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Rag Doll Girls
Two little girls went out to play. I came back.
I was five when I discovered that adults don't know everything. It was the weirdest feeling, sitting across from the policeman at my grandmother's cottage, listening to him telling me that what had happened to Ellen was an accident. No one's fault. She was in a better place now, he said.
I couldn't believe that he didn't know. That he couldn't tell, just by looking at me. And I wanted to tell him the truth, I really did. Tell someone. The kind policeman, my loving grandmother, anyone. Even my unforgiving sister. But they all seemed convinced they knew what had happened, and anyway, there weren't any words to describe the unforgettable sights I'd witnessed.
In the end, I never told anyone what I had seen. And once my parents had come to get me, I never returned to my grandmother's cottage. Wild horses couldn't have dragged me back. As soon as I could, I moved far away, halfway around the world, and did all I could to forget.
But repressed memories and untold secrets have a way of resurfacing, and when my life implodes three decades later, I'm forced to return by something much more relentless than wild horses: my perfect older sister. Forced to go back to our grandmother's cottage and find out which fragments of my nightmares were the results of my vivid childhood imagination and which are based on facts.
A broken woman reluctantly confronts the secrets and lies of her past in this gripping psychological novel. What really happened to her friend that day, three decades ago? And will she be able to disentangle the shocking truth from her false memories and authentic nightmares in time to save her sister's children from the danger in the dark woods surrounding her grandmother's idyllic cottage?
I was five when I discovered that adults don't know everything. It was the weirdest feeling, sitting across from the policeman at my grandmother's cottage, listening to him telling me that what had happened to Ellen was an accident. No one's fault. She was in a better place now, he said.
I couldn't believe that he didn't know. That he couldn't tell, just by looking at me. And I wanted to tell him the truth, I really did. Tell someone. The kind policeman, my loving grandmother, anyone. Even my unforgiving sister. But they all seemed convinced they knew what had happened, and anyway, there weren't any words to describe the unforgettable sights I'd witnessed.
In the end, I never told anyone what I had seen. And once my parents had come to get me, I never returned to my grandmother's cottage. Wild horses couldn't have dragged me back. As soon as I could, I moved far away, halfway around the world, and did all I could to forget.
But repressed memories and untold secrets have a way of resurfacing, and when my life implodes three decades later, I'm forced to return by something much more relentless than wild horses: my perfect older sister. Forced to go back to our grandmother's cottage and find out which fragments of my nightmares were the results of my vivid childhood imagination and which are based on facts.
A broken woman reluctantly confronts the secrets and lies of her past in this gripping psychological novel. What really happened to her friend that day, three decades ago? And will she be able to disentangle the shocking truth from her false memories and authentic nightmares in time to save her sister's children from the danger in the dark woods surrounding her grandmother's idyllic cottage?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 12, 2022
Unpopular opinion:
January 16, 2022
RATING: 3.5 stars
As a child, Lisa witnessed a tragic death of her friend while playing in the woods. As a five-year old she couldn't put into words what she really saw. As she transitioned into adulthood, she suffers from PTSD and her dealing with the tragedy has left her life in shambles.
Twenty years later, she returns to the scene of the accident and tries to remember the events of the tragic day.
What I liked: The premise of the story is interesting as Lisa tries to reconcile what she thought she saw as a 5 year old and what she really saw. The first half of the book is a bit slower as we piece together what happened 20 years ago, when it came to a climatic finish.
What I didn't like: Lisa is extremely overweight and to the point that she is unable to keep a job. This is understandable given the trauma she suffered. However, there is a great deal of time spent on how "grotesque" she looks.
I received an ebook from the author and publisher and left this review voluntarily.
As a child, Lisa witnessed a tragic death of her friend while playing in the woods. As a five-year old she couldn't put into words what she really saw. As she transitioned into adulthood, she suffers from PTSD and her dealing with the tragedy has left her life in shambles.
Twenty years later, she returns to the scene of the accident and tries to remember the events of the tragic day.
What I liked: The premise of the story is interesting as Lisa tries to reconcile what she thought she saw as a 5 year old and what she really saw. The first half of the book is a bit slower as we piece together what happened 20 years ago, when it came to a climatic finish.
What I didn't like: Lisa is extremely overweight and to the point that she is unable to keep a job. This is understandable given the trauma she suffered. However, there is a great deal of time spent on how "grotesque" she looks.
I received an ebook from the author and publisher and left this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book, centered on Lisa who is still struggling as an adult due to the death of a friend when she was a child. Lisa has cut herself off from her family but gets coerced by her estranged sister to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Once back to where the accident occurred, secrets related to the death are unveiled.
The mystery in the story was really good- the author did a great job at weaving in some clues as Lisa starts to figure out what might have really happened. The story is told by alternating current and past timeframes, which provides a great glimpse into the dynamic between Lisa and the other characters.
I didn’t really warm to Lisa herself- she didn’t handle the trauma well and made no attempt to get help, even when it was repeatedly offered. She grew on me a bit as the book went on, but I still felt frustrated with some of the decisions that she made.
