The Child Finder - Mar/Apr 2020

[Ben]

Our discussion was postponed due to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). We're planning to meet in April to discuss this title.

However, feel free to get the conversation started here. First impressions, likes/dislikes, etc. are welcome.

[Kendryck]

I want to save some for the face-to-face discussion but thought I’d share a couple first thoughts and things that made me think a little:

1. Quick and easy read but really enjoyable
2. Compared to “Someone we know”, the character and plot development was excellent
3. While I really enjoyed this one, I typically find for some reason that characters are more relatable when there is some sort of vice or crutch to help with them being broken: ie Sherlock Homes as a heroin addict; Harry Hole as an alcoholic; etc.
4. I really enjoyed how the man was created as I kept going back and forth on how I felt between repulsion and empathy. Obviously the pedophilia was horrific but it was also all he knew as a form of love and connection in combination with being deaf and isolated his entire life.
Really great book and adding her to my list of authors to follow for now.

[Ben]

I agree that it was quick and easy. I found the book incredibly swift in its storytelling. Despite this, I felt like I got to know the characters pretty well. They each had a unique voice. I especially liked Naomi, as she wrestled with her inner demons, personal journey, and the current case. Naomi's vice/crutch would most likely be her child finding profession. It's both a crutch (keeps her from exploring her own story) and an outlet (keeps her sane and with purpose).

At first I was disappointed in the author's decision to give Mr. B his own narrative voice. It made me understand his motives and reasoning. I didn't want that with a child kidnapper and rapist. In spite of this, I found I understood why Mr. B chose to do what he did. Although, I do feel there were moments when he could've reentered society.

I hope we get to have an in-person meeting in April. If not, look for an email with the possibility of meeting over Zoom - an online meeting!