Take a photo of a barcode or cover
recyclops229 's review for:
When She Returned
by Lucinda Berry
This book was wild. There were a number of moments where I felt the story was a bit slow, which is why I can’t give it a 5-star rating, but even still this was an enjoyable read and one I’d recommend if you’re looking for a psychological thriller.
I’ve always been mesmerized by cults and the psychology behind the members who join, as well as the people who start them, so this book was interesting for me but if that’s something you don’t want to read about, definitely skip this as it permeates every page.
The ending of this book still has me reeling. Kate is a victim in so many ways but that doesn’t fully absolve her of the harm and hurt she’s caused. At one point in the book, they mentioned it takes a few years to fully deprogram someone who’s been in a cult so it just feels like Kate was failed by those around her who should’ve done a better job of preventing her from making contact with Ray/Abner again. Meredith was the only one who was paying attention and freaking Scott gaslit her and made her feel crazy, stupid, and unwelcome in her own home.
Also it didn’t sound like Kate was in any sort of counseling/deprogramming when she came back which doesn’t make sense to me, given the fact that she was brainwashed for 11 years so I can only imagine the stronghold those beliefs have on her.
I would’ve liked to see the characters unpack the why of Kate leaving more than they did but I could also understand being so overjoyed to see your wife and mom after 11 years that you’re willing to sweep everything under the rug and try to go back to “normal.”
Overall, I thought this book was unique and interesting and I definitely plan to read more from Lucinda Berry in the future.
Am I back to edit this review a third time? Yes, go argue with your mom. Here’s what’s keeping me up: What was Kate’s plan with bringing Abbi to Abner? Was she going to be another of his brides? Yuck.
Edit #4: I enjoyed this book even though it haunts me. I’ve been wanting to read something else by Lucinda Berry but I’m apprehensive to do so because I just know it’ll be heavy and traumatizing. I’m still detoxing from this book with rom-coms over a month later.
I’ve always been mesmerized by cults and the psychology behind the members who join, as well as the people who start them, so this book was interesting for me but if that’s something you don’t want to read about, definitely skip this as it permeates every page.
The ending of this book still has me reeling. Kate is a victim in so many ways but that doesn’t fully absolve her of the harm and hurt she’s caused. At one point in the book, they mentioned it takes a few years to fully deprogram someone who’s been in a cult so it just feels like Kate was failed by those around her who should’ve done a better job of preventing her from making contact with Ray/Abner again. Meredith was the only one who was paying attention and freaking Scott gaslit her and made her feel crazy, stupid, and unwelcome in her own home.
Also it didn’t sound like Kate was in any sort of counseling/deprogramming when she came back which doesn’t make sense to me, given the fact that she was brainwashed for 11 years so I can only imagine the stronghold those beliefs have on her.
I would’ve liked to see the characters unpack the why of Kate leaving more than they did but I could also understand being so overjoyed to see your wife and mom after 11 years that you’re willing to sweep everything under the rug and try to go back to “normal.”
Overall, I thought this book was unique and interesting and I definitely plan to read more from Lucinda Berry in the future.
Am I back to edit this review a third time? Yes, go argue with your mom. Here’s what’s keeping me up: What was Kate’s plan with bringing Abbi to Abner? Was she going to be another of his brides? Yuck.
Edit #4: I enjoyed this book even though it haunts me. I’ve been wanting to read something else by Lucinda Berry but I’m apprehensive to do so because I just know it’ll be heavy and traumatizing. I’m still detoxing from this book with rom-coms over a month later.