The Broken Girls is a bestselling novel by Simone St. James, published in 2018. This gothic mystery mixes history, the supernatural, and psychological suspense to weave a tale that is both chilling and captivating. Set in a boarding school for troubled girls, the novel examines loss, resilience, and how the past affects us.
This article will delve into the book’s summary, themes, characters, and more. We’ll look at the author’s background, how the book was received, and its chances for a movie adaptation.
The Broken Girls
The Broken Girls is a gothic mystery that weaves together two timelines: one set in 1950 and the other in 2014. The story is set at Idlewild Hall, a Vermont boarding school for troubled girls. This novel mixes historical fiction, supernatural suspense, and psychological thriller. It’s a must-read for genre fans.
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Simone St. James writes with rich settings, deep characters, and thrilling stories. The Broken Girls is no exception, offering readers a haunting and immersive experience.
The Broken Girls Summary
The novel alternates between two timelines:
- In 1950, four roommates at Idlewild Hall—Katie, CeCe, Roberta, and Sonia—grew close. They face the ups and downs of school life together. When Mary Hand’s ghost is said to haunt the grounds, the girls uncover dark secrets about the school’s past.
- 2014: Journalist Fiona Sheridan is still haunted by her sister Deb’s murder. Deb’s body was found near Idlewild Hall twenty years ago. Fiona finds out the school is being restored. She decides to look into the link between her sister’s death and the school’s dark past.
Fiona digs into the mystery. She finds hidden secrets about Idlewild Hall and the girls who lived there. The story shifts between the 1950s and Fiona’s investigation, creating tension and suspense.
The novel ends with a shocking twist. It connects the past and present, leaving readers breathless.
The Broken Girls Book
The Broken Girls is a standalone novel. It has received much praise for its gripping story and vivid setting.
- Publication Details:
- First Published: March 20, 2018
- Publisher: Berkley
- Pages: 336 (Hardcover)
The book has done well both critically and commercially. It made The New York Times Best Seller list and won many awards.
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Simone St. James is a Canadian author of gothic mysteries and psychological thrillers. Born in Toronto, she has become one of the most popular voices in the genre.
- Notable Works:
- The Haunting of Maddy Clare (2012)
- An Inquiry into Love and Death (2013)
- Silence for the Dead (2014)
- The Sun Down Motel (2020)
St. James’s writing features rich settings, deep characters, and engaging plots. The Broken Girls continues this tradition, offering readers a haunting and immersive experience.
The Broken Girls Movie
There is no official news about a movie based on The Broken Girls right now. The book has great cinematic potential and a strong story, making it a good choice for adaptation.
Fans can’t wait to see the vibrant world and rich characters of The Broken Girls on-screen.
The Broken Girls Review
Critical Reception:
- The New York Times said it’s “a chilling and atmospheric thriller that keeps you guessing until the end.”
- NPR praised its “unpredictable twists and richly drawn characters.”
Reader Reviews:
- On Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 4.1/5 based on over 100,000 reviews.
- Readers often highlight the book’s gripping narrative, complex characters, and unpredictable twists.
The Broken Girls Synopsis
The Broken Girls is a gothic mystery that mixes historical fiction, supernatural suspense, and psychological thriller elements. The story jumps between 1950 and 2014 and uncovers the dark secrets of Idlewild Hall and the girls who lived there.
The novel celebrates resilience, love, and the human capacity for survival. It is a must-read for gothic mystery fans, but be ready for its emotional depth and dark themes.
The Broken Girl’s Ending
The novel ends with a surprising twist that connects the past and present. The ending is both satisfying and sad. It gives closure to the characters and the readers.
The Broken Girl’s Characters
The novel features a rich cast of characters, each contributing to the intricate plot:
- Fiona Sheridan is the main character. She is a journalist looking into her sister’s death and its link to Idlewild Hall.
- Katie, CeCe, Roberta, and Sonia were four roommates at Idlewild Hall in 1950. Their friendship faces challenges from the school’s dark secrets.
- Mary Hand: The ghost of Idlewild Hall is rumored to haunt the school and its people.
- Jamie Creel: Fiona’s boyfriend, who supports her investigation.
The Broken Girl’s Quotes
The novel is filled with memorable quotes that reflect its themes and beauty:
- “The past never stays where you leave it.”
- “Secrets have a way of festering. They grow and grow until they consume you.”
- “Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to confront the past.”
Author Details:
- Name: Simone St. James
- Born: 1973, Toronto, Canada
- Notable Works:
- The Haunting of Maddy Clare
- An Inquiry into Love and Death
- Silence for the Dead
- The Sun Down Motel
Book References:
- Title: The Broken Girls
- Author: Simone St. James
- Publisher: Berkley
- Publication Year: 2018
- Pages: 336
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