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The Lost Girl of Craven County
A decade into the Great Depression, Millicent Green is a twenty-five-year-old “old maid” living with her marriage-obsessed mother and domineering older brother in the stiflingly small Jewish community of New Bern, North Carolina. Smart and prickly, she’s struggling to find her place in the world following the loss of her beloved younger brother, and with him, her dreams for the future.
One humid August day, Millie is sent to run an errand and discovers a young woman unconscious on the ground. This mystery woman, mute and without identification, will upend Millie’s life. Together, they set out on a quest that will lay bare some of the twentieth century’s most shameful episodes.
From a historic river town to the hinterlands of rural North Carolina, The Lost Girl of Craven County delves into the impossibility of burying secrets forever. It’s a story of love, loss, and—above all—the indelible, world-moving power of female friendship.
One humid August day, Millie is sent to run an errand and discovers a young woman unconscious on the ground. This mystery woman, mute and without identification, will upend Millie’s life. Together, they set out on a quest that will lay bare some of the twentieth century’s most shameful episodes.
From a historic river town to the hinterlands of rural North Carolina, The Lost Girl of Craven County delves into the impossibility of burying secrets forever. It’s a story of love, loss, and—above all—the indelible, world-moving power of female friendship.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Emily Matchar
30 books129 followersInterested in me talking to your book group? I'd love to! Just fill out the request form: https://www.emilymatchar.com/book-clu...
About me: I’m a writer and author originally from North Carolina
My debut novel, In the Shadow of the Greenbrier, a multi-generational saga about a Jewish family living near the iconic Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, will be published in March 2024 by Putnam at Penguin Random House. Before turning to fiction, I was a journalist for many years.
When I’m not working, I like to hike, cook, garden, try new foods, and travel with my husband and two sons.
Follow me on Instagram at @emilymatcharwriter
About me: I’m a writer and author originally from North Carolina
My debut novel, In the Shadow of the Greenbrier, a multi-generational saga about a Jewish family living near the iconic Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, will be published in March 2024 by Putnam at Penguin Random House. Before turning to fiction, I was a journalist for many years.
When I’m not working, I like to hike, cook, garden, try new foods, and travel with my husband and two sons.
Follow me on Instagram at @emilymatcharwriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 24, 2026
Set in 1939 New Bern, North Caroline on the cusp of WWII, this historical fiction book follows the life of 25 year old Millie, a Jewish girl uninterested in marriage, despite her matchmaking mother's most ardent desires. She stumbles upon an unconscious, near starved girl who turns out to be mute and uncovering the mystery of this girl's past will lead her down a dark path. Filled with loss, grief, love, female friendship and the horrors of the American Eugenics movement, this was good on audio and perfect for fans of books like Necessary lies, The lies they told or Only the beautiful. While I've read similar stories to this one, the Jewish lens, the drama, twists and suspense made it feel fresh all the same.
April 22, 2026
4.5 rounded up
I saw the author and the title of this book and immediately picked it up. I went in totally blind and it did NOT disappoint but I already knew it wouldn't😊
In the late 1930s, in New Bern, North Carolina, Millicent Green is twenty-five and considered an "old maid." She's not married and lives with her parents, contemplating her life's direction. Hailing from a close-knit Jewish community where personal matters are often communal knowledge, her life takes an unexpected turn one day. While running an errand, she discovers an unconscious young woman who is mute and without identification. Millicent kindly takes her in, and together they embark on a journey to uncover the truth.
This was a truly immersive, thought-provoking historical fiction read exploring the topics of girls' reform schools for the "feebleminded," forced sterilization (which I still can't believe happened here in the U.S.!), and female friendships. Told in two parts, it was fascinating, compelling, and emotional. Part one had an intriguing mystery, and part two definitely surprised me. I was completely drawn into the lives of Millie and Cecilia. I admired Millie's independence and the way she embraced being different, and I loved the setting of New Bern, NC. A captivating, engaging story that I enjoyed SO much! I most definitely recommend adding to your TBR!🩷
I saw the author and the title of this book and immediately picked it up. I went in totally blind and it did NOT disappoint but I already knew it wouldn't😊
In the late 1930s, in New Bern, North Carolina, Millicent Green is twenty-five and considered an "old maid." She's not married and lives with her parents, contemplating her life's direction. Hailing from a close-knit Jewish community where personal matters are often communal knowledge, her life takes an unexpected turn one day. While running an errand, she discovers an unconscious young woman who is mute and without identification. Millicent kindly takes her in, and together they embark on a journey to uncover the truth.
This was a truly immersive, thought-provoking historical fiction read exploring the topics of girls' reform schools for the "feebleminded," forced sterilization (which I still can't believe happened here in the U.S.!), and female friendships. Told in two parts, it was fascinating, compelling, and emotional. Part one had an intriguing mystery, and part two definitely surprised me. I was completely drawn into the lives of Millie and Cecilia. I admired Millie's independence and the way she embraced being different, and I loved the setting of New Bern, NC. A captivating, engaging story that I enjoyed SO much! I most definitely recommend adding to your TBR!🩷
April 19, 2026
Thank you to @emilymatcharwriter and @putnambooks #PutnamPartner for the generous #gifted book and @PRHAudio #PRHAudioPartner for the #gifted accompanying audiobook.
Set in North Carolina in 1939, this story draws you into Millie’s world as she discovers a mute, injured girl at her family’s pickle factory. Driven by compassion, she brings her home, and as she uncovers Cecilia’s mysterious past, Millie is drawn into helping her.
Millie is a captivating character. At just 23, she's unmarried despite her Jewish mother’s wishes for her to marry. She’s navigating a profound loss, which brings judgment from her community and family. Educated and ambitious, with dreams of becoming a journalist, Millie also has a big heart for those who are lost or struggling. I loved how her bond with Cecilia blossomed into a strong friendship.
