Dear Child
A windowless shack in the woods. Lena's life and that of her two children follows the rules set by their captor, the father: Meals, bathroom visits, study time are strictly scheduled and meticulously observed. He protects his family from the dangers lurking in the outside world and makes sure that his children will always have a mother to look after them.
One day Lena manages to flee - but the nightmare continues. It seems as if her tormentor wants to get back what belongs to him. And then there is the question whether she really is the woman called 'Lena', who disappeared without a trace 14 years ago. The police and Lena's family are all desperately trying to piece together a puzzle which doesn't quite seem to fit.
This is one of those books that I couldn't put down, I had to keep on reading.
Lena has been missing for 13 years, a student in Munich, she never arrived home after a night out. Her father has never given up looking for her.
Then there is a phone call, a woman called Lena is in hospital, but is it Lena and who is the girl with her?
The story is told from three points of view. Matthias the father, Lena and Hannah a thirteen year old girl who is obviously very bright and precocious.
There are parts to this book which seem very vivid, the writing is very descriptive, especially with Hannah and how she sees things.
There are a few areas which don't sit right, makes you worry about German police procedure and mental health care, but definitely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review.