The ending of the book was satisfying, albeit a tad unrealistic. I felt like the loose ends were tied up well, though.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Even if Lisa isn’t your favorite protagonist, the storyline itself is very engaging. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The mystery in the story was really good- the author did a great job at weaving in some clues as Lisa starts to figure out what might have really happened. The story is told by alternating current and past timeframes, which provides a great glimpse into the dynamic between Lisa and the other characters.
I didn’t really warm to Lisa herself- she didn’t handle the trauma well and made no attempt to get help, even when it was repeatedly offered. She grew on me a bit as the book went on, but I still felt frustrated with some of the decisions that she made.
The ending of the book was satisfying, albeit a tad unrealistic. I felt like the loose ends were tied up well, though.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Even if Lisa isn’t your favorite protagonist, the storyline itself is very engaging. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2022
This was a wonderful book. It grabbed my attention from the first page and never let up. I loved the way it was written, each chapter with a different person. The writing was good and the characters felt so real. I really cared what happened to them. The title was perfect, I think we can all relate to feeling like a rag doll sometimes. I will be looking forward to more from this author. Great book!
January 29, 2022
Twenty or so years later Lisa is now a size 5XL and about to get evicted from her apartment, we can see she has become a fat shell of herself living on junk food and bordering on being a hoarder and agoraphobic. Due to her size, she also can't walk far and exercise, and therefore the weight just piles on as she was always a bit on the chubby side even when she was a child and teenager. When Lisa was 18, she left home in Sweden and never looked back as she tried to escape the memories of what happened at her grandmother’s cottage. Now her grandmother aka Mormor has died and her sister Astrid has phoned her asking her to come home. Lisa is scared but when her sister entices her with money that could solve her housing problems, she reluctantly agrees. Lisa and Astrid haven't seen each other since they were teenagers and now Astrid is married with two children of her own. When they arrive, they head much to Lisa's reluctance to Mormor's cottage - a place that used to hold happy memories but now for Lisa is the place of nightmares as when Lisa was 5 and Astrid was 11-13 years old, Astrid had a friend come over and stay for the Summer - Ellen and by the end of the summer Ellen would be dead and Lisa would be the only witness. Everyone said Ellen had drowned but Lisa knew the truth, as she watched Ellen be murdered by The Hunter and then watched as his barn went up in flames with the kittens. Now the dark truth that has hindered Lisa and frozen her in fear is about to bubble to the surface as Lisa meets Caroline who is the Hunter's daughter and the real events of that Summer are about to come to light. Will this Summer be the awakening and reality dose that Lisa needs to be able to move on and change her ways finally? They say looking at the fear face-on is the best way to overcome it - immersive therapy. Will this time around be a move in the right direction and bring closure to both her and Astrid about what happened to Ellen and the dark events surrounding that, Summer? Find out in this awesome psychological thriller by Sydney James today.
January 2, 2022
Excellent book. Even though you thought you knew what happened to Ellen you didn't know the whole story.
I liked the story being told by several different characters and seeing how their lives were affected by Ellen.
It was not a long book and I was able to read it in one day. I am glad because I could not put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the story being told by several different characters and seeing how their lives were affected by Ellen.
It was not a long book and I was able to read it in one day. I am glad because I could not put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2022
Rag Doll Girls has a very good plot, is very well written, and keeps the reader's interest as it goes in a crescendo illustrating what really happened at the lake and in the cottage. Lisa has been absent from her home country for almost two decades, she chose not to keep in touch with her family so she would not remember what had happened in the past. But does she remember everything as it really happened or has she imagined everything? Why does she have so much compulsion to eat and why can't she put her life together? This visit to Sweden to attend her grandmother's funeral will put her ghosts, at last, in the clear? This story is an amazing retelling of a woman's life and her final attempt to learn and deal with her past and also how to learn and form relationships.
It's really worth reading and thinking about the insight it brings on life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's really worth reading and thinking about the insight it brings on life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2021
Barely surviving in the US with mounting credit card debt, a huge weight problem and about to be evicted from her tiny apartment Lisa gets a call from her estranged sister begging her to return to Sweden for her Grandmother’s funeral.
With assurances that she would solve Lisa’s debt problem, Astrid convinces her to fly back home but this is when it opens up a slew of repressed memories about the day that Astrid’s friend Ellen died in the woods 30 years ago.
Told from the perspective of both Lisa and Astrid this is a heart-breaking journey through Lisa’s memories and emotions which kept me on the edge of my seat as she slowly unravelled the fact from fiction about that day so many years ago that sent he spiralling into debt and depression thousands of miles away from her family.
The plot twists and turns right to the very end as the truth is finally revealed.
This is a story of family ties and redemption as much as it is a tight psychological thriller.
The sections dealing with Lisa’s eating disorder are both funny and sad in equal measure and cast a different light on the trials of the clinically obese
https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.co...
With assurances that she would solve Lisa’s debt problem, Astrid convinces her to fly back home but this is when it opens up a slew of repressed memories about the day that Astrid’s friend Ellen died in the woods 30 years ago.
