What do you think?
Rate this book
The Abandoned Girl
After ten-year-old Robin’s mother abandons her, life is never the same. Rejected by her father and his new family, she is shipped off to be raised by relatives she knows solely by reputation, and the reality is even worse than the stories she’s heard. Her hopes for her future fade as they strip away her independence and strive to tame her wild spirit.
Pregnant at sixteen, Katharine also knows what it’s like to be left behind. Lonely and lost, she seeks a path back to the simple dreams she once held dear.
When their paths intersect, the repercussions shape both of their worlds in ways neither could imagine.
Pregnant at sixteen, Katharine also knows what it’s like to be left behind. Lonely and lost, she seeks a path back to the simple dreams she once held dear.
When their paths intersect, the repercussions shape both of their worlds in ways neither could imagine.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
242 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Diane Winger
30 books91 followers I describe myself as a “retired software geek” who loves hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, and cross-country skiing when I'm not reading, writing, or watching cat videos.
I'm a passionate volunteer with several organizations which focus on literacy projects in my community.
My husband, Charlie, and I are co-authors of several guidebooks on outdoor recreation. I was born and raised in Denver and we currently reside in western Colorado. I write fiction featuring strong, adventurous female protagonists.
Please follow me on BookBub to receive notices of new titles, books on sale, and for book recommendations by other authors. http://tinyurl.com/FollowDiane
I'm a passionate volunteer with several organizations which focus on literacy projects in my community.
My husband, Charlie, and I are co-authors of several guidebooks on outdoor recreation. I was born and raised in Denver and we currently reside in western Colorado. I write fiction featuring strong, adventurous female protagonists.
Please follow me on BookBub to receive notices of new titles, books on sale, and for book recommendations by other authors. http://tinyurl.com/FollowDiane
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 17, 2025
When we chance some day upon the stark relativity of our lives - as happens to many of us - two spirits will appear. The first, our innate demon, will advise us to Fight that Feeling. The second, a more peaceable and thoughtful being - our guardian angel - will advise discretion and forbearance.
The wrong way is in fighting it. And The Abandoned Girl - likewise split into Good and Bad - chooses, at first the Bad way. A way of self-transcendence through lazy and violent behaviour.
Many years ago I chose the wrong way, and have been furiously backpedaling ever since!
This is NOT an outstanding novel, but an important one in showing us a glimpse of the awful reality beneath our well-heeled lives...
Some novels cry out to us to be read. This is certainly one of them. For it plunges us into the heart of postmodernist uncertainty.
What’s the point of it, then?
T.S. Eliot once said the point of our lives is not in our constant escapes from its problems, or in getting our Point A to the next Point B, but in the fact that we are involved in our lives up to the eyeballs - the secret is not a ‘virtual’ secret - and it is our own incarnation in life, in our broken humanity, that Counts.
Like the Lord’s life.
We have to face the music.
And this book is a rather imperfect, but nonetheless well-stated approach to that fact. It states the point well: if we’re now at the half-awake point of our lives, continued sleep will never satisfy us.
We have to wake up.
Like this Abandoned Girl. We must go on a long trip of discovery - of ourselves. And the world.
We all balk at this type of book - we love our comforts too much. We are like the young clerk in Eliot’s The Wasteland: assured of certain certainties. Our ordered homes, our bric-à-bracs reminiscent of Golden Memories, our spouses and loved ones, who, we are certain, will remain that way forever.
We don’t like change very much.
But that’s just not the way it is for the Abandoned Girl. For her there is only “th’expense of spirit in a waste of shame.” She’s a prodigal daughter - wasteful of the comforts of home, she has embarked on a journey in the prodigal wasteland of traditional morality “on a desert on a horse with no name...” towards Reality.
And nameless is the endless night she’s inherited.
But wait - there are two of ‘em! TWO Abandoned Girls. Each pursuing their Bleak Odyssey through a desert of alienation in the postmodern Waste Land. Or is one merely self-abandoned?
