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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
I’m not sure how to review this. Did it keep my interest? Yes. Was it well written? Absolutely. Was the content good? Well, it hits close to home when you have kids. I can’t say I loved it, because it’s so raw and real and scary and terrifying, but I did love the people in the book. I wish I could travel back in time and be Lena or Ruth and get to know Sally and help her. I enjoyed Sally’s coming of age, even in a captive situation. She had so many people along the way who loved her. I would definitely read other works by this author.
This story is based on a real person and her kidnapping. It was heartbreaking to read all the things that happened to her. And to think how if one of those things changed, or one of those people took action, her life would have been different. I was anxious to see how it would all unfold.
This has so many rave reviews, and maybe it's my mood, something just didn't fit together for me, or I'm not in the headspace for a more fictionalized account, but the chords this was supposed to hit didn't, and those keys weren't plunked. I know very little of the historical account of this kidnapping and have no problem with non-fiction; in fact, it's my preference, and maybe that was the issue I was having while reading. Is it soulless to say that there were parts of this that dragged? We know at some point, they're caught, but it definitely lulled in the middle to examine how the people around her in life were effected by the loss. Everything was just suggested and it's like you drag your fingertips over it but never can wind your fingers in it completely, and then it flits away like a moth. Perhaps that's why it didn't emotionally meld with me the way I was expecting, for such a harrowing situation. Maybe I'm lacking historical-period context.
There's zero insight into Frank except that, well, he's creepy and deranged. Perhaps this isn't the focus of this book and I'm expecting something that wasn't promised at any point, but with all of the perspectives, that's the one we lack. While the chapters about her mother were nuanced, it was extremely difficult to empathize with her. To be fair, her thoughts are partly of a reflection of her time and the religious and small-town culture that pervades the entire story, revealed in small snippets of dialogue and occasionally the appalling thought processes of blame.
There's no problem with showing more than telling, but even those wisps of horror don't move me enough to believe and create a connection with the characters throughout. Near the very end, where the final tragedy is described, the small parts about Al feeling blessed are just painfully cliched and out of place, feeling optimistic and slightly unbelievable in the face of how cruel the whole thing is. Something personal shifted inside while reading the parts with Al admonishing Susan about her mother, about how she treated her. Maybe it comes from having certain substance abuse issues in the family, so I'm familiar with how the selfishness of these diseases are consuming and how they harm others in the family who try to deal with it and help. Ella had issues as well and took them out on children - you don't have to be aggressive or pointed with your behavior to effect your children. Summarily, it was average and didn't meet the expectations I had.
There's zero insight into Frank except that, well, he's creepy and deranged. Perhaps this isn't the focus of this book and I'm expecting something that wasn't promised at any point, but with all of the perspectives, that's the one we lack. While the chapters about her mother were nuanced, it was extremely difficult to empathize with her. To be fair, her thoughts are partly of a reflection of her time and the religious and small-town culture that pervades the entire story, revealed in small snippets of dialogue and occasionally the appalling thought processes of blame.
There's no problem with showing more than telling, but even those wisps of horror don't move me enough to believe and create a connection with the characters throughout. Near the very end, where the final tragedy is described, the small parts about Al feeling blessed are just painfully cliched and out of place, feeling optimistic and slightly unbelievable in the face of how cruel the whole thing is. Something personal shifted inside while reading the parts with Al admonishing Susan about her mother, about how she treated her. Maybe it comes from having certain substance abuse issues in the family, so I'm familiar with how the selfishness of these diseases are consuming and how they harm others in the family who try to deal with it and help. Ella had issues as well and took them out on children - you don't have to be aggressive or pointed with your behavior to effect your children. Summarily, it was average and didn't meet the expectations I had.
