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The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 298 ratings · 45 reviews

"Alone in the darkened house, with only fire's glow and thirteen flickering candles for illumination, silent except for the mounting chords of a Liszt concerto, Rynn was preparing a solemn celebration. Until a knock at the door shattered sanctuary."

Hardcover, 254 pages

Published April 18th 1974 by Coward-McCann & Geoghegan, Inc. (first published 1973)

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Jul 22, 2012 Willowfaerie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: made-into-a-movie, mystery, favorites

I want to explain why I love this book so much, but I don’t know if I can put it into words. I guess I’ll start from the beginning. This is going to be a long rambling review, which probably nobody will read. But I’m compelled to write it. Lol

Anyway, I saw the movie The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, years ago on the late late show . I was about fourteen and it became my absolute favorite movie. I could relate to the character of Rynn so well. Growing up in the seventies and eighties, my...more I want to explain why I love this book so much, but I don’t know if I can put it into words. I guess I’ll start from the beginning. This is going to be a long rambling review, which probably nobody will read. But I’m compelled to write it. Lol

Anyway, I saw the movie The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, years ago on the late late show . I was about fourteen and it became my absolute favorite movie. I could relate to the character of Rynn so well. Growing up in the seventies and eighties, my parents made me a latch key kid. I spent most of my evenings alone. I was very shy and didn’t have many friends. Not to mention, we lived far out in the mountains. I remember one time my folks left me alone for a whole weekend. The house creaked, the wind blew, and I had no one I could call. This profound sense of vulnerability and loneliness engulfed me. For this reason, Rynn was like my hero, because she embraced her ‘aloneness.’ And even for a young girl, she was a force to be reckoned with. If I had known there was a book, I would have read it.

Reading this book, now, years later, I thought I would feel differently, but all those old feelings came racing back, along with some others. This book packs a punch. This is like my dream YA book. Rynn isn’t some badass chick who beats up the bad guys. No she’s just clever and resourceful. She vanquishes her enemies a different way, a horrible way. She's a killer.

Yet there is a real sense of danger for her. The Hallets are menacing as hell, especially child molester Frank. I got to thinking about how I’ve been reading all these YA novels with these nasty villains who can rip off people’s heads and drink blood, yet Frank, who’s just human, seemed a lot scarier.

The love story is beautiful. Rynn looks at the world as her enemy. She’s so used to being on the defense that it takes her completely by surprise the way Mario moves into her lonely existence. I could see why these two lonely teens would fall for each other, and I was moved by their love.

And last but not least, the writing is beautiful. Laird Koenig writes lyrical and sparse prose. I actually posted a couple of quotes, because I thought it was so lovely. Every word counts. Koenig doesn’t worry that the reader might not catch his gist. He just assumes you’ll know, which is refreshing. If I noticed a problem, it was the way Koenig jumps into other character’s point of view. Rynn is such a strong presence that when you’re reading someone else it seems out of place. But that is just a nit. I suppose the ending is kind of abrupt and might annoy some readers, but I loved it.

Is the book like the movie? Yes, I guess laird wrote the script, so almost all of the dialogue is intact. The book is edgier and grittier than the film though, and I found myself more caught up in the suspense, even though I knew what was going to happen. To my surprise, I’m not sure Jody Foster truly captured Rynn. Yes Jody did an excellent job, but Rynn is so British, and this is such a big part of her character, which Jody didn’t fit at all.

I realize a book like this probably wouldn’t be allowed to be published today simply because Rynn has sex. I think this is a shame, because underage sex is a part of life. It exists. And trying to eliminate it from literature is not going to make it go away. Yet I know, most publishers won’t even go there.

All in all, I loved this book, I’m not sure I would recommend it out to everyone though. I think my love for it may be a personal thing.
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Oct 30, 2011 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Creepy sad...maybe disturbing. (I never saw the movie.) the picture of a girl living alone and trying to get by. The pressure she deals with stays with you. The story, which of course I can't discuss without giving away spoilers is good/haunting. You can debate with yourself the sanity or insanity here. You will quite likely find yourself sympathizing with Rynn, but at the same time realize you'd be a little frightened by her. As she defends her own carefully constructed and isolated reality you...more

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Oct 07, 2007 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people who keep meaning to clean out the basement