The narrative shifts between Millie and Cecilia, each sharing their compelling backstories. Both have faced loss and heartbreak, but they cope in different ways. Millie retreats inward, while Cecilia faces her challenges head-on. Cecilia’s spirited attitude ultimately encourages Millie to find her own happiness. Her story is especially poignant as it sheds light on the dark history of eugenics in the South.
The layered storytelling kept me hooked, revealing more about Millie and Cecilia with each chapter.
The narrators did an outstanding job of bringing Millie and Cecilia to life, leaving me eager to discover more about their stories.
If you're drawn to tales of female friendship and forgotten histories, this book is a must-read.
Set in North Carolina in 1939, this story draws you into Millie’s world as she discovers a mute, injured girl at her family’s pickle factory. Driven by compassion, she brings her home, and as she uncovers Cecilia’s mysterious past, Millie is drawn into helping her.
Millie is a captivating character. At just 23, she's unmarried despite her Jewish mother’s wishes for her to marry. She’s navigating a profound loss, which brings judgment from her community and family. Educated and ambitious, with dreams of becoming a journalist, Millie also has a big heart for those who are lost or struggling. I loved how her bond with Cecilia blossomed into a strong friendship.
The narrative shifts between Millie and Cecilia, each sharing their compelling backstories. Both have faced loss and heartbreak, but they cope in different ways. Millie retreats inward, while Cecilia faces her challenges head-on. Cecilia’s spirited attitude ultimately encourages Millie to find her own happiness. Her story is especially poignant as it sheds light on the dark history of eugenics in the South.
The layered storytelling kept me hooked, revealing more about Millie and Cecilia with each chapter.
The narrators did an outstanding job of bringing Millie and Cecilia to life, leaving me eager to discover more about their stories.
If you're drawn to tales of female friendship and forgotten histories, this book is a must-read.
April 29, 2026
A heartbreaking story but one sadly based on fact and one that needs to be told so history doesn’t repeat itself ever again. Well written!
April 30, 2026
Good book! Go in blind—learn as little about it beforehand as possible—and let Matchar guide you through
November 16, 2025
3.5 🌟
Thank-you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! While the storylines of this dual timeline book were intriguing, the book felt disconnected at disorganized at times. New characters would randomly be mentioned, sometimes with no background of who they were or their purpose in the story, while other times overly detailed. This one was just ok for me.
Thank-you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! While the storylines of this dual timeline book were intriguing, the book felt disconnected at disorganized at times. New characters would randomly be mentioned, sometimes with no background of who they were or their purpose in the story, while other times overly detailed. This one was just ok for me.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read another book by Matchar previously, and I loved how she represented a Southern Jewish community while exploring historical events that are new to me. This book sounded so intriguing that I quickly became engrossed in the story, which was nothing like I was expecting, and in the best possible way.
In the late 1930s, Millie is 25, unmarried, and doesn’t seem to have much of a desire to wed, to the dismay of her mother who is obsessively focused on getting Millie wed as soon as possible. She lives with her mother and her overbearing, unlikable brother in New Bern’s Jewish community, which isn’t big so it gives small-town vibes. Two major historical events occurred during the story—the tail end of the Great Depression and the looming threat to European Jews with Hitler in power.
They live in a close-knit Jewish community, but it felt like their practices were more assimilated. That makes sense, because Jewish people weren’t always welcomed or free to practice safely in some Southern communities at that time. Even so, there were two important tenets of the Jewish faith that they did incorporate consistently. One of them is speaking up for social justice—Millie and her family treat Black people the same way they do white people and other Jewish people. Additionally, as a family who has more than enough while many people go without, first her younger brother Auggie and then Millie herself would deliver packages of food to the hobos who rode the rails, even marking the mailbox with a special symbol that let hobos know this was a safe place.
There are some pretty heavy themes in the story, and grief and loss is a major one. Millie was very close with Auggie, and when he passed away her life spiraled out of control, leading to her leaving college and affecting her marital prospects. She’s also unwilling to lower her standards. She’s smart, kind, and generous, although she can be a little prickly at times. She also gets along well with her sister-in-law, Fannie, who had left Germany while she could, and still has family living there. It adds a heavier layer of what Jewish people experienced at the time, even those outside of Europe.
I have to admit that I loved Millie right from the start. She’s a girl after my own mind, and I really enjoyed watching her stay true to herself regardless of what anyone else thinks. The family’s pickle factory led to the family’s financial success even through the Great Depression, while Millie’s best friend who is a guy has a steady job working at the train station, and I loved how they were written—it felt so realistic when I think about my own friendships, and I could also empathize with the fallout of a broken friendship that Millie experiences. But perhaps the thing I loved the most about Millie is how she doesn’t think and just acts kindly towards everyone around her, including family and friends, members of the Jewish community, and even a soaking wet mute girl she finds behind a pickle barrel.
The main plot centers around who this girl is, and what happened to her. I enjoyed how things unfolded with this character, Cecilia, and the way Millie was so kind and caring. While her brother is suspicious of this visitor as I would have expected, I was surprised to discover that her mother was on board with helping people in need. While the family isn’t very religiously observant, they do embody two major values in Judaism—charity and tikkun olam, the concept of repairing the world by doing good deeds. And the Green family is overflowing with these traits.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and the plot unfolded in a way that I was constantly being surprised. It took on a shameful episode in American history that involves eugenics, and I was just as outraged as Millie and Cecilia at how this practice was being implemented among poor, rural communities. The pacing was a bit slower in some parts, although there was a lot going on. There are many characters who are introduced over the course of the story, and at times I struggled to integrate characters because they just appear with little explanation. However, I really enjoyed seeing the friendship blossom between Millie and Cecilia, and how it grew into a genuinely strong female friendship. The book dealt with some very heavy topics and the author discussed them in a sensitive and natural way, with themes ranging from grief, loss, isolation, mental health, eugenics, and yet another shameful episode in American history.
