Lisa Jewell: Then She Was Gone

It is never enough mysterious detectives of all kinds of disappearances for me. Some are stronger, others simpler, but I squeeze pleasure out of everyone. Mostly, I investigate that case myself in my mind. You get the thrill of finding out the truth for yourself. I am happy and relaxed. I will be happy in both cases if I find or not find the truth. If not, the book immediately gets more value.

So how about this one? I guessed the end, there was no challenge. But I’m not saying I didn’t like the book. The idea is really very interesting!

What is this thriller? It’s a genre you read without breathing, forgetting everything around. Often only in a couple or a few sit-ups. In the end, there is usually some disappointment. Not because the book would be untrustworthy, but because you already know how it ended. It is only a matter of time before we completely forget the story.

The scene is intriguing. A teenager – beloved daughter and sister, a good student, diligently and fearlessly waiting for the final exams – is gone. There will be no final exams, no farewell evening, vacations, and all the other youthful desires and aspirations. That’s all, she’s gone. She no longer exists. But maybe?

And can you imagine a mother’s emotions as she meets a girl who is just like her missing daughter? Irritating curiosity? Stimulate fantasy? Surely!

I liked the characters created, liked the story of the disappearance itself, liked the fact that the book was read very quickly. Admittedly, the translation seemed a little weak to me, and there were places where I strongly doubted the choice of words or just the logic of the sentence. All in all, the book is not bad, but I would recommend it to those who just started reading detectives.

© Fortune, 2020

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