Girl A

December 21, 2020
Alexandra “Lex” Gracie, the protagonist of Dean’s harrowing debut, grew up in an abusive home in Hollowfield, England, from which she escaped 15 years earlier and freed her older brother and four younger siblings. Her father committed suicide the day of her escape; her mother, Deborah, later went to prison; and she and her brothers and sisters were placed in foster homes. Now a 30-something lawyer in New York City, Lex returns to England after she learns Deborah has died of cancer. Deborah has made Lex the executor of her estate, which includes the Hollowfield house. Lex wants to turn the “house of horrors” into a community center, but she needs approval from each of her siblings to do so. Meanwhile, her identity as Girl A, as she was identified in the press at the time of her escape, resurfaces, forcing her to recollect the abuse and negligence they all endured from their parents. The frequent and ambiguous narrative shifts from past to present can be hard to follow, but the author skillfully brings the complicated relationships among the siblings as well as the secrets they share into dramatic relief. This assured psychological thriller marks Dean as a writer to watch. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency.

Lex was known as Girl A after her escape from her abusive parents. Listeners join Lex when, years later, her mother dies in prison. As the executor of her mother's will, Lex is forced to face her past once again. Ell Potter's strong yet subtle narration helps to build the tension in this story. The narrative shifts time frames, and Potter's characterization helps to distinguish the young Lex from the highly accomplished but flawed adult Lex. Potter's characterization of Lex's sister, Evie, depicts a vulnerable character whom Lex wants very much to protect. Potter's careful pacing allows listeners to use their imaginations to the fullest without feeling that the horror is being overly dramatized. K.J.P. � AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine