The Fall of Lisa Bellow

By: Susan Perabo

Narrated by: Madeleine Maby

The breakout novel from the critically acclaimed author of the short story collections Who I Was Supposed to Be and Why They Run the Way They Do—when a middle school girl is abducted in broad daylight, a fellow student and witness to the crime copes with the tragedy in unforgettable ways.

What happens to the girl left behind?

A masked man with a gun enters a sandwich shop in broad daylight, and Meredith Oliver finds herself ordered to the filthy floor, where she trembles face to face with her nemesis, Lisa Bellow—the most popular girl in her eighth grade class. Lying there, Meredith is utterly convinced she will die. But then the gunman orders Lisa Bellow to stand and come with him, leaving Meredith cowering in the wake of a life-altering near-tragedy.

As the community stages vigils and search parties for Lisa Bellow, Meredith spends days shut away in her room, hiding in the dark landscape of her imagination. Meredith’s mother, Claire, can see that her daughter is irreparably changed—she is here, but not. And as Claire grows more and more desperate to reach her, it becomes clear that Meredith is in a place where Claire can’t go, searching for Lisa Bellow where no one else can.

The Fall of Lisa Bellow is a beautiful illustration of how one family, broken by tragedy, finds healing and makes sense of the nonsensical. In this “daring” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), “sharp, and suspenseful” (Publishers Weekly), “utterly captivating and achingly beautiful” (Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia) novel, the critically acclaimed Susan Perabo asserts herself yet again as an engrossing storyteller and a master at cracking open the human psyche.

Perfect tone.

Susan Perabo captures perfectly the point of view of both the mother and daughter. The suburban family dynamic is spot on. Really enjoyed this book as a family story and commentary on sudden loss and how we cope.

Being 13 is Rough

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Sure. It makes you think. So often, stories like this focus on the abducted person. And that makes sense. This was a different angle. How does it feel to watch the "mean girl" in your class get abducted? How does it feel to be left on the floor? Unchosen for a horrible fate. I related so much to this character, Melissa. I felt those 13-year-old insecurities like they were yesterday.

What other book might you compare The Fall of Lisa Bellow to and why?

Hmmm. Good question. I think the point of view on this was really unique. Nothing jumps to mind.

Which scene was your favorite?

I found myself riveted by the actual abduction.

A Gripping, Fast-Paced Read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fall of Lisa Bellow to be better than the print version?

Equally good.

What did you like best about this story?

I was immediately immersed in the story and cared about the characters: Meredith and her family. And Lisa's mother, Colleen.

If you could take any character from The Fall of Lisa Bellow out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Clare. She was a strong, flawed, and honest mother.

Any additional comments?

If you would like to lose yourself in a fast-paced, suspenseful, and beautiful writing then listen to this novel! Susan Perabo is an excellent, gifted writer. The story of how the Oliver family attempts to cope with tragedy and survival is gripping. This novel captures the complexity of trying to cope with unforeseen, tragic circumstances, and their consequences. Reading this novel will not only immerse you in the world of the Oliver family but it will change you in how you view life and all its unpredictable elements.Perabo has once again created an entertaining, complex, and moving story. Madeleine Maby offered a smooth and clear read, letting Perabo's words illicit the story vs. her acting. I highly recommend this audiobook of Perabo's novel.

Solid, Not Amazing

I liked the book, the story was solid but not amazing. A little anti climatic. Kept my attention but didn't blow me away. I would actually give this book a 3.5 or 3.7 if I could.

Sad story infused with humor

I almost gave up on this book after a few minutes because it didn't grab me, but I'm glad it didn't. It was an interesting story about family dynamics, peer relationships, and tragedy, but infused with humor. I love how the narrator really seemed to get the author's humor. Really enjoyed this book.