It’ll confuse you - because their grim thankless journeys are pursued back to back - one chapter for the first Abandoned Girl, the next for the other lost soul, right to the end.
The reason I call this important book postmodern - and you get the sense of this odyssey of one, then two nice young girls, repeating endlessly, in our decayed urban cityscapes, so in the end none of us is in the end safe from this contemporary scourge - is in its complete lack of ethical guideposts.
You are dropped smack dab in the middle of the lives of the lost souls that people our desperate times! You have to face it.
And you’ll be shaken. To your heart. No, it’s not pleasant. But “we have our inheritance” - and this is IT.
But there’s one thing I haven’t told you: you’ve gotta pay attention to your OWN moral standards as you read.
For one of these girls is THE Abandoned Girl, who at its end has made the best of a bad world and fought the good fight. She has learned to stand on her own two feet.
But no spoilers.
It’s a budget-priced book with a Real Punch. Wait for it.
The ethical nebulousness of this fictional quest may confuse you, and threaten to submerge you in its murky depths.
Don’t let it.
Keep your own standards proudly flying, and face the music, if you think it worthwhile.
For this book is us!
Until we’re FOUND again.
The wrong way is in fighting it. And The Abandoned Girl - likewise split into Good and Bad - chooses, at first the Bad way. A way of self-transcendence through lazy and violent behaviour.
Many years ago I chose the wrong way, and have been furiously backpedaling ever since!
This is NOT an outstanding novel, but an important one in showing us a glimpse of the awful reality beneath our well-heeled lives...
Some novels cry out to us to be read. This is certainly one of them. For it plunges us into the heart of postmodernist uncertainty.
What’s the point of it, then?
T.S. Eliot once said the point of our lives is not in our constant escapes from its problems, or in getting our Point A to the next Point B, but in the fact that we are involved in our lives up to the eyeballs - the secret is not a ‘virtual’ secret - and it is our own incarnation in life, in our broken humanity, that Counts.
Like the Lord’s life.
We have to face the music.
And this book is a rather imperfect, but nonetheless well-stated approach to that fact. It states the point well: if we’re now at the half-awake point of our lives, continued sleep will never satisfy us.
We have to wake up.
Like this Abandoned Girl. We must go on a long trip of discovery - of ourselves. And the world.
We all balk at this type of book - we love our comforts too much. We are like the young clerk in Eliot’s The Wasteland: assured of certain certainties. Our ordered homes, our bric-à-bracs reminiscent of Golden Memories, our spouses and loved ones, who, we are certain, will remain that way forever.
We don’t like change very much.
But that’s just not the way it is for the Abandoned Girl. For her there is only “th’expense of spirit in a waste of shame.” She’s a prodigal daughter - wasteful of the comforts of home, she has embarked on a journey in the prodigal wasteland of traditional morality “on a desert on a horse with no name...” towards Reality.
And nameless is the endless night she’s inherited.
But wait - there are two of ‘em! TWO Abandoned Girls. Each pursuing their Bleak Odyssey through a desert of alienation in the postmodern Waste Land. Or is one merely self-abandoned?
It’ll confuse you - because their grim thankless journeys are pursued back to back - one chapter for the first Abandoned Girl, the next for the other lost soul, right to the end.
The reason I call this important book postmodern - and you get the sense of this odyssey of one, then two nice young girls, repeating endlessly, in our decayed urban cityscapes, so in the end none of us is in the end safe from this contemporary scourge - is in its complete lack of ethical guideposts.
You are dropped smack dab in the middle of the lives of the lost souls that people our desperate times! You have to face it.
And you’ll be shaken. To your heart. No, it’s not pleasant. But “we have our inheritance” - and this is IT.
But there’s one thing I haven’t told you: you’ve gotta pay attention to your OWN moral standards as you read.
For one of these girls is THE Abandoned Girl, who at its end has made the best of a bad world and fought the good fight. She has learned to stand on her own two feet.
But no spoilers.