Told from the perspective of both Lisa and Astrid this is a heart-breaking journey through Lisa’s memories and emotions which kept me on the edge of my seat as she slowly unravelled the fact from fiction about that day so many years ago that sent he spiralling into debt and depression thousands of miles away from her family.
The plot twists and turns right to the very end as the truth is finally revealed.
This is a story of family ties and redemption as much as it is a tight psychological thriller.
The sections dealing with Lisa’s eating disorder are both funny and sad in equal measure and cast a different light on the trials of the clinically obese
https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.co...
December 29, 2021
There were absolutely parts that were riveting and page turning. However, there were other parts that were just very slow and a bit repetitive. I think some of the middle could have been cut down to make the book better.
I related to Lisa on some level. Weight has always been something I strugged with in my life; I’ve comforted with food and ate my feelings. This is something that the author does very well – she has gotten into the head of a person who does this and Lisa’s character is a mirror image of a lot of those women. I don’t know if the author has ever dealth with the issue, and if not, then this was written perfectly. Because of this, I’ve never rooted for a character more than Lisa.
I also think that the tragic events that caused people to turn out a certain way, or die, were somehow brought back toward the end of the book and in a new light, a less dark way.
I related to Lisa on some level. Weight has always been something I strugged with in my life; I’ve comforted with food and ate my feelings. This is something that the author does very well – she has gotten into the head of a person who does this and Lisa’s character is a mirror image of a lot of those women. I don’t know if the author has ever dealth with the issue, and if not, then this was written perfectly. Because of this, I’ve never rooted for a character more than Lisa.
I also think that the tragic events that caused people to turn out a certain way, or die, were somehow brought back toward the end of the book and in a new light, a less dark way.
December 29, 2021
I love reading suspenseful stories, the kind that gives a thrill ride and grabs your attention. The author gives the reader enough twists, thrills and intensity to make you want to continue reading. The main characters are well written and are given their own POV. The story was a great thrill and the ending … WOW … Great job to the Author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2021
Rag Doll Girls is a novel by Sydney James. I found this story to be riveting. It was dark, intense, and well written. Lisa left home at 18 for the USA from Sweden. Her life has completely fallen apart. When her sister, Astrid, phones with the death of their grandmother, Lisa must return to Sweden. This begins a journey for Lisa to face the death of Ellen when she was 5. I was very surprised at the ending. Truthfully, I did not see it book ending as it did. I don't want to spoil the story but I liked how the story ended. I am looking forward to reading another book by Sydney James. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 4, 2022
I was bitterly disappointed with this book. I was drawn in by the premise of a woman having to confront her memories of a girl who died when she was a child. James generated a good concept by seeking to tackle the complexities of memory, especially when affected by trauma, and the different ways an adult learns to deal with that trauma when she has been unable to face it. At first, I really liked that James wrote Lisa as someone who turned to food as a coping mechanism. It’s a real thing that many people do and not only did James grasp the feelings that drove Lisa’s binge-eating, but they also tackled head-on the additional trauma that being obese had on her. However, while I was initially pleased with this rather unique approach to a main character—there are too few fat main characters whose emotions and struggles are taken seriously—I quickly realized that this portrayal was more exploitative than representative. Possible TW for body dysmorphia: It was this segment, though the eyes of another character, that the author showed how they really felt and what their motivations were for writing so much self-hate into Lisa’s character. Then they concluded the book with
That self-hate permeated the book to an excessive degree as well. I was very interested to follow Lisa’s journey to understanding and remembering what exactly happened to Ellen, which is what drew me in in the first place. However, a good 60% of the book was just Lisa overthinking the same self-hating rhetoric and the same redundant conflict about 3 different ways before moving on to the next point. James could have cut this book down by about a third and had a much more effective story. I really hated Lisa even though I sympathized and empathized with her, as she was constantly swirling around in her own misery. While this may be realistic for many, it does not make for a compelling book. The remaining characters were so flat and I often wondered what the point of multiple POV was if all we were going to do was dwell on the same thing Lisa had just spent 20 pages mulling over.
Even though James has decent moments in this book, they definitely struck out on this one by overwriting this story, leaving characters floundering in the shallows of development, and exploiting victims of trauma for a story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That self-hate permeated the book to an excessive degree as well. I was very interested to follow Lisa’s journey to understanding and remembering what exactly happened to Ellen, which is what drew me in in the first place. However, a good 60% of the book was just Lisa overthinking the same self-hating rhetoric and the same redundant conflict about 3 different ways before moving on to the next point. James could have cut this book down by about a third and had a much more effective story. I really hated Lisa even though I sympathized and empathized with her, as she was constantly swirling around in her own misery. While this may be realistic for many, it does not make for a compelling book. The remaining characters were so flat and I often wondered what the point of multiple POV was if all we were going to do was dwell on the same thing Lisa had just spent 20 pages mulling over.
Even though James has decent moments in this book, they definitely struck out on this one by overwriting this story, leaving characters floundering in the shallows of development, and exploiting victims of trauma for a story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2022
“This was my first Sydney James book and I’m hooked! It kept moving, kept me wanting to read, had emotion, mystery, and is a truly great story.
