The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant

As it is, the reader is not aware of this extra text until after they have read the novel. It is a perfect illustration of how good it would be if Kindle editions came with a customised thesaurus/dictionary incorporated. The Kindle version of the novel contains a glossary at the end, of German terms and references used in the novel. Now the style changes and the story takes on aspects of a thriller complete with car chase. My second criticism is the roller coaster ride the reader is taken on in the final pages as the author attempts to tie all the ends together. In the long run it is a novel for adults, but much of it has the feel of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. I think two other aspects of the novel can be criticised.įirst of all, I don't think Helen Grant could make her mind about her audience, in particular what age level she was writing for.

I have seen reviews that criticise the authenticity of the narration, because in fact the narrative voice is not that of a ten year old. THE VANISHING OF KATHARINA LINDEN is told from ten-year-old Pia's point of view although at the time of the telling Pia is about 19 years old. Helen Grant shows a delightful sense of humour as she weaves into the story the legends of the town of Bad Munstereifel through the stories that Herr Schiller tells Pia and Stefan in after school sessions. Then Pia and Stefan learn that history is repeating itself: these aren't the first little girls to disappear from Bad Munstereifel. Meanwhile little girls vanish, beginning with Katharina Linden during one of the town's celebratory parades. It does mean her only friend is Stinky Stefan, Stefan Bruer, and they become constant companions. It does force 10 year old Pia Kolvenbach to become isolated at school as the other children avoid her in case they too explode. 'My life might have been so different had I not been known as the girl whose grandmother exploded'.but this dramatic tale doesn't remain the focus of the novel for long. Helen Grant's debut novel starts off dramatically enough.

The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant