The Girl Before

By: Rena Olsen

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

In this powerful psychological suspense debut, when a woman’s life is shattered, she is faced with a devastating question: What if everything she thought was normal and good and true...wasn’t?

Clara Lawson is torn from her life in an instant. Without warning, her home is invaded by armed men, and she finds herself separated from her beloved husband and daughters. The last thing her husband yells to her is to say nothing.

In chapters that alternate between past and present, the novel slowly unpeels the layers of Clara’s fractured life. We see her growing up, raised with her sisters by the stern Mama and Papa G, becoming a poised and educated young woman, falling desperately in love with the forbidden son of her adoptive parents. We see her now, sequestered in an institution, questioned by men and women who call her a different name—Diana—and who accuse her husband of unspeakable crimes. As recollections of her past collide with new revelations, Clara must question everything she thought she knew, to come to terms with the truth of her history and to summon the strength to navigate her future.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Girl Before

“Gripping...A powerful, moving debut by therapist Olsen in which cruelty is counterbalanced by compassion and love.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Easily the most disturbing and unsettling book I have read this year....As in the best suspense novels, there are mysteries within mysteries, and all is not what it seems—not to Clara, and definitely not to the reader.”—BookPage, A Best Mystery of 2016

“[A] thoughtful look at victims and perpetrators and the difficulties that arise for someone who is both at once....[The Girl Before] moves at the pace of a mystery, but the novel is strongest when it allows Clara to unpack her past and consider who she will be going forward. A moving story of recovery and responsibility.”—Kirkus Reviews

“I couldn't put it down. The novel is compelling, perplexing, and ultimately uplifting! The unusual structure is a perfect match for the magnetic voice of the central character. I predict this daring debut will make Rena Olsen “the girl ahead” among psychological suspense authors.”—Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Upon a Winter’s Night

“A disturbing story, haunting and important.”—Alexandra Burt, author of Remember Mia

“Daring, harrowing and absolutely riveting.”—Sandra Block, author of Little Black Lies

Tough Subject matter

Well written and well performed. The style of the author going between past and present was the perfect framework for this story.

Interesting story, main character was too whiny

This book really drew me in in the beginning, however I had a hard time getting over Clara's whiny dialogue. I understand that she went through a lot. I was into the story but her attitude was borderline annoying because she sounded like she was always complaining and almost about to cry. She was even a little bratty at times. It made it hard to relate to her. I stuck through the entire thing and her tone never changed.

Best Narration Ever

What made the experience of listening to The Girl Before the most enjoyable?

Brittany had probably the most moving and emotional performance of a narrator that I've ever heard. She greatly enhanced my emotional connection to the protagonist, Clara in a way that I wouldn't have connected otherwise

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The author, Rena Olsen, did a great job of showing the monstrous side of humans, and the human side of monsters. It's a sign of great skill as a writer when we have characters that we can simultaneously root for their rehabilitation or their demise. The rise and fall of her husband Glen was something I didn't expect to find myself going back and forth on, but every part of his personal story made me hate him in and pity him in new and exciting ways.

I struggled to finish this story

The subject of this story, human trafficking, is a gripping topic. However, the emotion that would be expected to be conveyed in something so horrific was almost completely lost to me in the way this story was presented. The narrator's whiny, high pitched voice continued unabated throughout out the entire telling of this story. I found it so annoying that I was just waiting for it to be over even though the story had many interesting features.

ALL The Stars For This One!!

One of the best books I've read/listened to in a very long time. I probably read 10-12 books a month and this is in the top 10 books over the last few years. The story takes off right away and switches between present and past tense with ease. The story is engaging. You are drawn in by the main character as you're taken on a journey thru this very traumatic subject matter. Every aspect of this book meant something. No wasted winding chapters to fill space. It all intricately wove together a story of heartache, abuse, love, healing, hope, and brokenness. Loved it. Finished it in 24 hours. I'm very picky on narration and have returned more than one book, not because the story was bad, but because I just couldn't listen thru the narrator. NOT the case here. The narration was perfect! Every character, every emotion (and there were so many in this book) was perfect and helped draw you into the story even more. I will definitely read this one again. One of the best credits I've ever spent!