The Girl Before

By: Rena Olsen

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

In this powerful psychological suspense debut, when a woman's life is shattered, she is faced with a devastating question: What if everything she thought was normal and good and true...wasn't?

Clara Lawson is torn from her life in an instant. Without warning, her home is invaded by armed men, and she finds herself separated from her beloved husband and daughters. The last thing her husband yells to her is to say nothing.

In chapters that alternate between past and present, the novel slowly unpeels the layers of Clara's fractured life. We see her growing up, raised with her sisters by the stern Mama and Papa G, becoming a poised and educated young woman, falling desperately in love with the forbidden son of her adoptive parents. We see her now, sequestered in an institution, questioned by men and women who call her a different name - Diana - and who accuse her husband of unspeakable crimes. As recollections of her past collide with new revelations, Clara must question everything she thought she knew to come to terms with the truth of her history and to summon the strength to navigate her future.

©2016 Rena Olsen (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[A] thoughtful look at victims and perpetrators and the difficulties that arise for someone who is both at once.... [ The Girl Before] moves at the pace of a mystery, but the novel is strongest when it allows Clara to unpack her past and consider who she will be going forward. A moving story of recovery and responsibility." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"I couldn't put it down. The novel is compelling, perplexing, and ultimately uplifting! The unusual structure is a perfect match for the magnetic voice of the central character. I predict this daring debut will make Rena Olsen 'the girl ahead' among psychological suspense authors." (Karen Harper, New York Times best-selling author of Upon a Winter's Night)

"A disturbing story, haunting and important." (Alexandra Burt, author of Remember Mia)

Decent

This is a great story, well written and the pacing is spot on. The subject matter is difficult, but it's handled thoughtfully and with compassionate understanding.
However, I wish some of the character development would have been more thorough. Many of the characters were presented in a one- dimensional way that just doesn't appeal to me. Additionally, there are some pretty giant plot holes that the reader has to overlook along the way. It's definitely entertaining and kept my attention throughout, but it certainly doesn't fall into the "awesome" category for me.
The narration is pretty well done, but she's right in the verge of some whiny overacting.

Too whiny for me

I realize the gist of this story is about a girl who slowly has to awaken out of years of brainwashing. But by half way thru the book I was so so tired of the whining. A decent premise to the story but honestly, I think it could have been shortened and maybe a bit less of the whine would have made it top notch

Average book, great narration

I bought this book bc I love Brittany Pressley, and once again, she knocked it out of the park. The book was so-so. I wound up listening to the first 2 hours, and the last 2 hours. Great ending, but nothing surprising or unpredictable. Definitely do not feel like I missed anything by cutting out the 8/9 hours of the middle.

Excellent all around

I devoured this book over 2 1/2 days! It's compelling plot line that, while unlikely, somehow still seems plausible given a horrible "perfect storm" of events...or maybe reading "Room" immediately prior to this makes it feel that way! Either way, it's a fantastic way to spend a long drive or any relatively open 12 hours, as you'll want to rearrange your schedule to keep reading.

Brittany Pressley is probably the best narrator I've heard over the 100+ books to which I've listened. She gives each character literally a different voice by raising and/or lowering the pitch or rhythm of her own, yet none sounds forced or silly.
Also, as a HUGELY critical nitpicker of timing, pronunciation etc, I truly cannot think of a single instance of a single one, which has literally never happened in any audio book to which I've listened over at least 12 years!

By every measure, this is one of the books on most best seller lists that absolutely deserves it's place.

Could have been shorter

There were many times in the book that I wanted to skip to the last few chapters. Though I knew how the story would end, I kept listening because I was interested in how it would unfold. In my opinion, too much time was spent on the “before”.

It Was Good.

What did you like best about The Girl Before? What did you like least?

The story line, though hard to accept such things exist, was a decent read. There was lots to dislike, but where to start.

Would you be willing to try another book from Rena Olsen? Why or why not?

I'm not sure.

Was The Girl Before worth the listening time?

Yes, the story was good. Was it worth the listening time? I think it could have been shortened in some areas and more focused in other areas. Towards the end, I was like, enough already.

Great book and narrator.

I loved this narrator. She was very good, I'm gonna be looking up more of her work. The story kept my attention and left me satisfied when it ended.

Well worth the credit!

Great story. Excellent narration. Kept me interested from the first chapter. Liked it well enough to look for others by same author.

Unconventional and moving

Wonderful book from a point of view not often seen. Narrated with thoughtful emotion to the circumstances.

absolutely loved it!

Both the story and narrator were excellent! the story started out fast paced and kept up that momentum throughout the entire book. the narrator did an excellent job and really brought the characters to life.