My Rating
Book Review
Gail Aldwin’s latest release The Secret Life of Carolyn Russell is a dual timeline investigative story at first glance but develops into something so profound with its intricate and layered storytelling.
I had read This Much Huxley Knows by this author and was surprised with how much introspection she brings forth thru the eyes of a 7 year old. In a similar fashion, the Secret Life of Carolyn Russell brings forth 2 distinctive characters, Stephanie who has been let go from her journalist job in The Post after working there for 30+yrs and the other Carolyn Russell, a needy and vulnerable 16 yr old. Alternating between two timelines 1979 and 2014, the author explores contrasting cultures in the two eras and thus the outlook towards them by people. And like her previous work, Gail Aldwin brings forth the topic of racism, which is surely not on your face as in the olden times but is still a prevalent thought in many hearts. I absolutely loved how the author introduces Mrs. Walker from a generation so set in their ways but shows her as warm hearted and willing to let go of her prejudices. It was honestly a lovely touch showing how Stephanie always seems to defend Mrs. Walker for her comments against Beth and how thru tiny acts of kindness, Mrs. Walker changes her attitude. This is of course not the main plot of the story, but Gail Aldwin is quite an expert in weaving these thoughtful threads into her storyline that it resonates for a time.
The central theme is the missing case of Carolyn Russell, a young girl who is at odds with her mother like most teenagers, hiding things, keeping secrets, and at the cusp of womanhood, longing for that eternal love so important for your survival at that age. That subtle vulnerability to be noticed and loved by her friends was characterized so brilliantly and giving a first person narrative to this part of the story elevates the experience for the reader. Like most girls her age, she craves attention and pins all her crazy notions on a young teacher, imagination running wild and hopelessly letting go of the reality of the situation.
Stephanie in the meantime is characterized by her pragmatism and practical nature. The podcast investigation is her way out of a redundant career and it was fascinating to see how she connects the different threads to Carolyn’s disappearance using her journalistic ability. There is a thread of subtle humor layered into the story that is pretty evident in many of Stephanie’s interactions with the people she conducts interviews with.
Most readers probably would guess the ending of the story and hence I wouldn’t call this a thriller by the definition of shocking or surprising twists but The Secret Life Of Carolyn Russell is definitely a compelling and hard to put down kinda read.
Book Blurb
A true-crime podcaster investigates a decades-old suspected abduction, in this powerful psychological suspense novel.
1979 Sixteen-year-old Carolyn Russell grows increasingly infatuated with her school mathematics teacher who is also giving her private lessons. Then she disappears.
2014 Struggling journalist Stephanie Brett creates a true-crime podcast focused on the disappearance of Carolyn Russell. By digging deep into this mysterious cold case, her confidence and flagging career are boosted. But after she confronts the suspects—and talks to a potential witness—the leads dry up. However, Stephanie refuses to let the story rest . . .
Can a small-time journalist with a shoestring podcast really hope to reconstruct the ultimate fate of Carolyn Russell after all these years, or are some secrets best left buried?
‘Takes hold of the head and the heart and simply does not let go’ Jacquelyn Mitchard, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of The Good Son
‘Captures the zeitgeist for each period with telling accuracy’ Suzanne Goldring, bestselling author of My Name is Eva
‘A rare and thrilling book that manages to be thoughtful and intelligent’ Joanna Barnard, author of Hush Little Baby
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This is an excellent review of a book worth reading!
Truly worth reading this one…loved it totally😊