Call number
FIC QUI
Collection
Publication
Blackstone Publishing (2019), Edition: Unabridged, 240 pages
Description
Nora Brown teaches high school English and lives a quiet life in Seattle with her husband and six-year-old daughter. But one November day, moments after dismissing her class, a girl's face appears above the students' desks-"a wild numinous face with startling blue eyes, a face floating on top of shapeless drapes of purples and blues where arms and legs should have been. Terror rushes through Nora's body-the kind of raw terror you feel when there's no way out, when every cell in your body, your entire body, is on fire-when you think you might die. "Twenty-four hours later, while on Thanksgiving vacation, the face appears again. Shaken and unsteady, Nora meets with neurologists and eventually, a psychiatrist. As the story progresses, a terrible secret is discovered-a secret that pushes Nora toward an even deeper psychological breakdown. This breathtaking debut novel examines the impact of traumatic childhood experiences and the fragile line between past and present. Exquisitely nuanced and profoundly intimate, The Night Child is a story of resilience, hope, and the capacity of the mind, body, and spirit to save itself despite all odds.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jenn88
Nora Brown lives a quiet life with her husband and six-year-old daughter in Seattle. She's an English teacher at a high school. It's the last day before Thanksgiving break and she'll be going away with her family, but before she leaves her classroom she sees a girls face floating on top of the
The best part of this book, to me, is that it's short. I feel bad for saying all this but the characters weren't really fleshed out, the writing was just okay and I couldn't really get into the story. I figured when I read in the blurb about Nora seeing a face there would be a little bit of a thrill, some tension, SOMETHING! But what happened in the book wasn't what I was expecting. But kudos to the author for writing about a serious subject, something that some people can relate to and maybe even make them feel like they're not alone and that it's not their fault.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this book.
Show More
drapes. She's terrified - does this mean she's going crazy or is she just tired? Over Thanksgiving vacation she sees the face again, and this time the girl whispers "remember the Valentine's dress." Nora eventually talks to a psychiatrist where a secret that was hidden deep within is revealed. The best part of this book, to me, is that it's short. I feel bad for saying all this but the characters weren't really fleshed out, the writing was just okay and I couldn't really get into the story. I figured when I read in the blurb about Nora seeing a face there would be a little bit of a thrill, some tension, SOMETHING! But what happened in the book wasn't what I was expecting. But kudos to the author for writing about a serious subject, something that some people can relate to and maybe even make them feel like they're not alone and that it's not their fault.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lauriebrown54
Nora is a high school teacher with a knack for connecting with at risk students. She’s also the mother of a 5 year old daughter, and has a husband who is cheating on her, a fact which she is aware of but not wanting to deal with. One afternoon, sitting in her classroom after school, she sees a
Her husband is dismissive and doesn’t really want to hear about it. Nora goes to doctors; when they find nothing physically wrong, she sees a psychiatrist. During the session, she suddenly starts speaking in a little girl voice, and says she is Margaret. This is when stuff gets really serious. Nora’s –Margaret’s- past starts coming back to her, and it’s not pretty. Not only is it ugly, but she begins to see how it’s affected her entire adult life.
When I requested this book from Net Galley, I thought it was a supernatural horror story rather than what it is. This is kind of a hard book to read because of what Nora went through as a child. People who have undergone sexual abuse may find it very triggering. But for all the bad, there is signs of growth and renewal. This is a very well written book, but not one I would have picked up knowing what it was about. Most of the characters aren’t very well developed; they are very secondary to Nora and Margaret and what they are going through. Four and a half stars.
Show More
vision of a young girl with blue eyes. It leaves her rattled and confused. Then, a day later, she sees the face again, and this time it speaks, telling her to remember the Valentine’s dress. Her husband is dismissive and doesn’t really want to hear about it. Nora goes to doctors; when they find nothing physically wrong, she sees a psychiatrist. During the session, she suddenly starts speaking in a little girl voice, and says she is Margaret. This is when stuff gets really serious. Nora’s –Margaret’s- past starts coming back to her, and it’s not pretty. Not only is it ugly, but she begins to see how it’s affected her entire adult life.