Rust and Stardust
by T. Greenwood
2018
St. Martins
Sally Horner's problems began when she stole a notebook from a Woolworth's, in Camden, New Jersey, 1948. It was a dare from a group of the popular girls at school, a group she longed to be part of. What she didn't know was she was being watched by Frank La Salle, just released from prison. He was waiting for her outside the store, convincing her that he was FBI, and will arrest unless she does what he says.....
For 2 years, she was kept, constantly on the move, starting in Camden and winding up in San Jose, California, Frank convincing others Sally was his daughter and no one questioned him. She was raped repeatedly and treated as a prisoner.
Based on an actual case, this was extremely hard to read at times. It was upsetting and shocking and disgusting. Its also eye-opening how easily this happens. T. Greenwood tells this story with compassion and skillful storytelling. This was hard to put down. Such a tragic case.
Recommended.
by T. Greenwood
2018
St. Martins
Sally Horner's problems began when she stole a notebook from a Woolworth's, in Camden, New Jersey, 1948. It was a dare from a group of the popular girls at school, a group she longed to be part of. What she didn't know was she was being watched by Frank La Salle, just released from prison. He was waiting for her outside the store, convincing her that he was FBI, and will arrest unless she does what he says.....
For 2 years, she was kept, constantly on the move, starting in Camden and winding up in San Jose, California, Frank convincing others Sally was his daughter and no one questioned him. She was raped repeatedly and treated as a prisoner.
Based on an actual case, this was extremely hard to read at times. It was upsetting and shocking and disgusting. Its also eye-opening how easily this happens. T. Greenwood tells this story with compassion and skillful storytelling. This was hard to put down. Such a tragic case.
Recommended.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book and read through the story fairly quickly. Sally is 11 years old and steals a notebook to be accepted into a group of girls. However, a man catches her, tells her he is with the FBI, and convinces her to go off with him for a supposed court hearing. The story follows Sally on this journey with the man who turns out to be an ex-convict. We watch Sally's family come to different realizations and feelings as various clues or ideas pop up. We realize the tribulations that Sally goes through as the man's true colors start to appear. And we feel lots of emotions as the story evolves. I found myself not wanting to put the book down until I knew how it ended.
I was surprised to find that this book is based on a true story, as explained in the author's note at the end of the book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and read through the story fairly quickly. Sally is 11 years old and steals a notebook to be accepted into a group of girls. However, a man catches her, tells her he is with the FBI, and convinces her to go off with him for a supposed court hearing. The story follows Sally on this journey with the man who turns out to be an ex-convict. We watch Sally's family come to different realizations and feelings as various clues or ideas pop up. We realize the tribulations that Sally goes through as the man's true colors start to appear. And we feel lots of emotions as the story evolves. I found myself not wanting to put the book down until I knew how it ended.
I was surprised to find that this book is based on a true story, as explained in the author's note at the end of the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sally Horner just wanted to be friends with the popular girls at school. The girls who took a blood oath and formed a secret sisterhood club under the trees at recess. These girls were everything that Sally wasn’t, and in order to be accepted by the sisterhood, Sally had to pass an initiation first - steal something from Woolworth’s.
Sally went with the girls to Woolworth’s after school, and set off into the store to find something to steal. After nervously stuffing a composition notebook in her sweater, Sally hurriedly attempted to leave the store only to be accosted by a foreboding man who claimed to be with the FBI. He saw Sally stealing, and informed her that unless she wanted things to go very badly for her, she must do what he said.
And this is where the terrifying real-life kidnapping story of Florence “Sally” Horner began.
When I started T. Greenwood’s new novel, Rust and Stardust, I was unaware that it was based on a true story. In fact, I was well into the book before I learned about the real Sally Horner’s kidnapping in the 1940s. Discovering that this story was based on actual events made this page-turning novel even more horrifying and compelling. Having no knowledge of the details of the case, I couldn’t get to the end fast enough to learn if Sally made it out okay.