Rag Doll Girls is one I’ll tell my friends about! So great! A five-star book for me!”
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
Lisa is doing her best. She really is. But when she sees the eviction sign on her apartment, what is there to do, except gather her food supply and be on the couch? She knows she needs to work on herself, but it’s so hard! She has her routine and she likes it.
Astrid is Lisa’s sister, but their lives are worlds apart. Not only do they live in different countries and speak different languages, Astrid is married with two kids, and she is an attorney. Life is great!
The sisters haven’t seen each other for many years. But, Astrid is expecting Lisa to come to Mormor’s funeral. Astrid doesn’t realize what she is asking Lisa to do. Lisa is fighting with herself. Everything is hard when you’re like this. Walking, sitting on the airplane, having enough to eat.
Then, she’s there. Astrid is looking at her but doesn’t see her. Astrid is not expecting someone that looks like Lisa. When Lisa approaches her, Astrid tries to hide her shock at Lisa’s size, but Lisa sees it even though it’s subtle.
Lisa’s life was forever changed many years ago. She was with Astrid’s friend, Ellen, who died. Everyone thinks they know what happened, but Lisa knows the truth and she has lived with it all of these years. She could never tell anyone and it still terrifies her. She didn't think anyone would believe her, especially after she saw what she did in the yard. What will happen when she goes to Mormor’s home, where she hasn’t been since it happened all those years ago, when she was a five year old. Can Lisa resolve what changed her entire life?
Rag Doll Girls is such a GREAT book!! I read it fast and enjoyed every minute!
Thank you to Book Sirens for the early reading of Rag Doll Girls!
Rag Doll Girls is one I’ll tell my friends about! So great! A five-star book for me!”
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
Lisa is doing her best. She really is. But when she sees the eviction sign on her apartment, what is there to do, except gather her food supply and be on the couch? She knows she needs to work on herself, but it’s so hard! She has her routine and she likes it.
Astrid is Lisa’s sister, but their lives are worlds apart. Not only do they live in different countries and speak different languages, Astrid is married with two kids, and she is an attorney. Life is great!
The sisters haven’t seen each other for many years. But, Astrid is expecting Lisa to come to Mormor’s funeral. Astrid doesn’t realize what she is asking Lisa to do. Lisa is fighting with herself. Everything is hard when you’re like this. Walking, sitting on the airplane, having enough to eat.
Then, she’s there. Astrid is looking at her but doesn’t see her. Astrid is not expecting someone that looks like Lisa. When Lisa approaches her, Astrid tries to hide her shock at Lisa’s size, but Lisa sees it even though it’s subtle.
Lisa’s life was forever changed many years ago. She was with Astrid’s friend, Ellen, who died. Everyone thinks they know what happened, but Lisa knows the truth and she has lived with it all of these years. She could never tell anyone and it still terrifies her. She didn't think anyone would believe her, especially after she saw what she did in the yard. What will happen when she goes to Mormor’s home, where she hasn’t been since it happened all those years ago, when she was a five year old. Can Lisa resolve what changed her entire life?
Rag Doll Girls is such a GREAT book!! I read it fast and enjoyed every minute!
Thank you to Book Sirens for the early reading of Rag Doll Girls!
January 29, 2022
RATING: 3.5 stars
A little torn on this one but, overall, a decent book.
Told from alternating points of view not just between characters but also between time lines, it took some concentration not to lose track of where you were at but it did work well in the end.
The primary character is Lisa who witnessed, or at least believed she witnessed, a traumatic event at a young age involving the death of another young girl. As a result of this event, she has suffered panic attacks and become extremely overweight and recluse to the point of not even wanting to leave the house.
When the death of a family event forces her to reunite with her estranged family, she is forced to deal with what happened in her past. We are taken on the journey with Lisa as she tries to reconcile which memories are real and which are not.
We also get to see how the situation looks from the point of view of the people surrounding Lisa - how they view her and her mental state, etc. and I thought this added an interesting take on the storyline.
I did find the book quite slow to start and a little hard to get into but once it got moving I became invested in finding out what happened.
Although I could find Lisa relatable, I still didn’t really warm to her - can't quite put my finger on why, though.
The end of the book, while fitting with the story, was a little rushed for me and I would like to have seen these events play out over a few days rather than a few hours.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - not really that kind of book
Would I read more by this author based on this book - this was my first book from Sydney James and I'd be interested to see what else the author has to offer.
A little torn on this one but, overall, a decent book.
Told from alternating points of view not just between characters but also between time lines, it took some concentration not to lose track of where you were at but it did work well in the end.
The primary character is Lisa who witnessed, or at least believed she witnessed, a traumatic event at a young age involving the death of another young girl. As a result of this event, she has suffered panic attacks and become extremely overweight and recluse to the point of not even wanting to leave the house.
When the death of a family event forces her to reunite with her estranged family, she is forced to deal with what happened in her past. We are taken on the journey with Lisa as she tries to reconcile which memories are real and which are not.