It’s a budget-priced book with a Real Punch. Wait for it.
The ethical nebulousness of this fictional quest may confuse you, and threaten to submerge you in its murky depths.
Don’t let it.
Keep your own standards proudly flying, and face the music, if you think it worthwhile.
For this book is us!
Until we’re FOUND again.
February 22, 2017
I received a mobi.file [KINDLE] copy of this book from the author through a giveaway she recently had on LibraryThing.com and the following is my honest opinion.
What is the worst thing that could possible happen to a young, innocent ten-year-old girl? If you’re thinking being abandoned by the child’s mother, then you’ve got the beginning for this story by Diane Winger. For that is what has happened to Robin and her sister. While her sister gets sent off to the father’s sister, Robin gets sent to relatives who she only knows by what she’s heard about them and as you might be suspecting in reality they’re far worse than that.
Robin is essentially a free spirit who resents having to be tied down, but this is precisely what these relatives are doing to her since the moment she first arrived. Day after day they never ceased in their attempts to contain her free wild spirit, and to deprive her of the independence she once had enjoyed. Eventually when she begins to fear she’ll wind up without any future if she remains in the hellhole she’s living in, and decides to run away.
As fate would have it, Robin meets another young girl, not much older than she is, Katharine. Katharine, who at sixteen and pregnant, knows all too well what being left to fend for herself is like. While Robin desires to return to a time when she was happy, Katharine is essentially seeking the same desires. As they time together passes, their lives get unexpectedly changed that neither come would have ever suspected.
The story progresses for both of their lives continue for several years, flip-flopping between the two. Eventually Robin becomes a mother herself but then abruptly abandons them just like her mother had abandoned her and her younger sister.
For having given me and her readers an extremely poignant story that is all too real, I’ve decided to give this book 5 STARS.
What is the worst thing that could possible happen to a young, innocent ten-year-old girl? If you’re thinking being abandoned by the child’s mother, then you’ve got the beginning for this story by Diane Winger. For that is what has happened to Robin and her sister. While her sister gets sent off to the father’s sister, Robin gets sent to relatives who she only knows by what she’s heard about them and as you might be suspecting in reality they’re far worse than that.
Robin is essentially a free spirit who resents having to be tied down, but this is precisely what these relatives are doing to her since the moment she first arrived. Day after day they never ceased in their attempts to contain her free wild spirit, and to deprive her of the independence she once had enjoyed. Eventually when she begins to fear she’ll wind up without any future if she remains in the hellhole she’s living in, and decides to run away.
As fate would have it, Robin meets another young girl, not much older than she is, Katharine. Katharine, who at sixteen and pregnant, knows all too well what being left to fend for herself is like. While Robin desires to return to a time when she was happy, Katharine is essentially seeking the same desires. As they time together passes, their lives get unexpectedly changed that neither come would have ever suspected.
The story progresses for both of their lives continue for several years, flip-flopping between the two. Eventually Robin becomes a mother herself but then abruptly abandons them just like her mother had abandoned her and her younger sister.
For having given me and her readers an extremely poignant story that is all too real, I’ve decided to give this book 5 STARS.
February 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I absolutely loved it. It kept my attention the whole way through and I read it in one sitting. I liked the way it bounced back and forth between both girls and at first wasn't sure how they were connected. Brilliant story telling. I am adding this author to my list of favorites and look forward to reading more. Thank you for the opportunity to read such a fabulous book.
July 2, 2017
I really enjoyed the parallels drawn between the lives of Katharine and Robin. The main characters are really well developed and you cannot help but empathize, even when they are making horrible choices. I highly recommend this book and will seek out more by this author.
October 9, 2023
Written with feeling and sincerity; no pulling punches; telling a universal story of loss and self-redemption. Just like the other books of hers I've read.
And I totally recommend it, especially to a female audience of the younger set.
All that said, I lost interest about halfway. I think the hidden plot element, obvious to everyone else in the world, was not getting through to my consciousness. So I kept reading on and on, wondering when things were going to make sense and the parallel narratives become one. Well, duh, me.
