THE GIRL WHO WASN'T THERE

Housebound due to chronic fatigue, a teen witnesses a terrifying event.

Since contracting myalgic encephalomyelitis eight months ago, 15-year-old Kasia Novak has spent most of her time in her bedroom. The slightest exertion exhausts her, and she’s terrified she’ll never get better. When she witnesses a possible abduction from her window, she wonders if the girl she glimpsed in the opposite window saw it too—but everyone says the girl doesn’t exist. While balancing good days and relapses as she investigates the girl and copes with family tension, Kasia rapidly befriends Navin, the perpetually solicitous grandson of her Indian neighbor. Interspersed with Kasia’s narration, Reema, the mysterious girl, describes her own increasingly desperate circumstances in italicized bursts. Author Joelson, who has struggled with ME herself, sensitively portrays Kasia’s frustration and determination as well as ME’s toll on Kasia’s family. However, this nod to Rear Window ultimately falls flat. Emotions are often stated rather than shown, and underdeveloped secondary characters contribute to an abrupt, lackluster ending. Reema is more a plot device for Kasia’s emotional benefit than a fully realized person, which is particularly unfortunate given her troubling story. Kasia and her family are White Polish immigrants to England. Reema may be South Asian.

An unfortunately shallow take on a serious issue.