We also get to see how the situation looks from the point of view of the people surrounding Lisa - how they view her and her mental state, etc. and I thought this added an interesting take on the storyline.
I did find the book quite slow to start and a little hard to get into but once it got moving I became invested in finding out what happened.
Although I could find Lisa relatable, I still didn’t really warm to her - can't quite put my finger on why, though.
The end of the book, while fitting with the story, was a little rushed for me and I would like to have seen these events play out over a few days rather than a few hours.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - not really that kind of book
Would I read more by this author based on this book - this was my first book from Sydney James and I'd be interested to see what else the author has to offer.
January 21, 2022
😩The things she can't forget: who's to blame?🏠👭
4.5🌟 stars
This story started a bit on the depressing side and then, when Lisa, the main character, gets to Sweden for her grandmother's funeral, the suspense really kicked in and I was hooked. It's a very good plot centered around an idyllic summer vacation at grandma's house in the Swedish countryside that goes tragically wrong. Lisa was only five at the time and buried the experience, never sharing what she knew, and the whole trauma has soured her life and distanced her from her family.
Astrid, her sister, seemed a bit too perfect but I warmed up to her as she attempted to help Lisa and reconnect with her after decades of separation.
I really liked Lisa's transformation as, yes she's pushed but, she finally confronts her fears and tries to overcome them. Turned out she was stronger and braver than even she believed! I was never quite certain how the present story would pan out for Lisa and Astrid's family but I thought the ending was a good one and wrapped things up nicely. The way Lisa's diet and weight issues are handled may not be totally realistic but that did not bother me. In fact, the body shaming she lived with, her own self-consciousness and the challenges she faced getting around were illuminating for someone who has never had to deal with them.
The writing's good, not overly descriptive, and flowed well. Though it alternated between the present and glimpses of that long-ago summer, the past chapters are well titled to ease the transition. The author also narrates the story from three points of view and that worked well.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
This story started a bit on the depressing side and then, when Lisa, the main character, gets to Sweden for her grandmother's funeral, the suspense really kicked in and I was hooked. It's a very good plot centered around an idyllic summer vacation at grandma's house in the Swedish countryside that goes tragically wrong. Lisa was only five at the time and buried the experience, never sharing what she knew, and the whole trauma has soured her life and distanced her from her family.
Astrid, her sister, seemed a bit too perfect but I warmed up to her as she attempted to help Lisa and reconnect with her after decades of separation.
I really liked Lisa's transformation as, yes she's pushed but, she finally confronts her fears and tries to overcome them. Turned out she was stronger and braver than even she believed! I was never quite certain how the present story would pan out for Lisa and Astrid's family but I thought the ending was a good one and wrapped things up nicely. The way Lisa's diet and weight issues are handled may not be totally realistic but that did not bother me. In fact, the body shaming she lived with, her own self-consciousness and the challenges she faced getting around were illuminating for someone who has never had to deal with them.
The writing's good, not overly descriptive, and flowed well. Though it alternated between the present and glimpses of that long-ago summer, the past chapters are well titled to ease the transition. The author also narrates the story from three points of view and that worked well.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
February 8, 2022
Rag Doll girls is a well written book with a strong plot that tells a heart-breaking story. Using the memories of a woman named Lisa. The author did amazing switching between characters, as well as going between present time Lisa and little 5 years old Lisa. Sydney James did a clean transition telling one story or moment from different perspectives. He was able to capture the emotions within the characters memories and current situations. It keeps you on edge as the plot little by little unravels until the truth is revealed. You know that saying when people say do not jump to conclusions or everything is not what it seems to be. This is it. I kept guessing or believing the story or truth was leading to one truth but it has a twist in the plot. I truly enjoyed it, it is not as predictable as we may think as we read.
I know some may not like how the main character Lisa or others think or talk about her weight issue. But to be honest it is something we see today, unfortunately and sadly. Yet seeing those details as bothersome as it may be for many really shows how the series of events on what happened to Ellen that summer led to Lisa’s spiraling self destructive behaviors (signs of PTSD. traumatic binge eating disorder, debt etc). The author, in my own perspective, did amazing in capturing what someone in those situations or conditions may feel or think.
I really hope to get a short novella on the background story of Hunter, his wife and Caroline. I hope to know his perspective on the events when he took the girls to see the kittens. I want to know why Caroline’s mother was so cruel and the life Caroline endured.
All in all I will recommend this book to others.
I received an advanced review copy for free from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I know some may not like how the main character Lisa or others think or talk about her weight issue. But to be honest it is something we see today, unfortunately and sadly. Yet seeing those details as bothersome as it may be for many really shows how the series of events on what happened to Ellen that summer led to Lisa’s spiraling self destructive behaviors (signs of PTSD. traumatic binge eating disorder, debt etc). The author, in my own perspective, did amazing in capturing what someone in those situations or conditions may feel or think.
I really hope to get a short novella on the background story of Hunter, his wife and Caroline. I hope to know his perspective on the events when he took the girls to see the kittens. I want to know why Caroline’s mother was so cruel and the life Caroline endured.
All in all I will recommend this book to others.
I received an advanced review copy for free from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2022
I love a good psychological thriller and this certainly didn’t disappoint.
Lisa is living in America, she has huge debts, no job, no friends and health issues due to her weight problem, she is basically just existing rather than living. Out of the blue and after more than ten years without contact her sister Astrid calls her from Sweden to say their grandmother had died and she really needed her to come back home for the funeral. With the offer of financial help Lisa reluctantly agrees and once back in Sweden, staying at the same house where her childhood friend was found dead, the trauma of that fateful night starts to reignite itself.
This story has so many levels to it. On one part it is about childhood and family and how people see the same events differently and because of this their lives turn out drastically different. It touches on mental health issues both with Lisa and her eating disorder along with Caroline later and how her upbringing has turned her into someone who really doesn’t understand the world. There is also running through the whole story the death of Ellen, was it an accident as the police said or was it more sinister like Lisa seems to remember?
The characters are superbly written and I can really relate to them, the only real issue I had was with the fact the Lisa was supposed to have been just 5 when Ellen went missing and I struggle to believe that she would see the world in the way she describes it. The twists and turns run right up until the end and really kept me hooked, I read the whole book in two days.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lisa is living in America, she has huge debts, no job, no friends and health issues due to her weight problem, she is basically just existing rather than living. Out of the blue and after more than ten years without contact her sister Astrid calls her from Sweden to say their grandmother had died and she really needed her to come back home for the funeral. With the offer of financial help Lisa reluctantly agrees and once back in Sweden, staying at the same house where her childhood friend was found dead, the trauma of that fateful night starts to reignite itself.
This story has so many levels to it. On one part it is about childhood and family and how people see the same events differently and because of this their lives turn out drastically different. It touches on mental health issues both with Lisa and her eating disorder along with Caroline later and how her upbringing has turned her into someone who really doesn’t understand the world. There is also running through the whole story the death of Ellen, was it an accident as the police said or was it more sinister like Lisa seems to remember?
The characters are superbly written and I can really relate to them, the only real issue I had was with the fact the Lisa was supposed to have been just 5 when Ellen went missing and I struggle to believe that she would see the world in the way she describes it. The twists and turns run right up until the end and really kept me hooked, I read the whole book in two days.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2022
I thought that the story of this book was pretty straight forward and could use a touch more action. We go into this novel already knowing that Ellen dies, but the story feels clunky throughout and too drawn out to get to the end. I thought that there was a missed opportunity with the character of Caroline, as her POV, Astrid'S POV and Lisa's POV all view Caroline differently. There could have been more drama or action surrounding that character.
The amount of fat-shaming in this novel was indescribable. I get that the author was alluding to the main character turning to food to deal with trauma, but I couldn't get into the novel due to the constant fat-shaming. Calling someone who is obese "grotesque", talking about "fat rolls", were just over the top. I would even understand if it was just the main character thinking that, but to put those words in other character's minds really bothered me as a plus size reader. I couldn't get into the story because of the unnecessary comments towards the character's weight. It had nothing to do with the story outside of explaining the main character's coping mechanism. It just felt that the author had some underlying issues towards overweight people and took it out on the main character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The amount of fat-shaming in this novel was indescribable. I get that the author was alluding to the main character turning to food to deal with trauma, but I couldn't get into the novel due to the constant fat-shaming. Calling someone who is obese "grotesque", talking about "fat rolls", were just over the top. I would even understand if it was just the main character thinking that, but to put those words in other character's minds really bothered me as a plus size reader. I couldn't get into the story because of the unnecessary comments towards the character's weight. It had nothing to do with the story outside of explaining the main character's coping mechanism. It just felt that the author had some underlying issues towards overweight people and took it out on the main character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2022
I just finished reading "Rag Doll Girls" by Sydney Jones. I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the story of a little girl (Lisa) who is haunted by a tragic event that happened to her when she was a little girl. She has since moved to New York where she self-medicates with food. When her grandmother dies, she is guilted into returning to Sweden for the funeral and with her sister, Astrid, returning to the cabin where the tragic event occured.
What follows is a journey to self-acceptance and more importantly self-forgiveness. Lisa begins the story as not very likeable, but I love reading about her journey. It is real and tragic and sad and honest.
The author did a great job of setting up the story and weaving together the past and the present. It was well written and easy to read follow.
I enjoyed the sub-plots in the story and especially the way her relationship with her niece and nephew grew.
The ending made my heart smile and gave me the sense that all is right with the world. There is a little bit of everything in this story for lovers of psychological thriller, but especially the complex and confusing relationship between the two sisters, which was honestly, for me anyways, the best part of this book. Congratulations to the author.
Happy Reading Everyone!
This book tells the story of a little girl (Lisa) who is haunted by a tragic event that happened to her when she was a little girl. She has since moved to New York where she self-medicates with food. When her grandmother dies, she is guilted into returning to Sweden for the funeral and with her sister, Astrid, returning to the cabin where the tragic event occured.
