When Moira Dreyfuss's parents announce that they're sending her to boarding school, Moira isn't fooled. She knows her parents are punishing her; she's been too much trouble since her best friend Nathan died—and for a while before that. At the Castle School, isolated from the rest of the world, Moira will be expected to pour her heart out to the strange headmaster, Dr. Prince. But she isn't interested in getting over Nathan's death, or befriending her fellow students.
On her first night there, Moira hears distant music. On her second, she discovers the lock on her window is broken. On her third, she and her roommate venture outside...and learn that they're not so isolated after all. There's another, very different, Castle School nearby—this one filled with boys whose parents sent them away, too.
Moira knows something isn't right about the Castle School—about either of them. But uncovering the truth behind the schools' secrets may force Moira to confront why she was sent away in the first place.
Review -
"The Castle School (For Troubled Girls)" by Alyssa Sheinmel is a heart-wrenching novel that beautifully captures the pain and struggles of teenage girls dealing with various emotional and psychological issues. Set in a therapeutic boarding school, the story follows the journey of sixteen-year-old Moira, who struggles with depression and self-harm after the death of her best friend.
The author's writing style is gripping and evocative, and she expertly captures the complex emotions of the characters, making the story feel incredibly real and relatable. The story addresses themes of mental health, grief, trauma, and the importance of support and friendship, highlighting the healing power of empathy and kindness.
The characters are well-developed and authentic, and their individual struggles and experiences are sensitively portrayed. The friendships and relationships that develop between the characters are heartwarming, and the reader can't help but root for their success and happiness. Personally, felt very relatable to me since I had lost my best friend in eighth grade and went through something similar.
However, the only criticism about this novel is that there is not much of a mystery element to the story. It is labelled as a mystery thriller but I don't think that is appropriate since I was able to guess what was coming up for a really long time.
Overall, "The Castle School (For Troubled Girls)" is a poignant and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the challenges faced by young girls dealing with mental health issues. Alyssa Sheinmel has delivered a powerful and moving story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It's a must-read for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the struggles that teenagers face, and the importance of providing them with the support they need to heal and thrive.I thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for giving me this wonderful opportunity. All opnions are my own.