Shelves: badgirls, sicksicksick, mommiedearest, scaredthebejeezusouttame

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 23, 2012 Ryland Dinneen rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane is about a 12 year old girl named Rynn who lives with her father (or so she claims) and takes care of herself well. She listens to classical music and is fascinated by the works of Emily Dickinson. Yet she has a dark secret.
This novel thouroughly kept me entertained. Lair Koenig has painted a portrait of a strong young girl who can stand up for herself, yet may not be all that she seems. He does not bother to bore us with useless descriptions of things tha...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

I loved it and for many reasons. I could quite honestly read this book time and time over just to enjoy again the beautifully delivered narrative. Laird's writing created such a visual in the minds eye, one would be forgiven for wondering if it wasn't a movie you'd watched instead of a book you'd just read.
I haven't seen the movie - nor do I want to, as much as I love and admire Jodie Foster, I prefer a book anytime and following one with the other in my experience gives rise to a certain dissa...more

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May 26, 2011 Lee Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spooooooky-stuff

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Oct 28, 2012 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Imagine Tom Ripley as a barely pubescent girl named Rynn who lives in the title area. Ingenious and clever with her murders, a touch sensitive about the father who is perpetually not around at the moment ("he's translating") and an equally missing mother, Rynn gets things going when disposing of a disliked nosy neighbor leasing the house in which Rynn and Absent Dad are boarding. Unlikely friendship gets struck up between Rynn and the son of a local police officer. Every single supporting charac...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Ricardo da Luz Cezar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of those books every thriller/horror reader should read. I read it a few years ago and just today I remembered to add to my Read list. A lonely girl living with her father, a translator/poet who never leaves his room and neighbours willing to do anything to get hold of him. She, at 13, has to deal with everything by herself, banking, pay bills, do shopping, deal with nosy people, who want to know why they are so reclusive, police and even a creepy sex offender. Ok, ok..cliche, but......more

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Apr 03, 2013 Drew rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, mystery, ebook, favorites

A really fun book to read, in a dark way. The writing is effortless and I easily read through pages and chapters with nary a cognitive stumble. The author creates a dark and lonely setting that invites the reader to sit closer and listen, almost like Rynn and Mario sitting close to the hearth, illuminated only by the fire.

Rynn's love of books and bookstores is dear to my heart. Her love of her father's poetry, especially his published book that she keeps on the mantle is wonderful drawn. Koenig...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Amai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Although this book wasn't, to me personally, exactly of the life-changing kind, I still finished it in one go, even though I had seen the movie first before finding out about the novel and therefore knew perfectly well what was about to happen.

In a way, I saw my 13-year old self in Rynn – I was also living with a father who was barely ever there, albeit more than Rynn's, and had a deep hatred for school despite being intelligent and rather drawn to knowledge. Koenig did a very good job describin...more Although this book wasn't, to me personally, exactly of the life-changing kind, I still finished it in one go, even though I had seen the movie first before finding out about the novel and therefore knew perfectly well what was about to happen.

In a way, I saw my 13-year old self in Rynn – I was also living with a father who was barely ever there, albeit more than Rynn's, and had a deep hatred for school despite being intelligent and rather drawn to knowledge. Koenig did a very good job describing the thoughts and feelings of a young girl who feels extremely alienated from the rest of humanity. The insecure feelings, the way she keeps making up characters and stepping out of herself, the way she masks herself and the way she escapes the world into poetry... It was all so well written I had trouble believing he has never been a young girl himself. I don't think Jodie Foster captured any of Rynn's rich inner world – just the way she appeared to the people she didn't like.

This is one of those books that make you re-evaluate the concept of villain. Sure, the biggest bad guys were the Hallets – especially Frank, who was extra disgusting for being so perfectly real, just an unpleasant human being and nothing more – but nobody seems perfectly innocent in the end. Rynn takes the lives of three people out of the fear and paranoia her father planted in her. The world is full of bad choices and there rarely is a way to make it good for everybody – especially with people like the Hallets around.

Rynn and Mario's puppy love was cute, and I saw it as a very important part of the story and the character development despite it was not the center of attention. It seemed to shape Rynn a whole lot more than the act of murdering several people, which shows how upside down her world was. She already thought ill of everyone, so it seemed perfectly normal for her to kill, but to love – it didn't suit her plans, it hit her unexpectedly, and it seemed like she didn't even believe she could ever find someone worthy of her trust, but then she did anyway. I'm glad the underage sex scene was included despite the heavily paedophilic themes brought in by the creepy Frank Hallet.

