by Alice Sebold
reviewed by Emily Curley
Alice Sebold creates a world like no other in her novel “The Lovely Bones”. The reader grasps an understanding of a young girl named Susie Salmon. This includes the days before her murderous death and the elongated months after. Full of suspense, mystery, and crime this novel will leave the reader constantly wanting more.
The author begins the novel by giving the reader a clear understanding of Susie Salmon’s normal teenage life. Susie attends high school and is like any other ordinary teenage girl. She had friends, a crush, and for the most part enjoyed the life she knew so well. But just when the reader is led to believe there is likely a happy ending, a terrible misfortune occurs. Susie Salmon is murdered on December 6, 1973. A murder caused by someone thought to be a reclusive and worry free neighbor, Mr. Harvey.
The murder creates a major shift in the small town of Norristown, Pennsylvania. While everyone is trying to accept the loss of a beloved child and friend, Susie is trying to accept the fact that she will no longer be present on earth, but rather present in heaven. In heaven, Susie witnesses the ups and downs that occur after her death and she constantly tries to send signals to her family and friends, pointing them in the direction of the murderer, Mr. Harvey. Through all her attempts, the reader experiences an emotional roller coaster ride filled with anguish and hope.
Words cannot express the level of suspense in this novel; lets just say I could never read this book without having nightmares. At times, I found myself jumping out of my seat, running out of my room, telling my parents the gory details about the death and eventual dismemberment of the main character’s body. If you like murder and mystery, I would highly recommend this book.
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