Written by: Mutshidzi Kwinda
For the first time in my reading experience, I read a book on crime investigation. When it comes to television shows, documentaries, or even movies about crime investigation I give my undivided attention throughout. That’s how much I am devoted to it. The sad reality though is that although I am interested in this genre of storytelling. It is very difficult to absorb the information without being affected by the portrayed events. As it can make it challenging to separate the events and scenarios portrayed from real life.
I see this especially when it comes to the level of consciousness I have when I am alone. Making sure that the doors are locked at all times and being extra vigilant at all times. Hence my reluctance to read the book “The forgotten girl”.
Although the prologue sparked some level of curiosity, The Forgotten Girl was not so much of a wow piece of writing for me. I didn’t instantly feel hooked to the book in the beginning. However, when I continued to read it, as each character was unveiled and got distinguished – the content just flowed and my curiosity for the next page was heightened.
At the beginning of the first chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist, Jason. Whose life has been highly affected by an incident that took place twenty-seven years ago. This exhibit to me subsists one of the key elements that I have been gradually learning over the years: the choices we make today will determine our future outcomes – one way or another.
When it comes to the title of the book. I found that “The forgotten gilr” doesn’t really fit the storyline. That’s because although Jason’s sister, Hayden, went missing for days following a seeming kidnapping incident. She was found alive and healthy by the end of the novel. Yes, the chapters of her disappearance covered about ninety percent of the book. But the person who, I think the title of the book should have revolved around – that’s if the author wanted to talk about The Forgotten “somebody”, it should have been Jason’s friend, Logan. The first reason being that he went missing and was never found until 27 years later when his “body” was discovered. Secondly, almost everything revolved around him. Even the disappearance of Hayden revolved around him. The plot revolved around him. And everyone’s storyline rotated around him.
The forgotten “boy” could have done the novel some justice unless the author chose “girl” as an irony to represent the femininity ideal world.
Overall, the book was worth a read. It was compelling towards the end. And I just couldn’t stop myself from wanting to know what happens next.
Among the many lessons from the book, I highlighted these two: 1)It is important to always get both sides of the story before concluding other people’s characters. 2)The truth always has a way of coming out -soon or later. In this book, it took twenty-seven years.
EndNote
One of my favorite quotes from the book has little to do with the actual story. But really resonated with me so I thought I would share it. Especially for my ladies out there who think they are falling behind and time seems to be passing them like a millisecond shooting star. “…and I still can’t get used to the people asking me if I have children. Today it was the woman in the bank. I’m forty-two, I’m married, but no, I don’t have children. It’s a choice some people make. Some people put their careers first, right? Is that so hard to understand? Why do people feel like they can ask such things?” – Jason’s wife, Nora (The Forgotten Girl)