T. Greenwood has long been a favorite author of mine, mainly because her storytelling is so masterful. In Rust and Stardust, she brings to life the tragic story of little eleven year old Sally Horner, reimagining what happened to her on that fateful day at the end of fifth grade, and all the years that came after. Greenwood does justice to Sally’s story by delving deep into the minds of the characters and figuring out what made them tick. I never felt like Greenwood cheapened or exploited Sally Horner; rather she dealt with uncomfortable situations with tact and grace and avoided blaming anyone but Frank La Salle for what happened to Sally.
Anyone who loves a story well-told, especially those revolving around true events, will not be able to put down Rust and Stardust. This is a story that you can really lose track of time while reading, it’s just that good. I read most of it in one sitting, which is saying a lot for me. Surely to be heralded a “can’t miss” novel of 2018, don’t wait to pick up Rust and Stardust!
Sally Horner just wanted to be friends with the popular girls at school. The girls who took a blood oath and formed a secret sisterhood club under the trees at recess. These girls were everything that Sally wasn’t, and in order to be accepted by the sisterhood, Sally had to pass an initiation first - steal something from Woolworth’s.
Sally went with the girls to Woolworth’s after school, and set off into the store to find something to steal. After nervously stuffing a composition notebook in her sweater, Sally hurriedly attempted to leave the store only to be accosted by a foreboding man who claimed to be with the FBI. He saw Sally stealing, and informed her that unless she wanted things to go very badly for her, she must do what he said.
And this is where the terrifying real-life kidnapping story of Florence “Sally” Horner began.
When I started T. Greenwood’s new novel, Rust and Stardust, I was unaware that it was based on a true story. In fact, I was well into the book before I learned about the real Sally Horner’s kidnapping in the 1940s. Discovering that this story was based on actual events made this page-turning novel even more horrifying and compelling. Having no knowledge of the details of the case, I couldn’t get to the end fast enough to learn if Sally made it out okay.
T. Greenwood has long been a favorite author of mine, mainly because her storytelling is so masterful. In Rust and Stardust, she brings to life the tragic story of little eleven year old Sally Horner, reimagining what happened to her on that fateful day at the end of fifth grade, and all the years that came after. Greenwood does justice to Sally’s story by delving deep into the minds of the characters and figuring out what made them tick. I never felt like Greenwood cheapened or exploited Sally Horner; rather she dealt with uncomfortable situations with tact and grace and avoided blaming anyone but Frank La Salle for what happened to Sally.
Anyone who loves a story well-told, especially those revolving around true events, will not be able to put down Rust and Stardust. This is a story that you can really lose track of time while reading, it’s just that good. I read most of it in one sitting, which is saying a lot for me. Surely to be heralded a “can’t miss” novel of 2018, don’t wait to pick up Rust and Stardust!
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
This book is a fictionalized account of the kidnapping of Sally Horner in 1948 which inspired the story Lolita. Sally Horner was tricked into going with Frank LaSalle when she was just 11 years old. When Sally attempts to join in with the girls in her class by shoplifting a composition book from Woolworths, LaSalle catches her in the act and tells her he's a FBI agent. Sally believes him. What follows is harrowing journey for Sally from Camden, New Jersey to San Jose, California.
T. Greenwood is one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint with this novel. The characters in this story all have believable voices. Sally is portrayed as naive, but yet, also smart. My daughter is currently twelve years old and I could see her in Sally. Which is also extremely frightening given the story. Sally is so vulnerable and trusting for so long with Frank. He is a monster and I know there are still monsters like him out in the world. Then the real life ending of Sally's life makes the story even more harrowing. Though the story is sad T. Greenwood makes it hard to put down.
This book is a fictionalized account of the kidnapping of Sally Horner in 1948 which inspired the story Lolita. Sally Horner was tricked into going with Frank LaSalle when she was just 11 years old. When Sally attempts to join in with the girls in her class by shoplifting a composition book from Woolworths, LaSalle catches her in the act and tells her he's a FBI agent. Sally believes him. What follows is harrowing journey for Sally from Camden, New Jersey to San Jose, California.
T. Greenwood is one of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint with this novel. The characters in this story all have believable voices. Sally is portrayed as naive, but yet, also smart. My daughter is currently twelve years old and I could see her in Sally. Which is also extremely frightening given the story. Sally is so vulnerable and trusting for so long with Frank. He is a monster and I know there are still monsters like him out in the world. Then the real life ending of Sally's life makes the story even more harrowing. Though the story is sad T. Greenwood makes it hard to put down.
I'm trying to find the words for this one and they're just not there. This book is THAT good. I'm sitting here staring at the cover with the pin and the red ribbon, and trying to figure out how to put into words the love I have for a story so tragic. I found myself holding my breath through almost the whole thing. To say it had all the feels, is overly underestimating. The feels are overflowing and I might not have any feels left!
Rust & Stardust is based on a true story. The story of 11 year old Sally Horner, who was kidnapped from Camden, NJ in 1948 by an insanely disgusting man named Frank LaSalle, a convicted rapist and child molester. The book is not 100% true, but T. Greenwood weaves a tale by filling in some characters and plotlines, and imagines the thoughts that went though Sally's mind as Frank both physically and mentally assaults her while dragging her across the country over 2 years.
Sally's story is heartbreaking, and she is the the most curious, innocent, naive little girl. You root for her to find strength, to build courage, to finally get home. She is fortunate enough to meet some beautifully caring people on her journey who make her life a little bit bearable, and the way Sally touches so many lives along the way is inspiring. We not only follow Sally and some of the people she meets along the way, but also how the tragedy affects her family, including her grieving and widowed mother, who has lost so very much already.
And side note - it is said that Vladimir Nabokov's bestselling novel, Lolita, was drawn on the details of Sally's story as well as several other similar cases. They call her "The Real Lolita." It is also said that Sally Horner's ordeal was much worse ... so it's hardly an accurate homage, but both saddening and maddening the same.
I didn't know much about Sally's story going into this book. I prefer reading things this way and was SHOCKED at the end. This beautifully written story is definitely a sad read, but it's also uplifting to see how many lives Sally touched. Sally just comes alive across the pages and is intensely adorable. T. Greenwood has impressively crafted the homage that Sally deserves. I cannot recommend this book enough. It's worth all the loss of feels and all the loss of breath.
Rust & Stardust is based on a true story. The story of 11 year old Sally Horner, who was kidnapped from Camden, NJ in 1948 by an insanely disgusting man named Frank LaSalle, a convicted rapist and child molester. The book is not 100% true, but T. Greenwood weaves a tale by filling in some characters and plotlines, and imagines the thoughts that went though Sally's mind as Frank both physically and mentally assaults her while dragging her across the country over 2 years.
Sally's story is heartbreaking, and she is the the most curious, innocent, naive little girl. You root for her to find strength, to build courage, to finally get home. She is fortunate enough to meet some beautifully caring people on her journey who make her life a little bit bearable, and the way Sally touches so many lives along the way is inspiring. We not only follow Sally and some of the people she meets along the way, but also how the tragedy affects her family, including her grieving and widowed mother, who has lost so very much already.
And side note - it is said that Vladimir Nabokov's bestselling novel, Lolita, was drawn on the details of Sally's story as well as several other similar cases. They call her "The Real Lolita." It is also said that Sally Horner's ordeal was much worse ... so it's hardly an accurate homage, but both saddening and maddening the same.
I didn't know much about Sally's story going into this book. I prefer reading things this way and was SHOCKED at the end. This beautifully written story is definitely a sad read, but it's also uplifting to see how many lives Sally touched. Sally just comes alive across the pages and is intensely adorable. T. Greenwood has impressively crafted the homage that Sally deserves. I cannot recommend this book enough. It's worth all the loss of feels and all the loss of breath.
