The Lost Girls of Willowbrook

By: Ellen Marie Wiseman

Narrated by: Morgan Hallett

In her most powerful novel to date, New York Times bestselling author Ellen Marie Wiseman masterfully viscerally evokes the real-life Willowbrook State School, the infamous Staten Island, New York, mental institution that shocked a nation when exposed in the 1970s as a dumping ground for unwanted children. Girl, Interrupted meets One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in this gripping narrative of social injustice, survival, and a young woman determined to find her sister.

Sage Winters always knew her sister was a little different even though they were identical twins. They loved the same things and shared a deep understanding, but Rosemary—awake to every emotion, easily moved to joy or tears—seemed to need more protection from the world.

Six years after Rosemary's death from pneumonia, Sage, now sixteen, still misses her deeply. Their mother perished in a car crash, and Sage's stepfather, Alan, resents being burdened by a responsibility he never wanted. Yet despite living as near strangers in their Staten Island apartment, Sage is stunned to discover that Alan has kept a shocking secret: Rosemary didn't die. She was committed to Willowbrook State School and has lingered there until just a few days ago, when she went missing.

Sage knows little about Willowbrook. It's always been a place shrouded by rumor and mystery. A place local parents threaten to send misbehaving kids. With no idea what to expect, Sage secretly sets out for Willowbrook, determined to find Rosemary. What she learns, once she steps through its doors and is mistakenly believed to be her sister, will change her life in ways she never could imagined...

©2022 Ellen Marie Wiseman (P)2022 Recorded Books

Disturbing

Had a hard time with this story. This all happened when I was a child. I didn't know anything about it! Sheltered I guess. So sad all the way around.

A little long…hard to put down

While this is a novel, places like Willowbrook have shown up in the US such as Samarcan (sp?) in NC. This book doesn’t drag but it is long. And yet I finished it and it continues to make me think.

Good

I liked the story overall. The middle was a bit repetitive for me. I do love this author.

It’s okay

Protagonist is written like a 40 year old, instead of a 16 year old. A good editor would have aided the author get past these sections. I kept with the story because it had good bones. The reader was good.

worth the time

I needed something to listen to that was simple enough to follow while I worked but engaging enough that it kept me distracted from stressors...this served the purpose. I listened to it in one day. It is the only book in the past month I actually listened all the way through.

Gripping & suspenseful!

Right from the onset I was hooked. Content & narration are excellent! A must listen or read.
With deep remorse, accounts of cruelty, despair, and most importantly the lack compassion & love for helpless “residents” at some State run Institutions or elsewhere was real.
May God comfort & bless the mentally disadvantaged.

Disturbing yet gripping

Very graphic and disturbing at times - especially knowing the setting is based on a real institution but the plot is very well constructed. Was a good listen.

Intense

A very intense thriller that keeps you involved the whole story. I would
Definitely recommend!

Twisty but too long

This was good and twisty but every time a new twist was coming I'd guess it and then it would take a very long time to get there.

Well written and insightful

This story kept me coming back to hear more. Although it was disturbing at times knowing that the book was pulled from facts, I enjoyed the book.