Monday, July 21, 2008

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Three days before her 10th birthday, Alice was taken by Ray. Now she is 15 and waiting for Ray to kill her. Unfortunately, Ray has a different plan- he wants Alice to find a new little girl to complete their family, a perfect little girl for him to love. Hollow inside from years of horrifying physical and sexual abuse, Alice can think only of being set free of Ray's incessant demands and twisted desires.

This book is deeply disturbing and only for mature readers. Alice is masterfully painted, her spare unemotional tone the legacy of years of physical and emotional torment. Her unflinching acceptance that death is likely her only escape provides a terrifying view into the mindset of an abuse victim.

I would have given the book five stars if the ending had been different. I don't want this review to be a spoiler so I cannot elaborate, but I think a different ending could have been simultaneously more satisfying to the reader and more challenging to the author. Regardless, Living Dead Girl is an unforgettable read.

No comments: