The Last Thing to Burn

Talk about a punch to the gut.

“Jane” is a victim of human trafficking. She has been trapped by Lenn for seven years. Seven very long years. Years where she sees her precious belonging dwindle. Years of loneliness. Years of pain. Years of horror. Years she will never get back.

When she discovers she is pregnant, she vows to escape, to protect her child, to give her child a chance at having a future. Her plans of escape become more complicated, when Lenn brings another woman to the farm. How does she care for her child? How can she help another woman when she cannot help herself? Will she ever escape?

Human trafficking is a heart wrenching horror, as is rape, abuse, confinement, and mistreatment. Will this book remind you of Room? Yes. Will it have you thinking of the Ariel Castro Kidnappings in the United States? It did me. Will parts remind you of Misery? Yes. But although this book might remind you of other things, it is unique and stands on its own merit.

This well written book was a very fast read. It was also claustrophobic and had a sense of dread. My heart went out to “Jane” and her plight. This is not the book to be read when you are having a bad day. But it is a book that should be read. It was captivating, heartbreaking and tense. I had a constant worry of what was going to happen next. This one will have your stomach in knots as the tension mounts. Dean had created a character in Jane, that readers want to root for. Dean does not pull punches while showing what “Jane’s ” daily life is like. When you think you have it bad, remember there are those who have it worse.

This is a powerful book that is thought provoking and I believe would be a great book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss in this book.

4.5 stars

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.