Lena lives with her two children in a windowless cabin in the middle of the forest. Their daily life is dictated by a man who plans every minute – from going to the toilet at prescribed times each day to what and when they eat. The man, who abducted Lena 14 years ago, goes to work each day, locking
his family into their cramped living space. One day Lena ambushes the man and scarpers. But her abductor is not an easy man to escape.
Dear Child was huge in Romy Hausmann’s homeland, Germany and its attractions are clear – it’s snappy, well-written, utterly compelling and most of the characters, apart from Lena’s cartoonish father, are concisely and believably crafted. You’ll finish it in a day.