When I requested this book from Net Galley, I thought it was a supernatural horror story rather than what it is. This is kind of a hard book to read because of what Nora went through as a child. People who have undergone sexual abuse may find it very triggering. But for all the bad, there is signs of growth and renewal. This is a very well written book, but not one I would have picked up knowing what it was about. Most of the characters aren’t very well developed; they are very secondary to Nora and Margaret and what they are going through. Four and a half stars.
Show Less
LibraryThing member misspider
This book is not a comfortable read, and the subject is one of the most hideous. In this story Nora, a high school teacher and mother of a six-year-old girl, starts seeing visions of a small girl with blue eyes. She consults a psychiatrist who helps her to remember some long forgotten, deeply
The book was very emotionally disturbing and hard to digest, especially after learning that it is based on the author's memoir. I admire the courage and immeasurable strength it must have taken to revisit the past. I also read that writing helped her to deal with it, and on the way she created a remarkable novel.
(Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
Show More
buried childhood trauma. The story describes how Nora step by step uncovers what happened in the past and how she slowly breaks apart on her way there. The additional circumstance that her husbands seems to be cheating on her is as unsettling as the nearing Valentine's Day, which has special significance to Nora.The book was very emotionally disturbing and hard to digest, especially after learning that it is based on the author's memoir. I admire the courage and immeasurable strength it must have taken to revisit the past. I also read that writing helped her to deal with it, and on the way she created a remarkable novel.
(Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
Show Less
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
The Night Child should come with a warning label. This is not only because Anna Quinn‘s debut novel deals with repressed memories and the reasons for them. It is also because Ms. Quinn’s writing is so hauntingly beautiful that it is as emotionally dangerous as anything else the novel holds. In
The Night Child is a tough novel to read. The subject matter is very sensitive and will be a trigger read for some readers. Ms. Quinn is more explicit than anyone will feel comfortable with reading, but she does this so that we can understand Nora’s frame of mind throughout the novel. For if we are uncomfortable merely reading about these scenes, what must the mental trauma be like for someone living them, even if she is a fictional character. Throughout it all, in even the worst scenes, Ms. Quinn still finds a way to be delicate and careful in her verbiage. This too is important if only because she maintains the horror of the situation without delving into the grotesque or vulgar.
In addition to those very difficult scenes, the novel is emotionally exhausting. Ms. Quinn’s writing lures you into the story so that you are emotionally invested in Nora’s well-being. Even if you may not like her as a character, which may be the case as she is not the most enjoyable of characters, her emotions are your emotions. The roller coaster ride she lands on is brutal. With virtually no moments of calm to collect yourself, it is an unceasing barrage of the rawest of emotions, leaving you drained after each reading session.
Throughout it all though, there is remarkable resilience and beauty in Nora’s story and thus in the novel, making it a gorgeous read. The human mind is a marvelous instrument that finds amazing ways to protect itself during the most traumatizing horrors, and it is capable of the most astounding healing. It is this healing which is truly remarkable and makes for some of the most poignant scenes, filling you with hope. After all, if someone can survive what Nora experiences we can survive anything, which means The Night Child is the perfect reminder that not only can things be worse but that things will get better.
Show More
fact, many scenes are almost poetic in their sentence structure and ability to convey so much in a few short words. This is especially true of later scenes as Nora begins to question her sanity.The Night Child is a tough novel to read. The subject matter is very sensitive and will be a trigger read for some readers. Ms. Quinn is more explicit than anyone will feel comfortable with reading, but she does this so that we can understand Nora’s frame of mind throughout the novel. For if we are uncomfortable merely reading about these scenes, what must the mental trauma be like for someone living them, even if she is a fictional character. Throughout it all, in even the worst scenes, Ms. Quinn still finds a way to be delicate and careful in her verbiage. This too is important if only because she maintains the horror of the situation without delving into the grotesque or vulgar.
In addition to those very difficult scenes, the novel is emotionally exhausting. Ms. Quinn’s writing lures you into the story so that you are emotionally invested in Nora’s well-being. Even if you may not like her as a character, which may be the case as she is not the most enjoyable of characters, her emotions are your emotions. The roller coaster ride she lands on is brutal. With virtually no moments of calm to collect yourself, it is an unceasing barrage of the rawest of emotions, leaving you drained after each reading session.
Throughout it all though, there is remarkable resilience and beauty in Nora’s story and thus in the novel, making it a gorgeous read. The human mind is a marvelous instrument that finds amazing ways to protect itself during the most traumatizing horrors, and it is capable of the most astounding healing. It is this healing which is truly remarkable and makes for some of the most poignant scenes, filling you with hope. After all, if someone can survive what Nora experiences we can survive anything, which means The Night Child is the perfect reminder that not only can things be worse but that things will get better.
Show Less
LibraryThing member debkrenzer
Well, not really something you would read on Valentine's Day on purpose, it was a little different, especially considering the day.
I knew it would be emotional as per the hint in the blurb on the website. And the blurb was totally correct. A remembrance of what happened back in Nora's childhood
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I did not see the ending coming.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I knew it would be emotional as per the hint in the blurb on the website. And the blurb was totally correct. A remembrance of what happened back in Nora's childhood
Show More
that was affecting her was cray, cray. And I mean that in a good way. Not the event, but how she stowed it away and lived her life. That is, until her daughter reached a certain age.I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I did not see the ending coming.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member GirlWellRead
A special thank you to Edelweiss, NetGalley and Blackstone for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nora Brown is a high school English teacher. She leads a low-key life in Seattle with her husband, Paul, and six-year old daughter, Fiona. After dismissing her class for Thanksgiving weekend, Nora
The next day while on vacation, Nora sees the face again and is left shaken and disturbed. She consults with a neurologist and eventually sees a psychiatrist to work through the visions and what they mean. Through these sessions, Quinn moves the narrative. We learn that Nora is the victim of a traumatic childhood and as a result has suffered a psychological breakdown. As the plot unravels so does Nora as she begins to fear that what happened to her could happen to her daughter. The character dissension is sharp and swift and Nora's husband—who has stepped out on their marriage—is less than supportive. He has completely checked out of the relationship and has little patience for her.
As stated, this book is not for the faint of heart—there is sexual violence, child abuse, death, mental illness, and suicide.
Nora Brown is a high school English teacher. She leads a low-key life in Seattle with her husband, Paul, and six-year old daughter, Fiona. After dismissing her class for Thanksgiving weekend, Nora
Show More
sees the face of a young girl. She is filled with terror and confusion—is she hallucinating or could this be related to the headaches she has been having? The next day while on vacation, Nora sees the face again and is left shaken and disturbed. She consults with a neurologist and eventually sees a psychiatrist to work through the visions and what they mean. Through these sessions, Quinn moves the narrative. We learn that Nora is the victim of a traumatic childhood and as a result has suffered a psychological breakdown. As the plot unravels so does Nora as she begins to fear that what happened to her could happen to her daughter. The character dissension is sharp and swift and Nora's husband—who has stepped out on their marriage—is less than supportive. He has completely checked out of the relationship and has little patience for her.
As stated, this book is not for the faint of heart—there is sexual violence, child abuse, death, mental illness, and suicide.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rainpebble
The Night Child: A Novel by Anna Quinn; (4 1/2*)
The Night Child was an emotional roller coaster for me. I identified so much with the protagonist that my gut was in a clinch the whole way through the book. The novel was not scary but I found it so intense. I look forward to reading something else
The Night Child was an emotional roller coaster for me. I identified so much with the protagonist that my gut was in a clinch the whole way through the book. The novel was not scary but I found it so intense. I look forward to reading something else
Show More
by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member tamidale
Anna Quinn does an outstanding job with her debut novel, The Night Child. After a bit of a slow start, her writing soon had me engrossed in the story and I read right through until the end.