Bottom line: An enjoyable read exploring female friendship, loss, grief, and a hidden history of eugenics, all done in a sensitive way, while still representing a long-standing Jewish community in the American South.
I read another book by Matchar previously, and I loved how she represented a Southern Jewish community while exploring historical events that are new to me. This book sounded so intriguing that I quickly became engrossed in the story, which was nothing like I was expecting, and in the best possible way.
In the late 1930s, Millie is 25, unmarried, and doesn’t seem to have much of a desire to wed, to the dismay of her mother who is obsessively focused on getting Millie wed as soon as possible. She lives with her mother and her overbearing, unlikable brother in New Bern’s Jewish community, which isn’t big so it gives small-town vibes. Two major historical events occurred during the story—the tail end of the Great Depression and the looming threat to European Jews with Hitler in power.
They live in a close-knit Jewish community, but it felt like their practices were more assimilated. That makes sense, because Jewish people weren’t always welcomed or free to practice safely in some Southern communities at that time. Even so, there were two important tenets of the Jewish faith that they did incorporate consistently. One of them is speaking up for social justice—Millie and her family treat Black people the same way they do white people and other Jewish people. Additionally, as a family who has more than enough while many people go without, first her younger brother Auggie and then Millie herself would deliver packages of food to the hobos who rode the rails, even marking the mailbox with a special symbol that let hobos know this was a safe place.
There are some pretty heavy themes in the story, and grief and loss is a major one. Millie was very close with Auggie, and when he passed away her life spiraled out of control, leading to her leaving college and affecting her marital prospects. She’s also unwilling to lower her standards. She’s smart, kind, and generous, although she can be a little prickly at times. She also gets along well with her sister-in-law, Fannie, who had left Germany while she could, and still has family living there. It adds a heavier layer of what Jewish people experienced at the time, even those outside of Europe.
I have to admit that I loved Millie right from the start. She’s a girl after my own mind, and I really enjoyed watching her stay true to herself regardless of what anyone else thinks. The family’s pickle factory led to the family’s financial success even through the Great Depression, while Millie’s best friend who is a guy has a steady job working at the train station, and I loved how they were written—it felt so realistic when I think about my own friendships, and I could also empathize with the fallout of a broken friendship that Millie experiences. But perhaps the thing I loved the most about Millie is how she doesn’t think and just acts kindly towards everyone around her, including family and friends, members of the Jewish community, and even a soaking wet mute girl she finds behind a pickle barrel.
The main plot centers around who this girl is, and what happened to her. I enjoyed how things unfolded with this character, Cecilia, and the way Millie was so kind and caring. While her brother is suspicious of this visitor as I would have expected, I was surprised to discover that her mother was on board with helping people in need. While the family isn’t very religiously observant, they do embody two major values in Judaism—charity and tikkun olam, the concept of repairing the world by doing good deeds. And the Green family is overflowing with these traits.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, and the plot unfolded in a way that I was constantly being surprised. It took on a shameful episode in American history that involves eugenics, and I was just as outraged as Millie and Cecilia at how this practice was being implemented among poor, rural communities. The pacing was a bit slower in some parts, although there was a lot going on. There are many characters who are introduced over the course of the story, and at times I struggled to integrate characters because they just appear with little explanation. However, I really enjoyed seeing the friendship blossom between Millie and Cecilia, and how it grew into a genuinely strong female friendship. The book dealt with some very heavy topics and the author discussed them in a sensitive and natural way, with themes ranging from grief, loss, isolation, mental health, eugenics, and yet another shameful episode in American history.
Bottom line: An enjoyable read exploring female friendship, loss, grief, and a hidden history of eugenics, all done in a sensitive way, while still representing a long-standing Jewish community in the American South.
May 12, 2026
I went into this story blindfolded and not knowing what to expect.
The plot reads like a Mrs. Maisel mystery. Quick witted ladies who come across a non verbal stranger. From the start, the writing just reels you in. You are caught hook, line, and sinker. And with each chapter, Matchar drops subtle clues that keep you turning the pages. The plot builds gradually and is initially captivating. Until you catch on. Once you catch on, the twists become predictable. Matchar seems to want to delve into some really interesting topics like reform schools, cancer treatment, eugenics, depression and women's rights and yet she only grazes the issue or rushes through the details. And despite the heavy content, there is always a happy ever after feeling to the book.
3⭐️
The book pulled me and I was engrossed and couldn't wait to get back to it. I gasped out loud, I giggled and found myself swallowing my anger. My head was constantly looking for clues and working through hypothesis. As a mystery, it was extremely entertaining but as a historical fiction, it only grazed the surface. 4,5⭐️
The writing style truly demonstrates Matchar's artistry. She has many storylines colliding simultaneously and leaves us wanting to know more. What happened to him? Why did she do this? In the end, all the stories come together nicely. She also uses the idea of double identity and confessional writing to move the story along. There is no doubt that the structure of her writing is well thought and perfectly put together, but towards the end it read rushed and too perfect of an ending- too happily ever after. 4⭐️
Millie is our initial protagonist. She is funny and adventurous but also self deprecating and grieving. She dreams of being the heroine, bit without her sidekick she doesn't recognize herself. Finding her confidante, has inspired her to find herself. The lost girl has gumption, intelligence and is resourceful. Not to mention a bit conniving and manipulative. They are well rounded and characters with whom you can empathize with and have compassion for.
5⭐️
As a HF, it was lackluster. As a mystery, it was engaging and not an adrenaline overdose. The characters were delightful and jumped off the page. The informative part of the novel was not flushed out and created a rushed feeling. So my heart ranks it a 3⭐️.
If you are interested in rhe eugenics(which is a hot tocket these days) I found Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner to give a more complete picture of it.
3,75⭐️. Rounding down.
The plot reads like a Mrs. Maisel mystery. Quick witted ladies who come across a non verbal stranger. From the start, the writing just reels you in. You are caught hook, line, and sinker. And with each chapter, Matchar drops subtle clues that keep you turning the pages. The plot builds gradually and is initially captivating. Until you catch on. Once you catch on, the twists become predictable. Matchar seems to want to delve into some really interesting topics like reform schools, cancer treatment, eugenics, depression and women's rights and yet she only grazes the issue or rushes through the details. And despite the heavy content, there is always a happy ever after feeling to the book.
3⭐️
The book pulled me and I was engrossed and couldn't wait to get back to it. I gasped out loud, I giggled and found myself swallowing my anger. My head was constantly looking for clues and working through hypothesis. As a mystery, it was extremely entertaining but as a historical fiction, it only grazed the surface. 4,5⭐️
The writing style truly demonstrates Matchar's artistry. She has many storylines colliding simultaneously and leaves us wanting to know more. What happened to him? Why did she do this? In the end, all the stories come together nicely. She also uses the idea of double identity and confessional writing to move the story along. There is no doubt that the structure of her writing is well thought and perfectly put together, but towards the end it read rushed and too perfect of an ending- too happily ever after. 4⭐️
Millie is our initial protagonist. She is funny and adventurous but also self deprecating and grieving. She dreams of being the heroine, bit without her sidekick she doesn't recognize herself. Finding her confidante, has inspired her to find herself. The lost girl has gumption, intelligence and is resourceful. Not to mention a bit conniving and manipulative. They are well rounded and characters with whom you can empathize with and have compassion for.
5⭐️
As a HF, it was lackluster. As a mystery, it was engaging and not an adrenaline overdose. The characters were delightful and jumped off the page. The informative part of the novel was not flushed out and created a rushed feeling. So my heart ranks it a 3⭐️.
If you are interested in rhe eugenics(which is a hot tocket these days) I found Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner to give a more complete picture of it.
3,75⭐️. Rounding down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
North Carolina holds a special place in my heart as a destination I have often visited and made some wonderful memories. Any book set in this locale peaks my interest, add a historical element and I'm hooked. Such is the case for Emily Matchar's newest novel, The Lost Girl of Craven County, being published by Penguin Random House , April 14, 2026.
The book begins in New Bern North Carolina, 1939, on the tails of the great depression, with the whispers of upcoming war in Europe. New Bern is a culturally diverse town with a thriving jewish community. Matchar focuses the story on two female characters, Millie, the 25 year old daughter of a pickle factory owning jewish family, and a mysterious young lady who shows up hurt and mute behind some pickle brining barrels one hot August afternoon. Over time the puzzle deepens as Matchar weaves the details of the two women and their subsequent lives into a wonder tale of twists, turns of intrigue.
As an avid reader, few plots surprise me. I generally have the basics of the story figured out early in a novel, and then I am just verifying my premise to the end of the story. Matchar surprised me over and over again. Just when I thought I"d figured out the identity of the lost girl, I'd be proved wrong with another detail. Her well layered plot kept my attention to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lost Girl of Craven County. To be honest, it's killing me to not share the story, but It's just too good to ruin it for anyone. So reader, you'll just need to grab the book in April and read it yourself!
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Random House and, Emily Matchar for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book begins in New Bern North Carolina, 1939, on the tails of the great depression, with the whispers of upcoming war in Europe. New Bern is a culturally diverse town with a thriving jewish community. Matchar focuses the story on two female characters, Millie, the 25 year old daughter of a pickle factory owning jewish family, and a mysterious young lady who shows up hurt and mute behind some pickle brining barrels one hot August afternoon. Over time the puzzle deepens as Matchar weaves the details of the two women and their subsequent lives into a wonder tale of twists, turns of intrigue.
As an avid reader, few plots surprise me. I generally have the basics of the story figured out early in a novel, and then I am just verifying my premise to the end of the story. Matchar surprised me over and over again. Just when I thought I"d figured out the identity of the lost girl, I'd be proved wrong with another detail. Her well layered plot kept my attention to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lost Girl of Craven County. To be honest, it's killing me to not share the story, but It's just too good to ruin it for anyone. So reader, you'll just need to grab the book in April and read it yourself!
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Random House and, Emily Matchar for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2026
The Lost Girl of Craven County by Emily Matchar is a quietly powerful historical novel that lingers long after the final page.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in coastal North Carolina, this story follows Millie Green—a sharp, emotionally guarded woman grappling with grief, societal expectations, and a future that feels increasingly out of reach. When she discovers a mysterious, silent young woman with no identity, the novel unfolds into both a personal reckoning and a broader exploration of hidden histories.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Matchar vividly captures the tension of a small, insular community and the weight of unspoken truths. The writing is immersive without being overly dense, and the setting feels richly lived-in. Millie herself is not always easy to love—but she is deeply real, and her emotional journey is compelling in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
The heart of the story lies in its exploration of female friendship and resilience. The bond that develops is tender, complicated, and ultimately the driving force of the narrative. I also appreciated how the book sheds light on lesser-discussed aspects of 20th-century history, adding depth and purpose to the mystery at its core.
The pacing is more reflective than fast-moving, which may not work for readers expecting a plot-heavy thriller. At times, I wanted a bit more momentum, especially in the middle. However, the emotional payoff and thematic depth more than make up for it.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, character-driven story about grief, identity, and the enduring power of connection. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional undercurrents and a touch of mystery, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Putnam Books for the ARC
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in coastal North Carolina, this story follows Millie Green—a sharp, emotionally guarded woman grappling with grief, societal expectations, and a future that feels increasingly out of reach. When she discovers a mysterious, silent young woman with no identity, the novel unfolds into both a personal reckoning and a broader exploration of hidden histories.
What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Matchar vividly captures the tension of a small, insular community and the weight of unspoken truths. The writing is immersive without being overly dense, and the setting feels richly lived-in. Millie herself is not always easy to love—but she is deeply real, and her emotional journey is compelling in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
The heart of the story lies in its exploration of female friendship and resilience. The bond that develops is tender, complicated, and ultimately the driving force of the narrative. I also appreciated how the book sheds light on lesser-discussed aspects of 20th-century history, adding depth and purpose to the mystery at its core.
The pacing is more reflective than fast-moving, which may not work for readers expecting a plot-heavy thriller. At times, I wanted a bit more momentum, especially in the middle. However, the emotional payoff and thematic depth more than make up for it.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, character-driven story about grief, identity, and the enduring power of connection. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional undercurrents and a touch of mystery, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Putnam Books for the ARC
May 11, 2026
The Lost Girl of Craven County by Emily Matchar is a poignant historical novel that blends mystery, grief, and female friendship against the backdrop of the Great Depression in rural North Carolina.
Millicent Green is a sharp, emotionally guarded young woman already carrying the weight of personal loss and a life that feels smaller than it should be. Her days are defined by family pressure, social expectations, and the lingering grief of losing her younger brother.
Everything changes when she finds a mysterious, unnamed woman unconscious in the road—silent, unidentifiable, and seemingly disconnected from everything around her.
What begins as an act of help slowly becomes a journey that unravels hidden histories, buried truths, and the painful realities of a world shaped by silence and survival.
What makes this story especially powerful is its emotional focus:
* grief and unresolved loss
* constrained female lives in historical society
* secrets buried within communities
* identity and belonging
* resilience in hardship
* the transformative power of friendship
The relationship between Millie and the unnamed girl becomes the emotional core of the novel. It’s not just about solving a mystery—it’s about two women finding understanding and connection in a world that constantly tries to limit them.
The historical setting is vividly drawn, highlighting both the beauty and the suffocating limitations of small-town life during a difficult era.
This is a quietly powerful novel—less about explosive twists and more about emotional truth, human connection, and the ways women survive when the world gives them very little room to breathe.
Millicent Green is a sharp, emotionally guarded young woman already carrying the weight of personal loss and a life that feels smaller than it should be. Her days are defined by family pressure, social expectations, and the lingering grief of losing her younger brother.
Everything changes when she finds a mysterious, unnamed woman unconscious in the road—silent, unidentifiable, and seemingly disconnected from everything around her.
What begins as an act of help slowly becomes a journey that unravels hidden histories, buried truths, and the painful realities of a world shaped by silence and survival.
What makes this story especially powerful is its emotional focus:
* grief and unresolved loss
* constrained female lives in historical society
* secrets buried within communities
* identity and belonging
* resilience in hardship
* the transformative power of friendship
The relationship between Millie and the unnamed girl becomes the emotional core of the novel. It’s not just about solving a mystery—it’s about two women finding understanding and connection in a world that constantly tries to limit them.
The historical setting is vividly drawn, highlighting both the beauty and the suffocating limitations of small-town life during a difficult era.
This is a quietly powerful novel—less about explosive twists and more about emotional truth, human connection, and the ways women survive when the world gives them very little room to breathe.
April 3, 2026
*The Lost Girl of Craven County* by Emily Matcha is an atmospheric and emotionally layered mystery that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Set against a hauntingly vivid backdrop, the novel blends small-town secrets with a deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and identity.
Matcha excels at building tension gradually, weaving together past and present timelines in a way that feels both natural and compelling. The protagonist is well-developed and relatable, carrying emotional weight that adds depth to the unfolding mystery. The supporting characters, while sometimes leaning on familiar tropes, still contribute meaningfully to the story’s overall intrigue.
The pacing is steady, though it slows slightly in the middle as the narrative focuses more on character backstory than plot progression. However, this ultimately enriches the story, making the final revelations more impactful. Matcha’s descriptive writing brings Craven County to life, creating an eerie, immersive setting that almost feels like a character itself.
While the resolution may not surprise seasoned mystery readers, the emotional payoff and strong sense of place make the journey worthwhile. Overall, this is a gripping and heartfelt read that will appeal to fans of slow-burn mysteries with a touch of psychological depth.
**Rating: 4/5 stars**
Matcha excels at building tension gradually, weaving together past and present timelines in a way that feels both natural and compelling. The protagonist is well-developed and relatable, carrying emotional weight that adds depth to the unfolding mystery. The supporting characters, while sometimes leaning on familiar tropes, still contribute meaningfully to the story’s overall intrigue.
The pacing is steady, though it slows slightly in the middle as the narrative focuses more on character backstory than plot progression. However, this ultimately enriches the story, making the final revelations more impactful. Matcha’s descriptive writing brings Craven County to life, creating an eerie, immersive setting that almost feels like a character itself.
While the resolution may not surprise seasoned mystery readers, the emotional payoff and strong sense of place make the journey worthwhile. Overall, this is a gripping and heartfelt read that will appeal to fans of slow-burn mysteries with a touch of psychological depth.
**Rating: 4/5 stars**
April 29, 2026
This book was such a surprise. What initially seemed like a family-centered story in a small southern town turned out to be a story with a lot of weighty historical topics. While girls’ reform schools, eugenics, and forced sterilization were the big ethical topics, there was also a glimpse into the life of the poor and hobos and the struggles of women who were expected to live their lives in traditional gender roles despite having their own dreams.
The story follows 25 year old Millie who has had a rough time with the loss of her brother Auggie. She finds a strange woman who doesn’t speak by her family’s pickle business. Helping the woman and solving the mystery of where she came from gives her some sorely needed purpose.
Set in New Bern, North Carolina in the 1930s, Matchar did a wonderful job portraying the insular Jewish community and setting. With the Great Depression just barely behind them and WWII just in front of them, I felt like I really got a good understanding of this big time of change.
The author surprised me with a few unexpected twists and turns. At first I was a bit annoyed at the twists but then as I thought more about it, the changes actually made a lot of sense.
I wanted a little bit more with Cecilia’s conclusion to see if she reunited with her family. I also wanted to read Millie’s publication.
I was a Goodreads giveaway winner.
The story follows 25 year old Millie who has had a rough time with the loss of her brother Auggie. She finds a strange woman who doesn’t speak by her family’s pickle business. Helping the woman and solving the mystery of where she came from gives her some sorely needed purpose.
Set in New Bern, North Carolina in the 1930s, Matchar did a wonderful job portraying the insular Jewish community and setting. With the Great Depression just barely behind them and WWII just in front of them, I felt like I really got a good understanding of this big time of change.
The author surprised me with a few unexpected twists and turns. At first I was a bit annoyed at the twists but then as I thought more about it, the changes actually made a lot of sense.
I wanted a little bit more with Cecilia’s conclusion to see if she reunited with her family. I also wanted to read Millie’s publication.
I was a Goodreads giveaway winner.
April 23, 2026
This book transports you to New Bern, North Carolina. A small hamlet consisting of mostly Jewish families. More in name than in tradition. The summer air will bake you if you stand outside long enough. Pushing air out of your lungs and making it a struggle to breathe. Millicent Green is twenty-five-years old and unmarried. Making her the crazy old maid of New Bern. In my view Millie is magnificent. She is highly intelligent, stubborn, wants to do what she wants to do, has deep empathy, and wants to be a journalist. Something has occurred in her past to make her dreams come crashing down around her.
On the day of her cousin's wedding dress reveal. Millie's mother sends her to their family's pickle warehouse to grab a jar of Felix's Famous Pickles. Millie finds more than pickles. She finds a woman strangely dressed in a toga and pants. She appears to be mute, but not deaf. Who is she? Where did she come from? Millie brings this woman back to her family's home to try to uncover this woman's past and how she ended up in New Bern.
I tore into this book like I was a detective on the case. Needing to know where this woman came from. With her wide eyes and a hunger that no one can feed. I loved how the book switched in the middle to be told through multiple points of view. The plot is fantastic and keeps you guessing. Thank you to Emily Matchar and Putnam for my gifted copy of this emotional tale.
On the day of her cousin's wedding dress reveal. Millie's mother sends her to their family's pickle warehouse to grab a jar of Felix's Famous Pickles. Millie finds more than pickles. She finds a woman strangely dressed in a toga and pants. She appears to be mute, but not deaf. Who is she? Where did she come from? Millie brings this woman back to her family's home to try to uncover this woman's past and how she ended up in New Bern.
I tore into this book like I was a detective on the case. Needing to know where this woman came from. With her wide eyes and a hunger that no one can feed. I loved how the book switched in the middle to be told through multiple points of view. The plot is fantastic and keeps you guessing. Thank you to Emily Matchar and Putnam for my gifted copy of this emotional tale.
May 7, 2026
Lost Girl of Craven County had a lot of potential and genuinely pulled me in at times, but overall I’m left feeling conflicted and disappointed. The premise was intriguing and there were moments where the story became genuinely exciting, but those moments were often followed by sections that felt flat or underdeveloped.
One of my biggest issues was that the book tried to tackle so many heavy subjects at once that none of them seemed to get the depth or attention they deserved. Topics that should have carried real emotional and psychological weight felt rushed, almost like they were included for impact without being fully explored. Because of that, some parts of the story ended up feeling unconvincing rather than powerful.
I also couldn’t help comparing the eugenics storyline to Women of a Promiscuous Nature because the themes felt very similar, though I personally felt the execution here was weaker. There’s definitely an interesting story buried underneath everything, which honestly makes the disappointment stronger because I wanted more from it.
I didn’t hate this book at all. In fact, I liked parts of it quite a bit. But for me, this was ultimately a case of loving the concept more than the execution.
One of my biggest issues was that the book tried to tackle so many heavy subjects at once that none of them seemed to get the depth or attention they deserved. Topics that should have carried real emotional and psychological weight felt rushed, almost like they were included for impact without being fully explored. Because of that, some parts of the story ended up feeling unconvincing rather than powerful.
I also couldn’t help comparing the eugenics storyline to Women of a Promiscuous Nature because the themes felt very similar, though I personally felt the execution here was weaker. There’s definitely an interesting story buried underneath everything, which honestly makes the disappointment stronger because I wanted more from it.
I didn’t hate this book at all. In fact, I liked parts of it quite a bit. But for me, this was ultimately a case of loving the concept more than the execution.
May 11, 2026
4.5 Stars
“She’s never getting married. Send her off for the pickles.”
“We all need a story.”
Millicent (aka Mille) is a 25 year old living in a Jewish community in New Bern, North Carolina during the Great Depression. The community is close knit and closing in on her. In addition, her mom is taking her on the marriage circuit to find a suitable match. When she is sent on a simple task to get pickles, she discovers a young lady who is in need of help. The young lady in question is not speaking so Millie does what she thinks is the best. She takes the stranger home.While attempting to unlock the mystery of the stranger, Millie gets to tell her story of unfulfilled dreams. Why is Millie viewed as the loony old maid in her community? Will she find her way back to her purpose? Matchar gives the readers insight to some particularly dark aspects of the times such as American Eugenics and the treatment of women in asylums. This title was a book club selection (#over40booktok). I likely would have not picked up this novel for myself. I encourage readers to give it a chance and do not dive into too many reviews. I am intrigued by Matchar’s writing so I will likely pick up her novel at some point.
“She’s never getting married. Send her off for the pickles.”
“We all need a story.”
Millicent (aka Mille) is a 25 year old living in a Jewish community in New Bern, North Carolina during the Great Depression. The community is close knit and closing in on her. In addition, her mom is taking her on the marriage circuit to find a suitable match. When she is sent on a simple task to get pickles, she discovers a young lady who is in need of help. The young lady in question is not speaking so Millie does what she thinks is the best. She takes the stranger home.While attempting to unlock the mystery of the stranger, Millie gets to tell her story of unfulfilled dreams. Why is Millie viewed as the loony old maid in her community? Will she find her way back to her purpose? Matchar gives the readers insight to some particularly dark aspects of the times such as American Eugenics and the treatment of women in asylums. This title was a book club selection (#over40booktok). I likely would have not picked up this novel for myself. I encourage readers to give it a chance and do not dive into too many reviews. I am intrigued by Matchar’s writing so I will likely pick up her novel at some point.
April 28, 2026
At 25, Millie is considered almost a spinster in her 1930s Jewish neighborhood of New Bern, NC. Still recovering from the untimely death of her brother from cancer, she left college and spent some time in the psych ward. One day, on an errand, she spots a young girl lying on the ground who hears but doesn't speak. After bringing the girl home to take care of her, Millie and her family's initial discovery of the girl's identity ends up not being the true story.
This novel explores how Millie recovers from trauma and how she ultimately breaks away from the expectations placed on her. At the same time, the book deals with the issue of eugenics and how it was misused to prey upon the poor and uneducated in the US, a practice pursued in the shadow of the same practices being used in Nazi Germany.
While Millie's Judaism is not the central theme of the novel, there's a minor subplot involving her German Jewish immigrant sister-in-law who fled Nazi Germany and whose fears for her family frame the eugenics issue that is described in the book.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
This novel explores how Millie recovers from trauma and how she ultimately breaks away from the expectations placed on her. At the same time, the book deals with the issue of eugenics and how it was misused to prey upon the poor and uneducated in the US, a practice pursued in the shadow of the same practices being used in Nazi Germany.
While Millie's Judaism is not the central theme of the novel, there's a minor subplot involving her German Jewish immigrant sister-in-law who fled Nazi Germany and whose fears for her family frame the eugenics issue that is described in the book.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Lost Girl of Craven County” is by Emily Matchar. While I was gripped by the story, maybe because I’ve read too many thrillers lately, I put some of the mystery pieces together rather early. Did I get all of them correct, no, but the ones I didn’t didn’t surprise me (if that makes sense). I think if I hadn’t recently read a book about what the mystery girl was running from recently (or knew less about the time period) I might’ve been more surprised (and horrified). I think that at times this book felt a bit forced - people are sometimes introduced bluntly and I’m not sure I quite believed that everyone acted their age (granted, different time, different situations). While I read the story quickly and found it engaging, in the end I realized I really didn’t care too much about the main characters. I think if you enjoy historical fiction, North Carolina based books, and mysteries, this might be a book to pick up. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
“The Lost Girl of Craven County” is by Emily Matchar. While I was gripped by the story, maybe because I’ve read too many thrillers lately, I put some of the mystery pieces together rather early. Did I get all of them correct, no, but the ones I didn’t didn’t surprise me (if that makes sense). I think if I hadn’t recently read a book about what the mystery girl was running from recently (or knew less about the time period) I might’ve been more surprised (and horrified). I think that at times this book felt a bit forced - people are sometimes introduced bluntly and I’m not sure I quite believed that everyone acted their age (granted, different time, different situations). While I read the story quickly and found it engaging, in the end I realized I really didn’t care too much about the main characters. I think if you enjoy historical fiction, North Carolina based books, and mysteries, this might be a book to pick up. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After reading Matchar’s In the Shadow of the Greenbrier I had high hopes for this one! It did not disappoint. I read it in 8 days- so overall a quick, enticing read!
It was about a young woman named Millie finding a distraught, injured girl behind some barrels at her family’s pickle factory. It goes on to tell Millie’s story battling loss, judgement from her community and family, redemption and love in the end. Millie also uncovers mystery girl’s story and come to find out it is a deeply disturbing and sad one.
I really was fascinated by the insight into the sterilization and asylum practices of young women in that region. It’s horrifying, sad and awful but it’s a portion of history I didn’t know about. It made me angry for those helpless girls. I’d like to learn more about that time.
Additionally, not being Jewish, I’ve loved reading from / about another perspective! It’s enlightening both learning about some practices and about regions that were predominantly Jewish during those times.
It was about a young woman named Millie finding a distraught, injured girl behind some barrels at her family’s pickle factory. It goes on to tell Millie’s story battling loss, judgement from her community and family, redemption and love in the end. Millie also uncovers mystery girl’s story and come to find out it is a deeply disturbing and sad one.
I really was fascinated by the insight into the sterilization and asylum practices of young women in that region. It’s horrifying, sad and awful but it’s a portion of history I didn’t know about. It made me angry for those helpless girls. I’d like to learn more about that time.
Additionally, not being Jewish, I’ve loved reading from / about another perspective! It’s enlightening both learning about some practices and about regions that were predominantly Jewish during those times.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Engrossing historical fiction set in New Bern, NC, in 1939, as a young woman finds a wounded younger woman lying next to her family’s pickle factory. To make this tale ever more engrossing, the first woman is from a prominent Jewish family and has suffered emotionally from the death of her beloved younger brother. She has left college and moved back home, seemingly giving up all of her previous goals to be a journalist. The found young woman, the ‘lost girl’ of the title is a mystery for the first half of the book; she does not seem to understand or speak English. As we learn more about the ‘lost girl’ we are exposed to the many ways girls and young women were controlled in the American South of the 1930s-40s. I really enjoyed this book and the unfolding tale is not one I expected. I love a good surprise or two while reading fiction and this book offers several big ones. This is an engaging and compelling tale, not easy to put down.
April 24, 2026
"A decade into the Great Depression, Millicent Green is a twenty-five-year-old “old maid” living with her marriage-obsessed mother and domineering older brother in the stiflingly small Jewish community of New Bern, North Carolina. Smart and prickly, she’s struggling to find her place in the world following the loss of her beloved younger brother, and with him, her dreams for the future.
One humid August day, Millie is sent to run an errand and discovers a young woman unconscious on the ground. This mystery woman, mute and without identification, will upend Millie’s life. Together, they set out on a quest that will lay bare some of the twentieth century’s most shameful episodes.
