Book Review: Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

 Dear Child

by
Romy Hausmann

psychological thriller/mystery/crime

audiobook/11 hours

Quote:

"We know how everything works. We have our own rules, you see. It's just that Mama forgets them sometimes. But luckily, she's got us, we remind her of them."~ Hannah

Dear Child

From the cover:

In a windowless shack in the woods, Lena's life and that of her two children follows the rules set by their captor, the father: Meals, bathroom visits, study time are strictly scheduled and meticulously observed. He protects his family from the dangers lurking in the outside world and makes sure his children will always have a mother to look after them. 

One day, Lena manages to flee- but the nightmare continues. It seems as if her tormentor wants to get back what belongs to him. And then there is the question whether she really is the woman called "Lena" who disappeared without a trace 14 years ago. The police and Lena’s family are all desperately trying to piece together a puzzle which doesn't quite seem to fit.

*SPOILER * This review may contain spoilers* SPOILER*

My Review:

I gave this book 3/5 stars. I usually don't start my reviews with the negative side, but when deciding to post a review, these 2 things kept popping up and making me hesitate and rethink the way to write it.

1. I opted for the audiobook, which lately has been hit or miss in my selections.

This one I really struggled to get into. I'm honestly not sure if it was the storyline, the audio speed, the translation, the narrators/characters, or just a combination.

There were at least 3 or 4 times that I went back a chapter or two and re-listened to see where I was in the story or if I'd missed something. It really just never gripped my attention.

I honestly didn't care for any of the characters. 

"Lena"/Jasmin seemed too day dreamy or misfocused. I didn't like her vibe from the beginning.

Hannah was too two-sided for me. One minute she's intelligent from her "study time", yet very unaware or over naive, even with the whole situation.

Lena seemed to have a very callous and selfish attitude about everything going on. The affair, the effects it had on others, etc.

Karin just seemed very disengaged throughout the whole book.

Jonathan, um, where was this kid???

I won't go on into the rest of the characters. You get the idea.

2. I instantly got Room by Emma Donoghue vibes.

I just couldn't get passed that. The alternate book cover is even almost identical. Crayon font and meant to be in a child's handwriting.

Other than how the abduction begins, there were too many similarities in the characters and situation.

Anyone who has read Room would not be able to ignore this. I kept reading to see if things ever changed directions, but almost to the end it was way too similar.

The book wasn't bad, it just wasn't what I expected and had almost zero suspense, mystery, or thrill. There was no real chase to it. Yes, the whodunnit factor was good, not great.

I definitely think I would have enjoyed the physical book better. 

I give Dear Child by Romy Hausmann 3 stars.