What follows is a journey to self-acceptance and more importantly self-forgiveness. Lisa begins the story as not very likeable, but I love reading about her journey. It is real and tragic and sad and honest.
The author did a great job of setting up the story and weaving together the past and the present. It was well written and easy to read follow.
I enjoyed the sub-plots in the story and especially the way her relationship with her niece and nephew grew.
The ending made my heart smile and gave me the sense that all is right with the world. There is a little bit of everything in this story for lovers of psychological thriller, but especially the complex and confusing relationship between the two sisters, which was honestly, for me anyways, the best part of this book. Congratulations to the author.
Happy Reading Everyone!
February 28, 2022
This is a tense psychological thriller told from several points of view, but mostly by Lisa, a Swedish woman living in America, clearly trying to hide from memories of the mysterious death of a childhood friend. As the story unfolds we learn how this event has shaped her life and when summoned back to the site of the incident for a family funeral, Lisa can no longer avoid confronting what happened when she was five years old. In Sweden, and reunited with her older sister, Lisa learns more about the event and we begin to wonder if the truth is even worse than the fears of her five year old self.
With the tension escalating, and motives blurred, the story culminates in a riveting climax and readers will not be disappointed in the outcome. I was reluctant to put this book down and could not fault the flow and style of the writing. Author Sydney James has done a brilliant job from the point of view of three adult women and a five year old child. I definitely recommend this book to fans of psychological fiction and will be seeking out other titles from this author. I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With the tension escalating, and motives blurred, the story culminates in a riveting climax and readers will not be disappointed in the outcome. I was reluctant to put this book down and could not fault the flow and style of the writing. Author Sydney James has done a brilliant job from the point of view of three adult women and a five year old child. I definitely recommend this book to fans of psychological fiction and will be seeking out other titles from this author. I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would. It was suspenseful, well paced, and full of emotion. I was on the edge of my seat, eager to know the truth about Ellen’s death. I usually don’t like flashbacks in a novel, but there were just enough to provide some exposition to the story without detracting from the current plot. Additionally, the author did a good job of addressing the potential harm of childhood trauma and the need to seek professional help and have the motivation to change.
I did have a few minor issues with the book though. There was a constant focus on Lisa’s weight, and I tired of the unending mentions of her obesity. I also thought both the climax and epilogue lacked some of the excitement and intrigue of earlier parts of the story. I wish we had been able to see more of Lisa’s future, but the ending was rather abrupt.
Overall, this was a mysterious, interesting story where you never truly knew who or what to believe.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
I did have a few minor issues with the book though. There was a constant focus on Lisa’s weight, and I tired of the unending mentions of her obesity. I also thought both the climax and epilogue lacked some of the excitement and intrigue of earlier parts of the story. I wish we had been able to see more of Lisa’s future, but the ending was rather abrupt.
Overall, this was a mysterious, interesting story where you never truly knew who or what to believe.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
June 1, 2023
I gave four stars because I felt the moments reading of the food scenes were a bit long-winded. Maybe edited down and could still get the point across how important food is to the character as a self-soothing tactic. I found myself tiring of these moments and I stopped reading and it was hard to pick back up again without skim reading over those parts. I can see how some readers would have a connection to that writing and potentially even helping a reader. I liked reading the different perspectives of the main characters. Good storyline. I think readers may benefit from more interrogation of the main character after the incident, but overall the flow of the story is well done. Great ending climax that pulled me into the story! I would recommend this book to someone who has a connection to mystery-solving, overcoming childhood trauma, and neat “feel-good” endings. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2022
When Lisa was little, Ellen died while visiting MorMor's cottage. Lisa never went back, moved to the states, and swore she'd never go back to the cottage. MorMor dies and Astrid, Lisa's sister convinces her to come back to Sweden for the funeral with promises of money and helping her get back on her feet.
Secrets are revealed, blame shifts, and Lisa finds out what REALLY happened on that sad day 30 years ago. Many twists and revelations for the reader. Maybe I've read one too many of these thrillers because I guessed several things that happened. Don't assume you know what happened, till the last page.
Great read, I recommend whole heartingly. I look forward to reading some more of Sydney's books too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secrets are revealed, blame shifts, and Lisa finds out what REALLY happened on that sad day 30 years ago. Many twists and revelations for the reader. Maybe I've read one too many of these thrillers because I guessed several things that happened. Don't assume you know what happened, till the last page.
Great read, I recommend whole heartingly. I look forward to reading some more of Sydney's books too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2022
What an engaging author! H1s depictions of the characters are spot on. At times, writers can only sympathetically portray characters of their own sex. Not so with Sydnay James he is gifted in the art of exposing his characters personalities so well, that I feel as if I have personally become acquainted with them. To me, the story line was incidental to my enjoyment of the skillful writing. I felt like I was watching a good old B&W 1940s movie. I will intersperse my reading of action, pot boiler, SF, horror, and literature (not so much) books with this author's work. I think he had fun writing it; I know I enjoyed reading it. I received this novel from BookSirens and this is my honest and truthful review. Hey gang, she is really a good one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lisa is morbidly obese. She medicates herself excessively with unhealthy food and suggary carbonated drinks. She is about to be evicted, is unemployed, has no money, no friends, and no reason to wake up daily other than to eat. Her situation is the result of a trauma she experienced as a five year old when her older sister's friend with whom she was spending died and her death was ruled a drowning. Lisa knows better but can she trust her memories from 30 years earlier? Perhaps revisiting her grandmother's cottage when she attends her grandmother's funeral will unlock the chains that have kept her prisoner from waiting to live a normal life.
