in one moment, everything changes. They're found by Carey's father and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world, one of shopping malls, shiny appliances, new clothes, and mouth-watering food. Carey desperately wants to believe in this new reality but is held back by a deep and painful loyalty to her mentally ill mother, who gave Carey her violin and taught her how to play the soaring music that helps her survive.
And then there's the other piece of Carey's past that haunts her, the story of what happened to her and Jenessa on that dark night in the woods-the reason Jenessa hasn't spoken a word in over a year. Will Carey ever be able to trust her father and his family enough to fit into this new life? Will Jenessa finally break her silence and ruin the cocoon of safety that Carey's built so carefully around them? And what will happen if the secret comes out?
"The book is a page-turner. Murdoch has created
a moving, riveting read that will have teens staying up late to finish the
novel."
"Murdoch's debut is beautifully written. The
deep bond between the sisters is almost physically palpable, as is their
intense longing for love and acceptance; they will quickly endear themselves to
readers."
"Murdoch has written a painful, hopeful,
surprisingly quiet book that charts the best and worst of humanity. Her
narrative is full of unique yet breathtaking similes, detailed descriptions,
and unflinching dialogue…She validates the courage and ingenuity of young
people the world over for whom survival is instinctive; protection of siblings
is nonnegotiable; and love both a right and a gift bestowed upon those
fortunate enough to find it."
"Ten years after her abduction, fifteen-year-old Carey is returned to her father and must face harsh realities about her mother, her little sister, and their life in the Tennessee woods…A compelling narrative that is both unflinching about life's pain and hopeful about its possibilities."
"Murdoch's debut is poetic and beautifully written…Carey and Nessa's story is memorable and deeply moving, and readers will find it very easy to fall in love with these girls."
"Tai
Sammons's portrayal of Carrie Blackburn is shaded with a Southern accent
and edged with roughness…Sammons's narration calls attention to the author's
fresh imagery and conveys a convincing portrait of a brave teen who has
raised her six-year-old sister and now suddenly finds herself being thrown
into the middle-class world of malls and high school. Sammons'
delineation of minor characters adds tension and texture as she gives
strong portrayals of Carrie's welcoming stepmother and her angry,
displaced stepsister."
"Grabbed me by the heart on page one and didn't let go till the very last word. Murdoch's language is lovely, her storytelling gripping."
"Within two pages, I was so hopelessly hooked, I felt like the story had attached itself to me…Original and suspenseful, but most of all, it was Carey's voice that had me flipping the pages…One of those books you devour."
"Searing…Hurt my heart and will probably haunt my dreams-a beautiful book about survival, identity, family, love, and so much more."
