In Focus

I have joined a book club. Mainly, the adult equivalent of a girl’s night out and an excuse to get out of the house. I think it’s pretty great.

We had our first meeting to discuss the book “Unspeakable Things” that was written by Jess Lourey, a Minnesota author. It was an interesting read.

The story is told from the perspective of a 12/13 year old girl, Cassie, and loosely based on the Jacob Wetterling abduction, and the abduction of several area boys in the 1980s. The story takes place in “Lilydale” or Loruey’s hometown of Paynesville.

Without giving much away, the book focuses on the abduction and rape of several school aged boys, a boy goes missing, shady town cops and an abusive father working together to sell drugs, and a secret sex party-that isn’t so secret in a small town.

Yea, this book isn’t for the faint of heart, and this poor girl’s life is a mess.

I had mixed feelings about the book, and the ending. The story being told from Cassie’s perspective was an interesting way to narrate the book, and seeing the events unfold through the eyes of a young girl, while she is dealing with an abusive, alcoholic father and a mother who turns a blind eye and a sister who may have been victimized by her own father. There is not much happy in this book. It was written quite suspenseful, and even has information on butchering chickens. And it is set in Minnesota-in the Summer!

But we felt there were some unanswered questions that left us wondering, and there is no part two. While Cassie solves the mystery behind the abductions, that was the only satisfaction we got from the book. Anything that pertained to her issues at home were left unanswered.

I did enjoy the book, and I think others will to, but I think the lack of satisfaction at the end will leave others just as disappointed and I am. But I think for the more critical reader, some of the symbolism in the book is fascinating. I would like to read more of her work.