S. F. Prescott

Intense and terrifying. I couldn’t put this down.

Will Dean grew up in the East Midlands, living in nine different villages before the age of eighteen. After studying law at the LSE, and working many varied jobs in London, he settled in rural Sweden with his wife. He built a wooden house in a boggy forest clearing and its from this base that he compulsively reads and writes.

Published April 20th, 2021.

First thing I’ll say is: buy this book!

I read the first chapter and immediately found myself clicking to purchase the book. Hooked from the first line, I tore through to the last page, desperate to find out how it would end. The characters were relatable, their stories heartbreaking. A scene that struck me in particular was when Jane would reread the letters sent by her little sister as a means to cope with her situation. There was something so humane in those moments, and how she would disassociate from the abuse and think about happier times.

Every chapter left me hanging with a new development, slowly revealing the depravity aimed at Jane, held captive by her ‘husband’, Lenn. A middle aged man who acquired a bride illegally, trafficking her from Vietnam all the way to England. Jane’s will to survive was addictive to read, along with the memories of the family she left behind including her younger sister, working in Manchester to pay off their debts.

The writing was tense and the pace was fast. The description of the farm and surrounding land was vivid and created a real sense of isolation as the story unfolded. The author’s voice was unique and enjoyable. Although it was tough to read at times as each nightmare scenario unfolded and Jane drifted deeper into a helpless pit of despair. I cared about the female characters and couldn’t wait for them to get revenge, which they did in a very satisfying ending.

For readers who enjoy fast paced thrillers, strong female characters, dark topics.

Synopsis:

He is her husband. She is his captive.

Her husband calls her Jane. That is not her name.

She lives in a small farm cottage, surrounded by vast, open fields. Everywhere she looks, there is space. But she is trapped. No one knows she is there. Visitors rarely come to the farm; if they do, she is never seen.

Her husband records her every movement during the day. If he doesn’t like what he sees, she is punished.

For a long time, escape seemed impossible. But now, something has changed. She has a reason to live and a reason to fight. Now, she is watching him, and waiting…