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The Broken Girls summary
Brief summary
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is a gripping mystery novel that weaves together the stories of four girls at a boarding school in Vermont, both in 1950 and in 2014. It delves into the dark history of the school and the secrets that connect the past to the present.
Table of Contents
The Broken Girls
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Haunting Past of Idlewild Hall
In The Broken Girls by Simone St. James, we are introduced to the haunting and mysterious Idlewild Hall, a boarding school for troubled girls in Vermont. The story unfolds in two timelines, the first set in 1950 and the second in 2014, both revolving around the same school and the dark secrets it holds.
In the 1950s timeline, we meet four girls – Katie, Roberta, Cece, and Sonia – all sent to Idlewild for various reasons. Despite their differences, the girls form a strong bond and become each other’s family in the harsh environment of the school. However, their friendship is tested when one of them disappears under mysterious circumstances, leaving the others grappling with fear and confusion.
Unveiling the Truth of a Murdered Sister
Jumping to 2014, we are introduced to Fiona Sheridan, a journalist still haunted by the brutal murder of her sister, Deb, twenty years ago. Deb’s body was found on the abandoned grounds of Idlewild Hall, and her boyfriend was convicted of the crime. However, Fiona is plagued by doubts about the true circumstances of her sister’s death.
When Fiona learns that Idlewild Hall is being restored, she decides to write a story about the place, hoping to find closure for her sister’s tragic end. As she delves into the school’s history, she uncovers disturbing facts about the girls who lived there, including her sister, and the secrets they took to their graves.
An Unexpected Connection and a Haunting Mystery
While at Idlewild, Fiona stumbles upon the connection between her sister’s death and the disappearances of the girls in the 1950s. She learns about Mary Hand, a ghostly figure haunting the school, who was believed to be responsible for the deaths of the girls. As she digs deeper, Fiona realizes that Mary Hand might not just be a figment of the girls’ imaginations but a real person with a horrifying history.
Simultaneously, in the 1950s timeline, we witness the girls’ attempts to unravel the mystery behind their friend’s disappearance. They suspect a connection between their missing friend and the ghostly sightings of Mary Hand. Their investigations lead them to a disturbing revelation that puts their lives in danger.
Confronting the Ghosts of the Past
As the story progresses, both timelines converge, and Fiona and the 1950s girls find themselves fighting a common enemy. The truth about Mary Hand and her connection to Idlewild Hall is revealed, shedding light on the tragic fates of the girls who lived there. Fiona also uncovers the shocking reality of her sister’s murder, finally finding the closure she had been seeking for so long.
In the end, The Broken Girls is not just a ghost story or a murder mystery; it’s a poignant tale of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of sisterhood. It’s about confronting the ghosts of the past, both literal and metaphorical, and finding the strength to move forward despite the haunting memories.
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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 journalist Fiona Sheridan investigates the abandoned school, she uncovers dark secrets and a connection to her own past. The book delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the haunting power of the past.
The Broken Girls Review
The Broken Girls (2018) is a riveting mystery novel that intertwines the stories of a murder in 1950 and a journalist's investigation in 2014, set in a haunted boarding school. Here's why this book stands out:
- Its complex and compelling dual storyline keeps readers hooked, revealing hidden connections and mysteries that span decades.
- Delving into themes of friendship, loss, and the supernatural, the book offers a rich and multi-layered reading experience.
- With its suspenseful atmosphere and unexpected twists, the book ensures a thrilling and unpredictable journey from start to finish.
Who should read The Broken Girls?
Readers who enjoy mystery and suspense
Those interested in stories with a historical and contemporary dual timeline
People who appreciate well-developed and complex female characters
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Book summaries like The Broken Girls
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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 about unraveling mysteries of the past and seeking justice.
How long does it take to read The Broken Girls?
Reading The Broken Girls takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in less than 15 minutes.
Is The Broken Girls a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Broken Girls is a compelling read with suspense and emotional depth, making it worth your time.
Who is the author of The Broken Girls?
The author of The Broken Girls is Simone St. James.
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