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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Broken Girls summary
Brief summary
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is a gripping mystery novel set in a boarding school with a dark history. It weaves together the stories of past and present, uncovering secrets and the truth behind a girl's unsolved murder.
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The Broken Girls
Summary of key ideas
The Haunting of Idlewild Hall
In The Broken Girls by Simone St. James, we are introduced to Idlewild Hall, a boarding school for troubled girls in Vermont. The story is set in two different time periods, the first being 1950 and the second being 2014. In 1950, we meet four girls who form an unlikely bond at Idlewild Hall. Katie, Roberta, Cece, and Sonia are all there for different reasons, but they find solace in each other's company. However, their peace is shattered when one of them, Mary Hand, is found dead under mysterious circumstances.
The narrative then shifts to 2014, where we meet Fiona Sheridan, a journalist who is still haunted by her sister's murder twenty years ago. Her sister's body was found on the grounds of Idlewild Hall, and her boyfriend was convicted of the crime. However, Fiona has never been able to shake the feeling that there was more to the story than what was revealed. When she learns that Idlewild Hall is being restored, she sees an opportunity to finally get some closure and decides to cover the story.
The Unearthing of Secrets
As Fiona delves into the history of Idlewild Hall, she uncovers a series of disturbing secrets. She learns about Mary Hand, the girl who died in 1950, and the rumors of her ghost haunting the school. Fiona also discovers that her sister's murder might be connected to the school's dark past. She becomes obsessed with finding out the truth, even as she starts experiencing strange and unexplainable occurrences at the school.
Meanwhile, in the 1950s timeline, we see the four friends trying to solve the mystery of Mary Hand's death. They believe that there is more to her story than what the authorities are willing to admit. Their investigation leads them to uncover a series of horrifying events that took place at Idlewild Hall, including abuse, exploitation, and a sinister cover-up.
The Convergence of Past and Present
As the story progresses, the two timelines begin to converge. Fiona's investigation leads her to a series of shocking revelations about the school's past, including the truth about Mary Hand's death and her sister's murder. She also starts to experience inexplicable connections to the girls from the 1950s, as if their lives are somehow intertwined.
Ultimately, Fiona and the girls from the 1950s come together to confront the dark forces that have haunted Idlewild Hall for decades. They uncover the truth about the school's horrifying past and the role it played in their own personal tragedies. In a climactic showdown, they manage to put the ghosts of Idlewild Hall to rest, both figuratively and literally.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Broken Girls is a haunting and atmospheric tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. It explores the enduring impact of trauma and the power of friendship in the face of adversity. The novel's dual timelines and interconnected characters create a rich and complex narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. It's a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
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What is The Broken Girls about?
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is a gripping mystery novel that intertwines the stories of four girls at a boarding school in Vermont in 1950 and a journalist in 2014. As the journalist investigates the abandoned school, she uncovers dark secrets and a connection to a murder that has haunted her for years. The book masterfully combines elements of suspense, history, and the supernatural to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Broken Girls Review
The Broken Girls (2018) weaves together mystery, history, and ghostly elements, creating a gripping tale that is sure to captivate readers. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With dual timelines and a blend of genres, the story keeps readers guessing and engaged until the very end.
- Exploring themes of friendship, loss, and redemption, the narrative delves into the complex lives of the characters, adding depth and emotional resonance.
- By highlighting the tragic history of an all-girls boarding school and seamlessly intertwining it with the present-day mystery, the book offers a unique and haunting reading experience.
Who should read The Broken Girls?
- Readers who enjoy mystery and suspense novels
- Those interested in stories with supernatural elements
- People who appreciate dual timeline narratives
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The Broken Girls FAQs
What is the main message of The Broken Girls?
The main message of The Broken Girls is that the past has a way of catching up to us and that justice can be found even in the darkest of places.
How long does it take to read The Broken Girls?
The reading time for The Broken Girls varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Broken Girls a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Broken Girls is a haunting and gripping read that is definitely worth your time. It combines mystery, history, and a touch of the supernatural to create a truly captivating story.
Who is the author of The Broken Girls?
The author of The Broken Girls is Simone St. James.
How many chapters are in The Broken Girls?
There are 32 chapters in The Broken Girls.
How many pages are in The Broken Girls?
The Broken Girls contains 336 pages.
When was The Broken Girls published?
The Broken Girls was published in 2017.
What to read after The Broken Girls?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Broken Girls, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher