I'd Know You Anywhere

I'd Know You Anywhere
Laura Lippman
William Morrow
384 pgs.



I'll Be Honest...



This will not be the longest review that has graced this blog. Not because the book doesn't merit a long review, but because of the subject. I'd Know You Anywhere deals with a woman who was kidnapped for a period of time when she was younger, and how she finally faces her demons. I've mentioned the book to several of my friends, and a few of them decided they probably would not enjoy reading the book. Not because they didn't think it sounded good, but because they were parents. A book about young teens getting kidnapped is not a subject that appeals to parents, and for good reason. However, if you can get past that major hurdle, this book is worth your while.

Eliza was kidnapped when she was in her mid teens by Walter Bowman, a strange but charismatic young man. She manages to escape and return home when Walter is finally arrested, but did things really happen as the media portrayed? Walter was pretty silent in the trial, and hasn't said much since while sitting on death row waiting for his execution over the last 20some years. Finally, he notices Eliza's picture in a magazine and decides it's time for the truth to come out...

Lippman does a great job of moving the main story along while simultaneously jumping back to the past. Her main characters are well constructed, but there are moments in the book that the characters (especially Eliza) act unrealistically. Also, some of the supporting characters seem clichéd (mainly Eliza's sister and the woman helping Bowman). Nevertheless, I'd Know You Anywhere is a page-turner that will have you skimming through in a few days. However, while being an enjoyable ride, you will not reflect on it beyond the theme of safety for children and teens.

I'd Know You Anywhere