Nora, a young teacher and mother, sees a vision of a small child and from there, she embarks on an emotional
We all have those moments when a smell, a song or a situation will churn up a memory from our childhood. Just imagine if those memories caused intense fear. This is just part of what Nora endured as she discovered the truth from her past.
I thought it was a bit frightening in relation to Nora’s post traumatic stress and split personality and I felt such empathy for her as she worked through these issues.
Readers should be warned there is sensitive subject matter relating to child abuse and references to suicide.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
Nora, a young teacher and mother, sees a vision of a small child and from there, she embarks on an emotional
Show More
rollercoaster as past events from her childhood come to light.We all have those moments when a smell, a song or a situation will churn up a memory from our childhood. Just imagine if those memories caused intense fear. This is just part of what Nora endured as she discovered the truth from her past.
I thought it was a bit frightening in relation to Nora’s post traumatic stress and split personality and I felt such empathy for her as she worked through these issues.
Readers should be warned there is sensitive subject matter relating to child abuse and references to suicide.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BookHermit90
Wow, this book was really, really hard to read. In that I mean it was emotionally taxing. The writing is so heart felt and delves so deep into the psyche of the topic you will be exhausted. I would definitely recommend this book but it is not for the faint at heart. Thank you Blackstone Publishing
Show More
and NetGalley! Show Less
LibraryThing member khal_khaleesi
(This review will be on my blog All the Ups and Downs soon).
When I first read this synopsis, I thought The Night Child by Anna Quinn was going to be a ghost story. The synopsis really drew me in. However, there was nothing paranormal about this book. It is a story about emotional trauma and child
The pacing for The Night Child does start out a little slow, but it still held my attention somewhat. (I think the writing style also bothered me which made it seem slower, but I got used to it.) However, it did speed up after a few chapters, and I found myself immersed in the story Anna Quinn had created. Once the pacing picked up, I had trouble putting The Night Child down.
The plot for The Night Child is an emotional one, but it is written well. Personally, I felt like the abuse scenes could have been less graphic. They weren't very graphic, but they were graphic enough. Perhaps the author wrote the scenes as such so the audience would get a better understanding of what Nora went through. Another thing I wasn't fond of was how in one chapter, it's mostly all political. I could have done without the politics. I didn't really see the point. Plus, Nora is a teacher, and as far as I'm aware, teachers aren't really supposed to get political with their high school students. Anyway, the rest of the plot is done very well. We get to witness Nora's life spiraling out of control because of her abuse as well as what else is going on around her such as the distance between her and her husband as well as what is happening to one of her students.
I did enjoy the world building in The Night Child. It had me feeling all sorts of emotions ranging from anger to sadness to frustration and many others along the way. It was very easy to stay immersed in the story, and I always felt like a fly on the wall in Nora's world while reading this book. The Night Child is mainly set in 1996 and 1997, but it does have some flashbacks to 1965. The author, Anna Quinn, uses politics to help set the time. As I've said before, I could have done without the politics. There are many other ways to show specific events of that time. I didn't feel like there were any major plot twists in The Night Child, but I didn't mind. As for the ending, I wanted a bit more closure. I wanted to know more.
I thought the characters were decently written. Nora is the main character, and I felt like I was given enough details about her life to where she felt real enough. There were times I felt really bad for her, and it annoyed me how her husband, Paul, treated her. I loved Margaret though. I felt she was fleshed out well. I enjoyed reading scenes with her in them. I also liked the character of Fiona, Nora's daughter. I thought she was written well. I would have liked to read more about James' and Nora's relationship though.
Trigger warnings include child sexual abuse, emotional trauma, mental illness, alcohol (not excessive, violence, and swearing.
Overall, The Night Child was an enjoyable read. The plot was interesting, and the world building was written well. I would recommend The Night Child by Anna Quinn to those aged 17 and older.
