The Story of Beautiful Girl
Play sample
  • Published: 1 February 2012
  • ISBN: 9780099558385
  • Imprint: Windmill Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $22.99

The Story of Beautiful Girl

The beloved Richard and Judy Book Club pick

Formats & editions
EBook
1 Aug 2011
Audiobook
16 Feb 2012
Paperback
1 Feb 2012
Buy from…
Amazon Booktopia Dymocks QBD Readings Your Bookstore Abbeys Boomerang Find local retailers Find local retailers Collins Fishpond Gleebooks Harry Hartog Kinokuniya Robinsons The Nile Mighty Ape

Pennsylvania, 1968.

'Hide her.'

Two words that would change all of their lives - for ever.

A RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK

Pennsylvania, 1968.

'Hide her.'

Two words that would change all of their lives - for ever.

On a stormy night in small-town America, a couple, desperate and soaked to the skin, knock on a stranger's door. When Martha, a retired schoolteacher, answers their knock, her world changes for ever.

Her visitors are Lynnie and Homan, who have fled The School for the Incurable and Feebleminded with their newborn baby. But the police are closing in and their freedom is about to be snatched away. Moments before she is taken back to the School, bound and tied, Lynnie utters two words to Martha: 'Hide her.' And so begins the heart-rending story of Lynnie, Homan, Martha and baby Julia - lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.
  • Published: 1 February 2012
  • ISBN: 9780099558385
  • Imprint: Windmill Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $22.99
Categories:

About the author

Rachel Simon

Rachel Simon is an award-winning author, renowned public speaker, and sister of a woman with an intellectual disability. She is best known for her critically acclaimed, bestselling memoir Riding the Bus with My Sister, which was adapted for a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie and is a much-beloved selection of book clubs and secondary school reading lists. She lives in Delaware.

portrait photo of Rachel Simon

Praise for The Story of Beautiful Girl

Simon combines love story and social accountability to great effect.

Guardian

The Story of Beautiful Girl is a beautiful story, indeed. In its sweeping breadth and textured detail lies a finely crafted testament to the benevolence and brutality of our humanity. I dare you to read the first twenty pages and not keep going.

John Grogan, New York Times bestselling author of Marley & Me

[An] enthralling love story. Simon has written an enormously affecting read, and provided sensitive insight into a complex world often dismissed by the "abled"

Publisher's Weekly

Truly stirring

Entertainment Weekly

Simon infuses it, bit by bit, with the expectation of a gratifying conclusion, one that rewards an indomitable romantic and parental love for its many surprises

Boston Globe

Heart-tugging

O, the Oprah magazine

Improbably beautiful

Christian Science Monitor

If you loved Lori Lansens' The Girls, you'll love this even more. Beautiful story-telling that pulls you right in.

Red

A gripping yet tender storyline that unfolds as the insurmountable obstacles are faced with bravery and loyalty. You're sure to be reaching for the tissues

Candis

An enthralling and moving novel

Woman & Home

A moving and disturbing tale of love and loyalty. And you might cry

Sun Buzz Magazine

Exceptionally moving. It is a testament to human cruelty and kindness, bravery and loyalty. You won't easily forget this.

Judy Finnigan, Daily Express
penguin pop image
penguin pop image