The Girl Next Door
by Jack Ketchum
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jack KetchumEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1989-11
ISBN: 0446349097
Publisher: Warner Books
Book Reviews of The Girl Next Door
Book Review: Mildly disappointing....
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading 4 previous Ketchum novels (JOYRIDE, THE LOST, HIDE AND SEEK, OFF SEASON), I wanted 2 B bowled-over by this book, especially after reading Stephen King's introduction 2 it elsewhere. Instead, I'm mildly disappointed & am wondering what all the fuss is about -- must B cos it's so hard 2 find copies. If Ketchum wrote this 2day, it would hit harder & move 2 the basement-torture chamber faster.4 the 1st half of the book, I was wondering if Ketchum COULD write something so shocking & painful that I wouldn't B able 2 read it; 4 awhile I was positive he was going 2 do it. Then about 1/2way, he starts shying away -- events happen offstage, or Ketchum just flat tells U in the text that he's not going 2 present something. Tho what remains is gripping, compelling, horrifically vivid & painful, I don't think it Dserves the award 4 Ultimate Horror Novel, or whatever.
Consider: Ketchum takes nearly 80 pgs 2 set up his basic situation, then still doesn't quite do it. Tho several characters R real, believable people (especially Danny the narrator, Meg the heroine, and Ruth the villianess), others R just names: Nicky is a psychotic with a tire-iron; Woofer feeds worms 2 ants; Willy is a whiny fat-boy; Denise is a giggly slut -- who's previously bn abused herself. Others R just names who R simply there 2 watch.
I was also frustrated with how many times Meg could've gotten away with Danny's help & nobody did NEthing. 1 action by 1 person could've changed things. There R 2 many holes.
But there R things worth reading: 1 early scene in which Danny & Meg go 4 a ride on a ferris wheel is worthy of early Ray Bradbury. & the rest is vivid, believable, painful -- & 1nce the story really gets rolling, it's gripping.
But this isn't a step above Ketchum's other novels (all 4 I named above a 4-star-worthy). I'm still Xploring him; I got bogged down 2/3rds of the way thru LADIES' NIGHT....
Summary of The Girl Next Door
A teenage girl is held captive and brutally tortured by neighborhood children. Based on a true story, this shocking novel reveals the depravity of which we are all capable.Horror Books
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