This review of The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum is actually from April’s reading list. Although I got it read ahead of schedule, I decided to hold off posting the last book reviews off the list until after the A to Z Challenge was completed.
The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum: My Review
Blurb from The Back Cover
A teenage girl is held captive and brutally tortured by neighbourhood children. Based on a true story, this shocking novel reveals the depravity of which we are all capable.
My Thoughts on The Book
The Girl Next Door seems to have had a bit of controversy surrounding it lately. I’ve read reviews where people said they felt sick reading it, even a few that said they found it so disturbing they couldn’t finish it. Of course, that only piqued my interest (in fairness, I didn’t know it was a true story at that point, I’m not that gruesome).
When I say a true story, it says based on a true story. That to me means that it is fictionalized (and probably greatly exaggerated to make the story a bit more gruesome).
Honestly, it is extremely disturbing. If this doesn’t disturb you, I would be worried. Without going into too much detail and spoiling the book for anyone who plans on reading it, I’ll try and summarize it a little.
The Girl Next Door is told from the point of view of David, who is now an adult remembering this story from his childhood. What starts off as a (I want to say harmless but that would be the wrong word) game between friends, where basically the loser is kind of tortured (but with consent) gets extremely out of hand.
David’s deranged neighbour has her nieces come live with her, and takes a dislike to one of them, who she locks in a basement and starts on her own version of the kids’ game. She systematically tortures the girl, and allows the neighbourhood children to join in, for her own sick pleasure.
Now, here’s why I think this is a good and important book. I know in some people’s eyes, the book will be seen as sick. I think it’s a story that needed to be told.
It’s a story of how normal children can become so evil seemingly over night.
It’s a story that shows that one sick, twisted adult can destroy so many children – by giving them permission, they rationalize how it must be ok. Plus, they are too scared of her to say no.
It’s a story of how a child who was taught right and wrong, and knew what they were doing was wrong, could still get pulled into this drama and become a part of it.
I think it’s a story that is about much more than the cruelty, it is disturbing on so many more levels than that.
For me, the most disturbing part was to know that David could be any child – in these bizarre circumstances, any child could find themselves getting pulled into something like this, and by the time they realise how far it’s gone, it’s gone too far to tell anyone.
Conclusion and Rating
I think Jack Ketchum did an extremely good job with The Girl Next Door.
One of the things I particularly liked was the unreliable narrator. How did David really feel? Did he really feel guilty or is that just something he tells himself now it’s all in the past?
It’s something we’ll never really know, because we are only presented with the facts as he saw them, and as he presents them now. 5/5
The Girl Next Door is available now. Click here to view and buy. Incidentally, there’s also a movie which I haven’t watched so I don’t know if it’s any good or not.
Have you read The Girl Next Door or seen the movie? What did you think? Let me know in the comments 🙂
You can find me here: Twitter Facebook Bloglovin Pinterest and Instagram Please do stop by and say hi!
I wasn’t familiar with the book or the movie, but it sounds fascinating.
It really is, it’s well worth a read!
That’s one I’m going to have to skip. Any depictions of torture are too much for me. They make me physically ill, so I avoid them.
I would definitely steer clear of this then, it’s not for the faint hearted!
This sounds like an excellent read. I like books that disturb—that confront us with possibilities (and realities) we’d rather not look at too closely. Great review, too, Debbie! I’ve added it to my TBR (and Shopping) lists 🙂
Me too, I think if they make you feel a bit uncomfortable, they’ve done a good job! Thank you, I hope you enjoy it 🙂
As grim as this sounds, it has got my interest.. so I’ll start reading but who knows if i’ll finish it by the sounds of things lol – I’ll let you know..
Like I said it is disturbing but I don’t think it’s so bad you wouldn’t be able to finish it. Yes, do let me know what you think of it 🙂
I really wish I had more time to read – this book sounds gripping! #BloggerClubUK
Helen x
It’s a fab read 🙂 x
I have heard of this but not read it or seen the film. It does sound pretty gruesome but I could probably read the book. I seem to be able to read a whole variety of texts but don’t enjoy really gruesome films. Bizarre! #BloggerClubUK
I’m like that with the crime genre – I love the books but the films/TV series I usually find a bit boring!