I will not explain further. Just say I'm not the sharpest reader in the library. It's still a good book, maybe not great, though. Things were scary interesting at times, but then resolved to a dull sameness at others. So I recommend if it's your kind of a story. Maybe.
And I totally recommend it, especially to a female audience of the younger set.
All that said, I lost interest about halfway. I think the hidden plot element, obvious to everyone else in the world, was not getting through to my consciousness. So I kept reading on and on, wondering when things were going to make sense and the parallel narratives become one. Well, duh, me.
I will not explain further. Just say I'm not the sharpest reader in the library. It's still a good book, maybe not great, though. Things were scary interesting at times, but then resolved to a dull sameness at others. So I recommend if it's your kind of a story. Maybe.
July 24, 2022
Amazing book . a story of two different generations
This was a great book. The book told the stories if two women, both from abusive situations and finally connects the two with an ending the reader is somewhat, though not entirely expecting. Generational trauma is being explored more and more in clinical and psycho/social studies and this book clear shows an extreme example. The best part is that the trauma is finally resolved for the generation who forgives enough to move on.
This was a great book. The book told the stories if two women, both from abusive situations and finally connects the two with an ending the reader is somewhat, though not entirely expecting. Generational trauma is being explored more and more in clinical and psycho/social studies and this book clear shows an extreme example. The best part is that the trauma is finally resolved for the generation who forgives enough to move on.
February 11, 2017
This book, though enjoyable, was heart breaking with few moments of triumph for an abandoned young girl. I found myself cheering for Robin throughout the story because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of selfish adults and I felt sorry for the emotionally detached woman that she became. Besides the too convenient reunion at the end this was excellent, realistic storytelling.
~ Another LibraryThing Review
~ Another LibraryThing Review
November 17, 2019
Excellent book.
I can identify with this book on several levels. I spent many years as a child protective services worker. I had a very similar childhood and consequently a dysfunctional adulthood. I'm still working on myself. I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like some insight into the lives of people they may encounter.
I can identify with this book on several levels. I spent many years as a child protective services worker. I had a very similar childhood and consequently a dysfunctional adulthood. I'm still working on myself. I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like some insight into the lives of people they may encounter.
Read
December 23, 2019Four stars
Diane Winger is an excellent story teller. Her writing is full of emotional intensity and rolled coaster twist and turns. This book was rather difficult for me to get through, as both a loving Mother and Grandmother, which is why I rated it a 4.5 star review instead of a 5. It is very emotional and left me bawling through half of it. Well written and well edited.
Diane Winger is an excellent story teller. Her writing is full of emotional intensity and rolled coaster twist and turns. This book was rather difficult for me to get through, as both a loving Mother and Grandmother, which is why I rated it a 4.5 star review instead of a 5. It is very emotional and left me bawling through half of it. Well written and well edited.
March 25, 2025
Leaving
When things get too hard you leave, or that's what made Katherine leave so many times! Robin was just a young girl along with her little sister Annie when their Mom left them alone and didn't come back! Robin lived a miserable life with her grandparents but she enjoyed her time at school. Her relationships amounted to a lot of failures but eventually she got it right.
When things get too hard you leave, or that's what made Katherine leave so many times! Robin was just a young girl along with her little sister Annie when their Mom left them alone and didn't come back! Robin lived a miserable life with her grandparents but she enjoyed her time at school. Her relationships amounted to a lot of failures but eventually she got it right.
November 1, 2017
Interesting...
Abandoned by your mom is bad and for a pregnant teen girl, it can b devastating. Both stories really touch your heart. There are some interesting twists and many parts that pull at our heartstrings.
Abandoned by your mom is bad and for a pregnant teen girl, it can b devastating. Both stories really touch your heart. There are some interesting twists and many parts that pull at our heartstrings.
