If You Find Me |
This book contains scenes depicting sexual abuse and sexual assault.
There were several moments in the reading of this book when I had to remind myself that Carey wasn’t a real girl, because I felt the urge to rescue her so strongly. The author did a wonderful job of pulling the reader into Carey’s sad and shattered world as we journeyed with her and her younger sister into a new beginning. Carey carries many heavy and horrible secrets, but I was taken by how the reality of her situation and the life she tried to build for her sister were in such contrast with each other. Carey’s memories of their time in the forest were riveting. The little things we take for granted on a daily basis were treasures for Nessa and Carey, like warm clothing and baths. As Carey’s terrible memories are revealed, so are her more poignant moments, which I thought was really interesting. I really understood the burden of responsibility that Carey bore for Nessa from a young age and found the conflicted feelings she had for an abusive mother very realistic and compelling.
If You Find Me not only captured the absolute horror of Carey’s situation, but it also conveyed the hope. I think that is what made this book so powerful for me. Carey and Nessa’s resilience and determination to survive was at the core of who they are, but more importantly it really came through in the storytelling. Carey’s new family is not perfect and even though I thought it would have been easy to use a new, perfect family to contrast with her home in the woods, Emily Murdoch showed that even families who struggle with huge issues can offer love and safety. Above all, this was a book about family. Carey’s recovery and survival is intertwined with her new family and reading about her struggles, her memories, and her bravery made me feel very connected to Carey. In a very effective voice, this book conveyed the idea that there is hope in even the darkest situations.
This book earned 4 birds:
I received this galley in exchange for my honest review.
Find Emily Murdoch online:
Website
Twitter
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I really liked it too. It’s a must read if you enjoy books about family relationships and overcoming heart wrenching obstacles.
Great review! My review will be up on Friday. I really liked it and gave it 4 stars also.
This sounds like a really intense book! It doesn’t sound like one I would normally pick up but I like how much it affected you. I like the way the author portrays family too. Lovely review!
I always like it when there is still a hopeful feeling in a dark, intense book. I wasn’t so sure about this book in the beginning, but after all the amazing reviews, I’m now very excited 😀
Mel@thedailyprophecy.
Wow this book sounds amazing! I love emotional books that leave me with a strong sense of hope. I think I’m going to love Carey and Nessa, and am fully prepared to have a truckload of feels while reading this. It’s on my TBR list now for sure. Beautiful review!
I’m a sucker for powerful books, and this sounds right up my alley. Carey sounds like an amazing character i’d love to meet! Lovely review!
– Farah @ MajiBookshelf
What a beautiful review, Kate! You really got to the heart of IYFM, and summed up everything I’ve been thinking since I finished it. It’s one of those that I know I won’t forget for a long, long time.
This book has really been catching my attention lately, and I think it’s going to be one I really like. It’s wonderful that it features a pair of sisters, and I also like that it’s about finding hope even after going through such a horrible situation.