When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought this would be right down my alley. You know how much I love reading books that are seriously messed up, and a revenge story with this premise DEFINITELY fit into that category. But after reading this novel, I must say that this is so much more than that. Here are my thoughts:
Summary (Goodreads): Sadie hasn’t had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she’s been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.
But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister’s killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.
When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it’s too late.
Review:
Wow. This book. Wow. I’m struggling to write this review because there is just so much I want to say about this novel. To say it messed me up would be an understatement because it SERIOUSLY messed me up. And I mean that in the best way. This novel has a lot of triggers for child abuse and assault so please do keep that in mind if you plan on picking it up.
The story has a very unique writing style in that it is told mostly through Sadie’s perspective but also through a podcast, where you can read the transcripts (or listen to them, if you have an audiobook version – and I really recommend that experience). This allows the reader to see the story from an outsider’s view, which is very much appreciated because it just added more depth and realism to the story.
There is so much going on in this story from an emotional perspective. As the plot shows Sadie’s journey to get justice for her sister’s murder, we also see Sadie handle her grief and get a glimpse into what her life has been like. And let me tell you, it is heart-wrenching. The author does not hold back the punches when delving into dark material like abuse, murder, pedophilia, and sexual assault. Readers get to really understand the experiences that Sadie has been through and how she has tried to stay strong and be mature for her sister. I loved Sadie’s character, even though there were times when I didn’t feel like I could connect with – at times, her reticence made her distant to the reader. But the rawness of the emotions, and the significance of the message of the story were so real and I was completely drawn into Sadie’s world.
There aren’t very many books that I say everyone should read. But this is one of those books. It is gripping, it is heartbreaking and it is completely relevant. If you haven’t tried this novel, I highly recommend that you do. I’m giving this book 5/5 stars!
Happy reading ~
great review, it sounds like such an emotional read and i dont think i could ever prepare for that ahah
It definitely is, and I can’t say I was really prepared for it but I’m glad I read it when I did
Awesome review!! I need to get to this one soon!
Erica | Erica Robyn Reads
It is honestly such a good book! But you definitely need to be in the mood for something dark, so keep that in mind when you get to it!
Amazing review, and I too felt messed up after reading it! This book was like a punch in the gut, so beautiful and sad and important. The audiobook is also fantastic, I loved reading along with it!
Yes, it evokes such strong feelings! I still have to buy a copy of it and I haven’t decided if I would want an audiobook copy or a physical book copy …
I’ve heard such incredible things about Sadie Vee, especially those who’ve listed to it on audiobook. It sounds incredibly confronting but often those tend to be my favourite reads. We need books that challenge us and this sounds incredible. Thanks for the brilliant review Vee, will definitely be grabbing a copy and soon!
I 100% agree, we need books that will force us to face harsh truths – and this book definitely does that! I really hope you like it, can’t wait to see your own review of it!
Great review! I love dark, heavy, and emotional books; can’t wait to pick this up!
I hope you like it – do let me know what you think when you get to it!