Interesting review, not sure this book is for me at the minute (I have trouble sleeping!) but I agree there is a loin the news about children commiting violent acts and it is fascinating to think about what might lead them to those moments. Thanks for hosting #BloggersClubUk
What a brilliant summary, I was glued to your every word and now want to read it for myself. It sounds so disturbing yet also one that should somehow be read. #BloggerClubUK.
Thank you 🙂 That’s exactly how I feel about it – disturbing but still should be read!
It might just be me. But I actually cant wait to read this book. I like these kind of books where you sort of get a look into people / kids minds. What was happening that made someone snap and what would it feel like for it to happen to you. For you to think that that was ok. Again might just be me…
Great review. I will definitely be picking this up!
Lx
#BloggerClubUK
It’s definitely not just you – I find people’s minds fascinating, especially the minds of people who do something so off beat! x
I never heard of this book but will look it up. I tend to flick through these types of books as they are fascinating but too gory for me but I want to know what happens at the end so I read bits here and there … if you get me!
#bloggersclubuk
I haven’t read a whole book in about 8 years! this isn’t my genre but it has reminded me to make more time to read. thanks for sharing your review xx #bloggerclubuk
I hope you get back into reading 🙂 x
I heard for this book and will put it on my “books to read” list. I really love to read books but now I don’t have time for that as I wish. #BloggerClubUK
I love reading too 🙂 I hope you enjoy it when you get around to reading it!
I’m a total book worm, I will read almost anything! However I think, based on your review, I will give this one a miss. That’s the beauty of reviews, we can make more informed decisions about what to read instead of ‘judging a book by its cover’!
Great post 🙂
#BloggerClubUK
I agree – I have found lots of fab books through book reviews, and found a few I had wanted to read that I ended up avoiding. Thank you 🙂
I’ve not heard of this one, but it sounds fascinating, if disturbing. Sometimes disturbing reads that make you think are the best. Although my next reading opportunity is a holiday and I’m not sure this meets the ‘lighthearted by the pool’ read I’m after for that! #bloggerclubuk
It was definitely fascinating and I agree that this type of book that gets you thinking are the best. Probably not a pool side read though!
I won’t be reading this one Debbie. Based on your description, it hits too close to home for me and as a lover of children, my heart would break too much for all of the children in the book. Children are extremely influential humans because they are so young and can be so easily brain washed. It would take an extremely strong will and virtually no fear to disobey what the adult in the book is teaching these kids. Children are always learning and I can only imagine how damaged all of these kids are now. But I really appreciate your review because knowing myself, next time I go to the bookstore and saw this I would be a bit fascinated and curious enough to want to read it. Thanks so much for co-hosting
#bloggerclubuk
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to be fair, but it really is a fascinating insight into the mind of someone in this situation, but I can appreciate why you wouldn’t want to read it. Thank you and thanks for linking up 🙂
I am always a fan of an honest book review, especially with you fairly saying yup its a bit hardcore but it brings up interesting and important consideration points. The world isn’t always fluffy. Definitively intrigued! #bloggerclubuk
Thank you 🙂 You’re right, the world isn’t always fluffy and this book is a good indication of that, but it’s not a light read. I always try to be honest in my book reviews, I’d hate to think I recommended a bad book to someone!
Wow, it does sound intense. Since becoming a mother I battle to read books like this.. Great review though! #bloggerclubuk
It is intense, and I can understand why it would be particularly bad for a mother. Thank you 🙂
This review has really raised an interest in this book for me. It kind of sounds like Lord of the Flies but much more sinister. I might even have a read! #bloggerclubuk
It’s definitely worth a read! And yeah it does have Lord of the Flies undertones
I’m really not sure that I could read it but I do like a good psychological thriller! It’s just the fact that it involves torturing a child- obviously! It would have to be read by the pool on holiday rather than last thing at night!! xx #bloggerclubuk
I love a good psychological thriller too! But yeah, the fact it’s a child does make that much more hard hitting x
Ooh I’m not sure I could read this. At least not yet. I’ve just finished reading Behind Closed Doors which has a similar theme and I found that a really disturbing read! #BloggerClubUK
It would be hard reading two intense books like this back to back!
