Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Expected Publication Date: January 7th, 2020 by St. Martin’s Press // Wednesday Books
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Format: e-ARC
Source: NetGalley

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Summary (from NetGalley): Seven months.

That’s how long I was kept captive.

Locked in a room with a bed, refrigerator, and adjoining bathroom, I was instructed to eat, bathe, and behave. I received meals, laundered clothes, and toiletries through a cat door, never knowing if it was day or night. The last time I saw the face of my abductor was when he dragged me fighting from the trunk of his car. My only solace was Mason—one of the other kidnapped teens—and our pact to one day escape together. But when that day finally came, I had to leave him behind.

Now that I’m home, my parents and friends want everything to be like it was before I left. But they don’t understand that dining out and shopping trips can’t heal what’s broken inside me. I barely leave my bedroom. Therapists are clueless and condescending. So I start my own form of therapy—but writing about my experience awakens uncomfortable memories, ones that should’ve stayed buried.

When I ask the detectives assigned to my case about Mason, I get an answer I don’t believe—that there were no traces of any other kidnapped kids. But I distinctly remember the screams, holding hands with Mason through a hole in my wall, and sharing a chocolate bar. I don’t believe he wasn’t really there and I’m determined to find him. How far will I have to go to uncover the truth of what happened—and will it break me forever?

Review: As a form of therapy our main character Jane Anonymous writes a book in Then and Now perspectives about the time she was abducted and held captive for 7 months and coping with the after. The after of trying to be with friends, be with family, and finding a way to ease back in to society.

I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it in less than a day. The characters felt real, and well developed. The emotion and feelings coming from this book leaves the reader on the edge of their seat rooting for Jane in both times of her life.

As an avid reader of adult mystery thrillers the plot twists were not shocking and were predictable however, I picture myself as a 14-17 year old girl reading this genre for the first time and getting sucked right in.

This is my first time reading a Stolarz book and after this experience I am inclined to pick up more. They have a way of writing to keep the reader engaged no matter the subject matter or simplicity of the writing that has you quickly turning the pages.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

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