From a historic river town to the hinterlands of rural North Carolina, The Lost Girl of Craven County delves into the impossibility of burying secrets forever. It’s a story of love, loss, and—above all—the indelible, world-moving power of female friendship."
Young adult, predictable.
One humid August day, Millie is sent to run an errand and discovers a young woman unconscious on the ground. This mystery woman, mute and without identification, will upend Millie’s life. Together, they set out on a quest that will lay bare some of the twentieth century’s most shameful episodes.
From a historic river town to the hinterlands of rural North Carolina, The Lost Girl of Craven County delves into the impossibility of burying secrets forever. It’s a story of love, loss, and—above all—the indelible, world-moving power of female friendship."
Young adult, predictable.
April 26, 2026
Like she did in her previous novel, In the Shadow of the Greenbrier, Emily Matchar paints a portrait of Jewish life in the rural South. In The Lost Girl of Craven County, she tells the story of two young women in New Bern, North Carolina in the 1930's: 25-year-old Millie Green who is considered an "old maid" in her tight knit Jewish community, and a mysterious stranger without an identity who Millie discovers behind her family's pickle factory. Like Counting Backwards by Jacqueline Friedland and The Woman They Could Not Silence by Kate Moore, Matchar exposes how eugenics and diceptive and exploitative practices were used to involuntarily commit poor girls and women to asylums and perform forced sterilization. As the Kirkus review states, this is "engaging historical fiction with harbingers of current events."
May 14, 2026
I thought this was an intriguing book, yet I found myself longing for a deeper emotional connection with its characters. Millie and Cecilia, both shaped by their unique traumas and losses, drew me into their world, but I ultimately felt more like a spectator than an engaged participant in their journeys.
In contrast, my recent read, The Lies They Told, tackled similar themes of eugenics and the disturbing realities of governmental injustice. That book left me profoundly affected. The harrowing experiences of Lena and the other families resonated deeply, leaving me feeling hollow yet fully invested in their plight. The emotional weight of their stories was palpable, creating a sense of urgency and empathy that The Lost Girl of Craven County lacked.
Not every book needs to evoke such intensity, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in this one.
In contrast, my recent read, The Lies They Told, tackled similar themes of eugenics and the disturbing realities of governmental injustice. That book left me profoundly affected. The harrowing experiences of Lena and the other families resonated deeply, leaving me feeling hollow yet fully invested in their plight. The emotional weight of their stories was palpable, creating a sense of urgency and empathy that The Lost Girl of Craven County lacked.
Not every book needs to evoke such intensity, but I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in this one.
May 12, 2026
This book's a historical novel that mixes mystery, friendship, and social injustice, all set in Depression era North Carolina. It's about Millie, a smart but hurt young Jewish woman in New Bern. Her life changes when she finds a mysterious injured girl with no identity, which kicks off a journey uncovering painful secrets about eugenics institutions and how vulnerable women were treated back then. The book really nails the humid Southern vibe, family pressure, and the isolation many women felt during the Great Depression. Millie's a memorable main character because she feels so real, smart, stubborn, grieving, and unsure about her future. Her bond with Cecilia, the lost girl, becomes the heart of the story and shows how powerful female friendship can be.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I almost did not read this book. I cannot say what made me change my mind, but I am glad that I did.
Millicent is a character with so much spunk and belief in herself. I found myself cheering her on as she looked to help a young woman and as she worked towards her own goals. I love how she stood up to her family, especially her brother.
The ending…my heart was singing as I read the ending. It all came together perfectly. All my questions were answered. I felt the ending was so much more than I anticipated.
Thank you Putnam Books for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Millicent is a character with so much spunk and belief in herself. I found myself cheering her on as she looked to help a young woman and as she worked towards her own goals. I love how she stood up to her family, especially her brother.
The ending…my heart was singing as I read the ending. It all came together perfectly. All my questions were answered. I felt the ending was so much more than I anticipated.
Thank you Putnam Books for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2026
4.5 What a surprising and fantastic read. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I joined this online book club read. It was gripping and fast paced from the very first chapter, often laced with twists and humor. What I was not expecting was the history woven in about the American Eugenics movement. Prior to reading Women of A Promiscuous Nature, and had no knowledge of this horrific practice. And now, it comes up in this book as well. A dark blot on American practices (among others), and it’s shameful it’s not discussed more in our history books. Highly recommend this book! And the audiobook was also phenomenal!
May 13, 2026
I loved the book up until the character/plot twist. If I would have known this was book was about eugenics, I would have never read it. Although I am well aware that this took place in our country, it is not something want to spend my time reading about. I felt mislead, disappointed and frustrated. Reading the details of what were done to the girls were disturbing and not enjoyable. After she introduced the plot twist, the book felt disjointed and quite frankly so far from reality that I lost interest. I would love for the author to rewrite the book with the original character/plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. I had read “In the shadow of the Greenbrier” and was excited to read another book by this author.
There were good descriptions of the characters, but I felt like I had to look back and figure out where the characters came from.
North Carolina, Jewish families, sterilization and family dynamics were some of the themes in this book. It was a good read.
There were good descriptions of the characters, but I felt like I had to look back and figure out where the characters came from.
North Carolina, Jewish families, sterilization and family dynamics were some of the themes in this book. It was a good read.
April 28, 2026
Very intriguing read that kept me reading. Taking place in New Bern, NC in 1939. There is Jewish representation in this historical fiction. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline really kept me intrigued. The story had surprising twists and turns and wasn't how I expected it to be but even better. Now I'll need to see what else the author has out.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 11, 2025
The story was interesting, but felt forced in some places. The characters also didn't make much sense to me, i.e. their actions didn't fit their descriptions. I enjoyed reading about this time period, but it just didn't feel cohesive to me.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's a unique story.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's a unique story.
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