When I first read this synopsis, I thought The Night Child by Anna Quinn was going to be a ghost story. The synopsis really drew me in. However, there was nothing paranormal about this book. It is a story about emotional trauma and child
Show More
abuse. I still enjoyed The Night Child though.The pacing for The Night Child does start out a little slow, but it still held my attention somewhat. (I think the writing style also bothered me which made it seem slower, but I got used to it.) However, it did speed up after a few chapters, and I found myself immersed in the story Anna Quinn had created. Once the pacing picked up, I had trouble putting The Night Child down.
The plot for The Night Child is an emotional one, but it is written well. Personally, I felt like the abuse scenes could have been less graphic. They weren't very graphic, but they were graphic enough. Perhaps the author wrote the scenes as such so the audience would get a better understanding of what Nora went through. Another thing I wasn't fond of was how in one chapter, it's mostly all political. I could have done without the politics. I didn't really see the point. Plus, Nora is a teacher, and as far as I'm aware, teachers aren't really supposed to get political with their high school students. Anyway, the rest of the plot is done very well. We get to witness Nora's life spiraling out of control because of her abuse as well as what else is going on around her such as the distance between her and her husband as well as what is happening to one of her students.
I did enjoy the world building in The Night Child. It had me feeling all sorts of emotions ranging from anger to sadness to frustration and many others along the way. It was very easy to stay immersed in the story, and I always felt like a fly on the wall in Nora's world while reading this book. The Night Child is mainly set in 1996 and 1997, but it does have some flashbacks to 1965. The author, Anna Quinn, uses politics to help set the time. As I've said before, I could have done without the politics. There are many other ways to show specific events of that time. I didn't feel like there were any major plot twists in The Night Child, but I didn't mind. As for the ending, I wanted a bit more closure. I wanted to know more.
I thought the characters were decently written. Nora is the main character, and I felt like I was given enough details about her life to where she felt real enough. There were times I felt really bad for her, and it annoyed me how her husband, Paul, treated her. I loved Margaret though. I felt she was fleshed out well. I enjoyed reading scenes with her in them. I also liked the character of Fiona, Nora's daughter. I thought she was written well. I would have liked to read more about James' and Nora's relationship though.
Trigger warnings include child sexual abuse, emotional trauma, mental illness, alcohol (not excessive, violence, and swearing.
Overall, The Night Child was an enjoyable read. The plot was interesting, and the world building was written well. I would recommend The Night Child by Anna Quinn to those aged 17 and older.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Charrlygirl
THE NIGHT CHILD is the dark and moving debut novel from Anna Quinn. I feel like I should include a trigger warning, but on the other hand, a trigger warning gives you a heads up as to what is going to happen and I think it's best to let the author tell the story as she intended. Just be aware that
I'm not going to run down the entire plot for you, but it begins with Nora, a high school English teacher, seeing an hallucination of a face with startling blue eyes. Here begins Nora's decline. Whose face is it and what does it mean? You'll have to read this to find out!
Being a seasoned reader of dark fiction, I pretty much knew where this story was going as soon as I began reading. Anna Quinn does a good job at depicting all the different psychological aspects of this situation, including the reactions of other family members and coworkers. My only problem was this: I didn't care for any of the characters. I felt pity for Nora and for her immediate family, but maybe that's what the author intended? Perhaps Nora's coldness was yet another symptom of her underlying issues and partially the result of her husband being such a jerk?
That said, this was a touching and disturbing story dealing with heartbreaking situations and I believe that it deals with mental illness, (or coming to terms with difficult, horrendous circumstances) in a stark, but believable way. For that reason, I recommend this book to those who think they can handle the worst of humanity.
*Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
Show More
there are very disturbing elements within. I'm not going to run down the entire plot for you, but it begins with Nora, a high school English teacher, seeing an hallucination of a face with startling blue eyes. Here begins Nora's decline. Whose face is it and what does it mean? You'll have to read this to find out!