What a great review – you’ve managed to summarise and grab my attention without really giving the whole thing away. #BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 It can be hard reviewing a book without spoilers!
Great review. I honestly don’t know if I could stomach it personally. I like that you didn’t give too much away here. Janet
#BloggerClubUK
Thank you 🙂 It’s pretty intense but worth giving it a go, it’s really eye opening!
I haven’t heard of this book – sounds really interesting and quite different, but I’m not sure I’d be able to stomach it! #BloggerClubUK
It was really interesting, it’s well worth a read!
I have never heard of this book. I have to admit, I don’t think I could read this to be honest. I am not good with stuff that involves kids being harmed. I have still not got over reading a Child Called It. 🙁 x
Probably not one for you then! Somehow though A Child Called It was worse than this. Maybe because it was from the abused child’s perspective?
Knowing it’s based on a true story would make it much harder to read for me. It reminds me loosely of Lord of the Flies – with the same idea of school children become so violent & so far removed from their morals & values. #bloggerclubuk x
Yeah I think it being a true story does it make it harder to read. I liked Lord of the Flies, I could really imagine that’s how it would happen in real life too x
This sounds so interesting. I’m not squeamish and love a good thriller but this sounds intense. Looking for a few gripping reads for my holiday so may have to add this one to the list. Thanks! 🙂 #bloggerclubuk
It is intense but it’s really good and thought provoking. I hope you enjoy it 🙂 x
Interesting. I agree that ‘based on a true story’ can sometimes mean quite loosely! I also agree though that it actually is important to discuss how easily children (and also sometimes adults) can be led into things and sometimes do brutal acts based on following group mentality (or sometimes based on escalation as a result of panic due to less well developed reasoning skills – ie digging themselves in deeper rather than risking getting into trouble). Even more so when they are following an adult, not another child. It is important because we have a tendency when children do terrible things to dismiss the children as ‘evil’. & that is not accurate. They are not evil. Most are not even beyond help. It’s a cop out that prevents us from (a) having to accept that actually anyone, even those we believe are harmless, can be capable of hurting people; and (b) having to address the real causes behind children committing serious crimes.
This reminded me slightly of a case from back in the I think early nineties (maybe before) in the States, where a group of girls very brutally murdered a classmate. One of the girls was jealous of her relationship with another girl (who was not involved in the crime). They tricked her into leaving the house and held her hostage in a car boot and a house for many hours, moving her around locations, and performing absolutely horrifying acts on her that did not succeed in killing her, with the result that she was horrifically tortured over a lengthy period. But again it was interesting in terms of the mentality of those involved. A couple of them were the instigators, but a couple of others were accepted to not have actually participated at the same level, though they did not prevent it. Even more interestingly, it eventually transpired that the girls had told a group of boys what they planned to do, and the boys believed them (at least to an extent – maybe not that they would kill her), but never told anyone or warned anyone. But as you say with this book, these children were not all lacking in proper moral teaching. They knew right from wrong, and at least most of them were probably decent kids most of the time, but they went along with the most horrific behaviour imaginable. #BloggerClubUK
I totally agree with you – no child is born evil, their actions are a product of their environment, and yes, it’s a cop out because it’s easier to say they are evil than accept that we as a society made them that way.
The case you talk about is horrific, but I do find the mentality of it fascinating, how the girls went along with it and how the boys kept it quiet. I do think a large part of it is as you said – once you’re in, you’re in, because to tell someone would get you in trouble. I can see how a kid could think like this easily.
Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide - My Random Musings
[…] The Girl Next Door is not for the faint hearted. It centres around a girl who ends up being locked in a basement by a twisted woman and a group of neighbour hood kids. As the girl’s imprisonment draws out, she is tortured, with each act being worse than the last. The book takes you on a twisted journey which illustrates peer pressure and group mentality at it’s darkest. Read my review here. […]