I liked that what the reader was meant to deduce was in fact not true though I did find some parts of the story odd. 4 stars.
Lisa is morbidly obese. She medicates herself excessively with unhealthy food and suggary carbonated drinks. She is about to be evicted, is unemployed, has no money, no friends, and no reason to wake up daily other than to eat. Her situation is the result of a trauma she experienced as a five year old when her older sister's friend with whom she was spending died and her death was ruled a drowning. Lisa knows better but can she trust her memories from 30 years earlier? Perhaps revisiting her grandmother's cottage when she attends her grandmother's funeral will unlock the chains that have kept her prisoner from waiting to live a normal life.
I liked that what the reader was meant to deduce was in fact not true though I did find some parts of the story odd. 4 stars.
February 24, 2022
A childhood tragedy changes Lisa's life dramatically. She moves to the United States as soon as she turns 18. Instead of living her dream life, she becomes morbidly obese, she doesn't speak to her family, has no friends and is going to be evicted. Then she gets a call from her sister Astrid who will help her financially if she returns home to their grandmother's funeral. Once home Lisa is forced to confront her repressed memories and her need to turn to food to deal with any type of trauma. The self hating rhetoric with the main character's of this story was ridiculously repetitive, redundant and not needed to tell an effective story. It was worth the read but the author could have done more with these character's.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2022
RAGDOLL Definition: A cloth doll generally stuffed with a soft, fluffy filling (like cotton) which causes it to be floppy.
In this book, the main character, Lisa, compares herself to a ragdoll--incapable of any human emotions or feelings. This was caused by a trauma from when she was 5 years old. As you read farther, the author delves further into her past and, we discover that she is not the only one that was affected.
This was rather a hard book to read--it is never easy for me to read about childhood trauma. But, I soldiered through and was very glad I did. The ending itself is powerful and poignant.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book, the main character, Lisa, compares herself to a ragdoll--incapable of any human emotions or feelings. This was caused by a trauma from when she was 5 years old. As you read farther, the author delves further into her past and, we discover that she is not the only one that was affected.
This was rather a hard book to read--it is never easy for me to read about childhood trauma. But, I soldiered through and was very glad I did. The ending itself is powerful and poignant.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2022
This is my first book by Sydney James and won't be my last. This is a well-written book that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The plot is strong and the author did a great job transitioning between past and present. I found myself trying to figure out the truth and did not see the final twist coming.
While I know many may not like the way Lisa's weight issue is talked about, I do believe this is an honest portrayal of how unresolved childhood traumas lead to self-destructive behaviors as an adult. Lisa's character is believable and captures the essence of someone with her struggles would behave.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Booksirens!
While I know many may not like the way Lisa's weight issue is talked about, I do believe this is an honest portrayal of how unresolved childhood traumas lead to self-destructive behaviors as an adult. Lisa's character is believable and captures the essence of someone with her struggles would behave.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Booksirens!
January 25, 2022
A complex book that examines familial relationships and how trauma can effect our lives and color our thinking. The characters are multifaceted and pulled me not just into the story but into their lives. The storyline was well written evoking sympathy for lives battered by circumstances. Very enjoyable read.
Lisa has lived with the trauma she experienced as a young child, leaving her home country when she became an adult and refusing to return. When her grandmother dies her sister convinces her to return for the funeral. Only then can she deal with the memories and trauma of her childhood.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Lisa has lived with the trauma she experienced as a young child, leaving her home country when she became an adult and refusing to return. When her grandmother dies her sister convinces her to return for the funeral. Only then can she deal with the memories and trauma of her childhood.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
April 2, 2022
I got an ARC for this book. Cool right? So how did it make me feel?
I felt terrible for Lisa. The poor girl never got the help she needed. She never had therapy. She isolated herself and refused to visit her grandmother for the rest of her grandmother's life.
She was all around sad. At the beginning I felt both sorry for her and like "get it together girl!"
She refuses to be loved by her sister and she has this terrible image of herself.
I really could picture the neighbors' house and the mess and smell. I also related to the two women meeting awkwardly and forming a strange instant bond. I have been there.
This was a good book.
I felt terrible for Lisa. The poor girl never got the help she needed. She never had therapy. She isolated herself and refused to visit her grandmother for the rest of her grandmother's life.
She was all around sad. At the beginning I felt both sorry for her and like "get it together girl!"
She refuses to be loved by her sister and she has this terrible image of herself.
I really could picture the neighbors' house and the mess and smell. I also related to the two women meeting awkwardly and forming a strange instant bond. I have been there.
This was a good book.
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