Little Girl Gone by Drusilla Campbell
“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
The definition of courage is the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear or pain. Millions of women face tremendous danger and fear daily. They are literally prisoners in their own lives, prisoners of domestic violence. It is easy to offer simple solutions when not facing these challenges personally. It is easy to say, “Get out!” or “Don’t stand for his harsh words,” or worse, his strong fists. But unless you are faced with the constant fear for survival it is impossible to pass judgment. In Drusilla Campbell’s Little Girl Gone (Grand Central Publishing, January 2012) we are introduced to a young woman trapped in an unhealthy relationship and forced to do things that are beyond comprehension. Unfortunately, oftentimes the abuser holds more power over their victim than just fear, they also represent safety and security. Psychology Today reports that any situation in which one partner is wielding power over the other can fall under the domestic violence umbrella. This is exactly the case for Madora and Willis. Willis saved her from an unhappy life and she feels indebted to him. Even when he kidnaps a homeless, pregnant teenager, Madora still follows along. She is as much a prisoner as the pregnant teenager.
Domestic violence can take many forms; physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse. The United States Office on Violence Against Women defines domestic violence as a “pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” A recent survey of college students found that 43% of college women have experienced violence and abusive dating behaviors. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. These are terrifying statistics and to those unfamiliar with abusive relationships, seem impossible. But statistics don’t lie. Reading a novel like Little Girl Gone allows readers to step inside this terrifying life and see for themselves the powerlessness that women feel. Stepping inside Madora’s life is both terrifying and inspiring. We route for her to find the strength and courage to free herself from the hands of Willis, from the isolation and terror he has created in her life. Campbell beautifully captures the raw and stark reality of Madora’s life while building tension and suspense towards a climactic ending. Little Girl Gone is a fantastic exploration into domestic violence and the power of courage in the face of tragedy.
