THE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK

Morgan Hallett narrates this engrossing story set in a state institution in the 1970s. While Sage Winters seems both resolute and hopelessly naïve, listeners will be shocked and riveted by her mistaken imprisonment in the grim facility known as Willowbrook, a supposed school for "mentally defective" and otherwise unwanted children. While this story is partly an exposé of a horrific institution, which actually existed on Staten Island, it is also a coming-of-age story about a teen who must redefine her family connections. Hallett does an excellent job of depicting Sage's vulnerability, confusion, and terror. Her characterization of Sage's seemingly best friend, Eddie, is frighteningly apt. Parts of the novel are repetitious and predictable, but the overall production will stay in listeners' minds and may even produce nightmares. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2022]