December 25, 2018
Very enjoyable, highly recommend. I wish there was some type of explanation for why the mom tells a story(recalls a memory) that’s incorrect. Example: how she met her husband, and the reason she left her kids.
March 12, 2019
The Abandoned Girl
I absolutely loved this book, the storyline was just so realistic. The journey of both mother and daughter was sad but inspiring. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I absolutely loved this book, the storyline was just so realistic. The journey of both mother and daughter was sad but inspiring. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 16, 2019
The Abandoned Girl
Wow! This Author knows how to weave an incredible story. She really has a knack for reaching into your soul and grabbing your interest. I am amazed by her writing, and by how much she understands some of the difficult things she writes about.
Wow! This Author knows how to weave an incredible story. She really has a knack for reaching into your soul and grabbing your interest. I am amazed by her writing, and by how much she understands some of the difficult things she writes about.
July 20, 2020
Good read
This book was an emotional read that keeps you interested. I did hope the main character would interact or at least talk to the person near the end so that she could get some answers.
This book was an emotional read that keeps you interested. I did hope the main character would interact or at least talk to the person near the end so that she could get some answers.
November 7, 2020
Diane Winger draws you in and holds on tight! I loved Robin and Katharine's stories, even though they were both tragic and heartbreaking. I wish there was a little more to the ending. Definitely worth reading! I'll be reading more books my Diane in the near future.
June 11, 2021
My opinion
It's a terribly sad story and what's even worse is how many times has this really happened?
I didn't like how it kept jumping around and had a hard time understanding what was going on but at the end everything tied together.
It's a terribly sad story and what's even worse is how many times has this really happened?
I didn't like how it kept jumping around and had a hard time understanding what was going on but at the end everything tied together.
May 12, 2017
Great book! Touching story, hard to put down!
June 3, 2017
As an abandoned child, I took a great interest in reading this book. It was just alright, nothing spellbinding about it. Kinda disappointed really....
December 31, 2019
The Abandoned Girl
A good story about a young woman that is abandoned by her mother and father and had to live with strict grandparents
A good story about a young woman that is abandoned by her mother and father and had to live with strict grandparents
July 31, 2021
Highly recommend.
Thought provoking as two story lines twist and turn and intersect in an uplifting take of perseverance. Where there is a will there is a way.
Thought provoking as two story lines twist and turn and intersect in an uplifting take of perseverance. Where there is a will there is a way.
May 11, 2022
a little confusingly I
Story was okay. However as characters switched back and forth and names changed it got a little difficult to follow
Story was okay. However as characters switched back and forth and names changed it got a little difficult to follow
April 26, 2023
Ugh!
Whoa! I was waiting for a better ending, but I do understand the outcome. Anticlimactic for me, but I was happy for Robin.
Whoa! I was waiting for a better ending, but I do understand the outcome. Anticlimactic for me, but I was happy for Robin.
March 7, 2017
I am forgotten
I enjoyed The Abandoned Girl very much.. That mother, father and grandparents we're all crazy. How could a mother do this?
I enjoyed The Abandoned Girl very much.. That mother, father and grandparents we're all crazy. How could a mother do this?
February 27, 2017
Good in theory
Started out well but the ending was a let down. As though the writer got bored with the story or simply ran out of ideas.
Started out well but the ending was a let down. As though the writer got bored with the story or simply ran out of ideas.
February 19, 2017
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing for an honest review. Robin and Katharine alternate chapters telling their story. I wondered in the beginning how their lives would intersect and it was interesting how similar experiences they had. It kept my interest and was a quick read.
May 15, 2024
Ending!
I loved this book until I approached the end. There wasn't really an ending! She found her mom then that's it! And of story!
I loved this book until I approached the end. There wasn't really an ending! She found her mom then that's it! And of story!
April 13, 2017
Well written, gripping and poignant story
Definitely worth a read... I liked this story very much.
I wish the author continued happiness and a lot of success!
Definitely worth a read... I liked this story very much.
I wish the author continued happiness and a lot of success!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews