An impacting story — IF YOU FIND ME reviewed
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
Reviewed by Shakanya, age 17
The riveting novel If You Find Me, elaborates on the deception of reality, the importance of family and the appreciation of basic necessities. In the novel, the protagonist, 15-year-old Carey Violet Blackburn, and her 6-year-old sister Jenessa have been living in a camper hidden in a forest. Their mentally unstable mother has kept them hidden for most of their lives. Their mother leaves them frequently to get supplies and doesn't return for almost a month, leaving her children to fend for themselves. During these harsh times, Carey acquires the role of a mother and takes great care of her sister. One day her mother leaves and never returns. The girls are found by their father and the childrens society and are taken back to live in the "real world".
I was captivated by Carey's experiences and thoughts on various and simple aspects of life. Her fascination for a simple utensil such as a pencil inspired me to appreciate the simple things in life. Emily Murdoch's writing captured me from the first chapter; I was anxious every chapter and could not put the book down. The interesting perspective on family and reality has a positive message that anyone can relate to. I also enjoyed the showcase of old bonds kindled by new fires. Carey's transition to recover from her past life to her new one left an impacting story.
10 thoughts on “An impacting story — IF YOU FIND ME reviewed”
Sounds like a very intriguing book, i’ll be sure to pick it up if I see it.
Now I’m also beginning to appreciate the small things in life. Seems quite interested since this is common in third world countries (without the transition to the “real world” part 🙁 ) so it will be nice to see the world through the eyes of these girls.
It will be interesting how after living in the woods for so long, they will get used to living a noraml, life in the real world.
I remember reading a story about hikers who found a boy in his late teens living among monkeys in Asia. He was rehabilitated into the city, but had to learn the ways of humans such as communicating.
And in the horror movie called Mama, two girls who were taking care of in the woods by a monstrous spirit are found and had to live back in the real world and society.
This sounds very interesting, and I’m looking forward to see how the author describes our everyday norms as strange and surreal for the main character. I’ll be sure to give this one a try!
That is scaring me.
I can almost relate to the main character when it comes to appreciating the simple things and taking the role of a paren’t at times. Throughout my childhood, I was always taught to appreciate every small thing that I had access to, whether it was clothing, food, toys, or even education. Moreover, because of my culture, I was given tasks that were very mature for my age (ex, I was only five years old when I started taking care of and babysitting my younger brothers while my paren’ts were at work). So I guess this book will be very interesting to read, especially because of all the connections a reader can make from the story.
Glad you guys are enjoying the review!
I’m currently reading this book thanks to the review! The way they are fascinated by the little things we are so used to having is heart touching.