I could not find a single list of Summer 2016 Must-Reads that didn’t include The Girls by Emma Cline. The marketing worked, because I finally caved, and bought a hardcover copy. Prior to the purchase, I learned that The Girls is Emma Cline’s very first novel. And with that, she received a $2,000,000 advance. Yes, a two million dollar advance as a first time author. That is practically unheard of in the publishing world.
So, I was highly intrigued, and knew I had to read it. OK, so the plot. And then, the age old question…
Did The Girls live up to the hype?
The story was set in the late 1960’s in Northern California. The book is entirely narrated by Evie Boyd, she is 14 years old. It’s the summer of 1969. Evie is bored and lonely. She’s also a bit lost, unsure of herself, and angry. One afternoon she spots a group of girls, and is instantly drawn to them. To Suzanne, specifically. The way the girls carry themselves, the way they are. Evie wants to be one of them… one of The Girls.
Desperate for Suzanne’s approval and attention, Evie finds herself back at the ranch house, where the girls are currently living, under the care and mystical spell of Russell. Russell is a character that is heavily mirrored by Charles Manson. Evie spends much of her summer at the ranch house, slowly drinking the cool-aid. Though, much of the story has to do with Evie’s obsession over Suzanne, rather than Russell’s allure, who seems to pale in comparison, and the things she finds herself willing to do to ensure she stays in Suzanne’s good graces.
The book has very strong parallels to the Manson Family. This book dives in a bit deeper to give the reader an understanding of why on earth someone would join a cult. And it’s very easy to see how it happens to poor Evie. And that’s what I loved so much about the book — it took you inside the mind of a 14 year old girl. It felt like reliving my early teenage years (minus the cult).
I thought it was a very compelling and a strong story, up until mid-point. Then it seemed to lose momentum for me a bit. I will say, the writing was vivid, had wonderful imagery, was truly beautiful, and a bit hypnotic. But I don’t think that it made up for a slightly thin plot. And for that reason, I’m going to have to say, that I don’t think it was worth all the hype. Was it good? Yes, it was. But I wouldn’t move this to the top of your reading list.
Have you read The Girls, dear bookworms? And if so, what did you think?