Being a seasoned reader of dark fiction, I pretty much knew where this story was going as soon as I began reading. Anna Quinn does a good job at depicting all the different psychological aspects of this situation, including the reactions of other family members and coworkers. My only problem was this: I didn't care for any of the characters. I felt pity for Nora and for her immediate family, but maybe that's what the author intended? Perhaps Nora's coldness was yet another symptom of her underlying issues and partially the result of her husband being such a jerk?
That said, this was a touching and disturbing story dealing with heartbreaking situations and I believe that it deals with mental illness, (or coming to terms with difficult, horrendous circumstances) in a stark, but believable way. For that reason, I recommend this book to those who think they can handle the worst of humanity.
*Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
Show Less
LibraryThing member marquis784
The Night Child by Anna Quinn
January 2018
I received this digital ARC from publisher, Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nora Brown is a high school English teacher who begins to experience debilitating headaches and visions around the time of her daughter, Fiona's
As the story unfolds, Nora uncovers past regressed memories from her childhood in therapy. Her story explores the ability within to rival against the experiences of the past and forge a new reality.
When the book seemed to end in an unusual fashion, I was taken back to the beginning of the book where Nora is discussing Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse" with her students. She cites how it takes daring writers to veer from the traditional story of beginning, middle and end. There are some interesting correlations between Nora and Virginia which I could only realize upon completion of the novel. Consequently, what appeared to be an abrupt ending suddenly became more thought provoking.
I agree with other reviewers that the book description does not portray an accurate picture of what to expect from this book. Honestly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would based on he description. When I started reading It felt oddly like a "paranormal" story which is not my preferred genre. After a few chapters I was beginning to see how the story would come together. I don't like giving spoilers but given that many reviewers have already disclosed certain aspects of the story, I shall add my opinion on the book description.
The description mentions "split consciousness" and a "deeper psychological breakdown". I believe that it makes sense to disclose the history of sexual abuse. Because I'm a tune to these issues, I immediately considered abuse as the root of her visions and trauma which would make this book difficult to read for some people. What made this story unique was how it used split consciousness and psychological support to delve into how people handle trauma differently.
January 2018
I received this digital ARC from publisher, Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nora Brown is a high school English teacher who begins to experience debilitating headaches and visions around the time of her daughter, Fiona's
Show More
6th birthday. These symptoms bring her to neurologists and psychiatrists to assess the cause of her visions and the raw terror she experiences as a result.As the story unfolds, Nora uncovers past regressed memories from her childhood in therapy. Her story explores the ability within to rival against the experiences of the past and forge a new reality.
When the book seemed to end in an unusual fashion, I was taken back to the beginning of the book where Nora is discussing Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse" with her students. She cites how it takes daring writers to veer from the traditional story of beginning, middle and end. There are some interesting correlations between Nora and Virginia which I could only realize upon completion of the novel. Consequently, what appeared to be an abrupt ending suddenly became more thought provoking.
I agree with other reviewers that the book description does not portray an accurate picture of what to expect from this book. Honestly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would based on he description. When I started reading It felt oddly like a "paranormal" story which is not my preferred genre. After a few chapters I was beginning to see how the story would come together. I don't like giving spoilers but given that many reviewers have already disclosed certain aspects of the story, I shall add my opinion on the book description.
The description mentions "split consciousness" and a "deeper psychological breakdown". I believe that it makes sense to disclose the history of sexual abuse. Because I'm a tune to these issues, I immediately considered abuse as the root of her visions and trauma which would make this book difficult to read for some people. What made this story unique was how it used split consciousness and psychological support to delve into how people handle trauma differently.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rmarcin
This was an emotional story about Nora, in a loveless marriage, who begins having visions. These visions frighten her, and cause Nora to re-examine her whole life, and what secrets may be in her past. Nora and Paul's marriage of 15 years hasn't been good, their 6 year old daughter, Fiona,
Beautifully written, achingly sad.
#TheNightChild #AnnaQuinn
Show More
recognizes the stress in the marriage. Nora is having problems with her high school English students, and isn't able to help them when they need it most. Beautifully written, achingly sad.
#TheNightChild #AnnaQuinn
Show Less
Pages
240
ISBN
1982546425 / 9781982546427