The writing itself was beautiful and poetic, although not really masterful in my personal opinion – I always find myself longing for a more metaphysical take on the world – but the best things about this book were certainly the witty plot, the unusual structure and the believable characters and their dynamics. The ending was genius and unbearable at the same time. Like an eternal cliffhanger! I must confess I feel somewhat emotionally torn by it. I wanted to know if Mario got better! I loved his character so.

Overall, the book was very absorbing, and a beautiful pearl among its genre.(less)

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Aug 05, 2012 Arabella rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is written using very simple language, but it is a very well-structured thriller: diabolical!

Rynn is a 13-year-old Pippi Longstocking, without the crazy animals and bizarre clothing. She is a very mature, independent, and capable young adult who will do anything she needs to do to survive and maintain her private existence. A little help from a friend goes a long way.

For God's sake, don't threaten her way of life, or you might not make it home! The ending is very satisfying, but one...more

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Sep 05, 2011 Brian James rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I opened this book not knowing anything about it and was completely blown away. I literally couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. It follows a 13 year old English girl named Rynn who has recently relocated to Long Island in the '70s. Now I must confess that Rynn is my favorite type of character, a strong willed, intelligent young protagonist who refuses to bow to the unfairness of the adult world. In that sense, the book reminded me of some of my all time favorites like Paper Moon and...more

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May 22, 2011 Steph Rathbun rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, chunksters

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Little Girl Who Lived Down The Lane is a brooding and macabre story, filled with the sense of impending danger. It also has an eerie sense of precocius cleverness almost until the very end. It is a creepy novel and a solid one at that, filled with revelations and implications that will long stick with you after the book is over. It is very good.

As it opens, a teenage girl is alone and preparing to celebrate her birthday, complete with glowing candles and the mounting chords of a Liszt conce...more The Little Girl Who Lived Down The Lane is a brooding and macabre story, filled with the sense of impending danger. It also has an eerie sense of precocius cleverness almost until the very end. It is a creepy novel and a solid one at that, filled with revelations and implications that will long stick with you after the book is over. It is very good.

As it opens, a teenage girl is alone and preparing to celebrate her birthday, complete with glowing candles and the mounting chords of a Liszt concerto. Before she can progress with the solo festivities, the young girl is interrupted by a much older man at the door. Among many things, he enquires where her father is as the pair insist on living a reclusive lifestyle. She gives a simple answer that yes her father is present, however he is currently busy with work. Or he is out of town. Either makes for a sufficient reason. The man has his doubts about this answer, and as the story gradually develops, so do we.

Most of the details, but not all, become clear. Rynn is highly precocius and has a strong independent spirit and a resourceful streak. Her father, referred to often but never seen, is a poet who took it upon himself to instill in his daughter the capability of fending for herself. And Rynn has many ways of protecting herself and her homestead. And, once the haughty landlord Mrs. Hallett and her ill-intentioned adult son Frank meet the young girl, the story seems to become a combination of a fairy tale and a suspenseful mystery novel. The story could have easily become forced at this attempt, but Koenig stylishly brings the two together with some sentiment and insight.

Mrs. Hallett and Frank are essentially the wicked stepmother and big bad wolf figures in this story. There individual suspicions of Rynn are hinted at in many ways, and they all amount to this: that Rynn really is on her own and could make for easy pray for Frank, while Mrs. Hallett knows full well the repercussions of this and feels the need to neutralize the situation before the girl starts any trouble.

Koenig does something else that's effective as he introduces an element of reality. Here he arranges for Rynn to come across two ordinary and well-meaning people, Officer Miglioriti and his teenaged nephew Mario. Mario appears to be the first boy similar in age to Rynn with whom she can become emotinally invested in; indeed, this is possibly her first encounter in which she actually sets personal and social ties with people who live "regular" lives, and it brings a sense of strangeness and unfamlairity to her situation. This touch of reality brings into focus how peculair her life has been.

By thus far into the story, the reader can consider how hard it is to be Rynn. You have apparently never had close relations with anyone your own age. You have never blended in with other people. You are a highly intellectual teenage girl. You have a strong knowledge for classical music and ways of preserving corpses. Your dad was your only guide into the real world, rife with influence and preconceived notions, and you have yet to be given the opportunity to explore and build your own opinions about this same world. The world is essentially both a dangerous and wonderous place, with big bad wolves and noble heroes, and wit and resourcefulness is your only weapon.

The best thing that can be said about this story, I think, is that it works. Koenig took a difficult situation and made it believable. He exercises his craft so well that we follow Rynn right up to the end, serving the tea and cookies and waiting for that next move... (less)

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Jul 24, 2011 Christal rated it 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE this book. As much as I love it, I have to say I think people who have seen the film version before they read it have an advantage over the people who haven't. The reader doesn't understand Rynn's motivations until halfway through the book, and to be honest, its kind of hard to root for the book version of Rynn until you understand why she's done what she's done.

The best part of this book, for me, is the author's writing style. I ADORE his turn of phrase. The book in itself is a simple st...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 20, 2012 Joigrl rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book may 'date' me a little, but I read it when I was a young adolescent girl and just started thinking boys were pretty cool. It was a fun book with lots of adventures and a little weirdness, but very well done! I'd love to hear what you thought of it!

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Jan 05, 2011 Jean rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spooky and intriguing. Keonig is great at setting an eerie scene for this book. I read it in October, which was fitting as the air was chilling and jack o'lanterns starting grinning. Subtle mystery and suspense with an interesting pro(?)tagonist. Very quick read.

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Apr 23, 2013 Kevin Lucia rated it 5 of 5 stars

EXCELLENT. Could fit this in to Horror 101 as a suburban gothic, with a murderess and a threatening male, and this is one of those stories in which you can't help but really like the murderess, because the entire world is set against her, and she's just trying to survive. Also...nice ending...

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Feb 24, 2010 Christine rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everybody who enjoys a good love story & thriller

Recommended to Christine by: I found it by co-incidence, because Jody Foster was on the cover

"The little Girl who lives down the Lane" is the best book I ever read and would be the one that I would take to a deserted island (I hope I could bring more though :)).
The movie with Jodie Foster was great, much better than "Taxi Driver".
I read it in English last year and the year before after having read the German translation since 1976 multiple times (I usually reread it on every Halloween). But I have to admit that the writing style is even better in German than it is in English. This must...more

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Jan 21, 2013 Sandi Mann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had this novel years ago, having loved the telemovie starring Martin Sheen & Jodie Foster...but was disappointed when I got this copy from BookDepository, not realising it was a script. I dont think they made that clear...I wanted a book.

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Feb 16, 2012 Neil McGarry rated it 5 of 5 stars

I saw the movie before reading the book, and it's hard to know which is better! Koenig creates a main character who is both sympathetic and a bit frightening, depending on what she's doing at the moment. This is a must-read...if you can find it.

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Sep 03, 2012 Kahri Lynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Read this even I was in middle school. Was reminded of it recently by something, not sure what. Had to re-read it and see what it was I liked so much. I haven't ever seen the movie but, since it is on Netflix, I will be watching it soon!

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Jan 09, 2011 Loripdx rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in the 1970s when I was a young girl, and it's always been a favorite of mine. I never saw the movie, though. Sometimes I purposely don't watch the movie because it my opinion the book is usually better anyway!

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Jun 02, 2010 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kind of strange but this is a "comfort" book for me. I like to reread it in the fall...drink a cup tea, eat some almond cookies, put on a little Franz Liszt...a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

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May 17, 2012 Sabra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-a-long-time-ago, my-favorites

I read this book when I was in High School in the '70's, long before it was made into a movie! It has always been one of my favorites! Kind of eerie and creepy, but I have always enjoyed this genre.

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Feb 17, 2013 Donna Humble rated it 5 of 5 stars

I had seen the movie years ago and was very happy tp see that it followed the book so closely. I liked the book because it gave me a closer look at the characters and how it all began.

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May 29, 2012 Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's a simple story line but written in a way that keeps you reading. Having stumbled on to the movie on Netflix prior, I do wish that I had known about and read the book first though. Other than a few minor details (i.e. in the movie, her pet is a gerbil, not a rat) they are very similar. Having said this, I had expected things to be if not different, more elaborate in details that may or may not have been taken out for the movie's sake. This being said, I may not have enjoyed the book as much...more

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Nov 12, 2010 Elaine Cristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this book when I was really young... can't remember exactly when... but it stuck with me cos never the ending surprised me a great deal.

Nice mystery!

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May 04, 2009 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Saw the movie first. The girl in this book is WAY creepier than the one in the movie, and that's all I'll say about it.

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May 16, 2011 Chris J rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book. brave little girl. If I ever have a daughter, I will have her read it (@ around 13-15 years of age)

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“The night, a living presence, was in constant motion, shifting itself, sighing, breathing. She wondered if perhaps it, too, was trying to get warm.” — 3 people liked it

“Giving and taking comfort in everything they could give and take, every part of them sought to make themselves one till it was impossible for either to know the comforter from the one being comforted.” — 2 people liked it

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