Rust & Stardust: A Novel

Heart wrenching and powerful as only T. Greenwood can deliver! Eleven year old (Florence) Sally Horner is kidnapped from her Camden New Jersey home in 1947 by a convicted pedophile, the circumstances surrounding how this could happen will leave you astonished! This story will stay with you for time to come. The never ending hope by Sally's brother-in-law will help keep you wishing for a happy ending; but at every turn those who may provide resolution are always one step behind the evil man who captured her. A true story at its heart, all those who had the chance (both true and fictional) to come in contact with Sally were changed forever.

Other than This Glittering World (didn't care for it), I always devour T. Greenwood's books in about a day or two. Love her character development and sensitive and complex topics. However, but this one just never really piqued my interest, I suppose because it was based on a true story into which she filled in the gaps. All of the scenarios and characters were created to make the story, but the character development seemed to be lacking. This novel was not lyrical, like her others are. Anyway, this was took me more than a week to trudge through, and I am now glad it is over and can move onto something I will like better.

This book was stellar. The author was right on the mark with characterizing pre-adolescent and teenage thoughts and behaviors. The mother's reasonings and actions as someone dealing with single parenthood and painful disabilities were spot on, too. I loved the colorful cast of secondary characters and how the main character tucked away the feelings of small kindnesses, bits of wisdom, and strength she garners from each one. Many times when crimes of this nature happen people shake their heads and say, "How could something like this happen, and go on for so long?" and I think this story gives us some insight on that matter.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Rust & Stardust is a fictionalized retelling of the true story that inspired the classic novel, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. It centers around the girl that Dolores Haze was based off of, Sally Horner, an eleven year old who was kidnapped by a child molester named Frank la Salle in 1948. It’s a vital but heartbreaking book that chronicles Sally’s journey from her kidnapping to her rescue and beyond.

MY THOUGHTS

I was hesitant to read this novel at first. Often times, novels based on true stories, particularly true crime, and with a victim as young as this one under this kind of duress can lend itself to exploitation but Greenwood navigates these tricky waters with a certain finesse. This is Sally’s story and Sally’s story alone. Yes, Frank is the clear antagonist and he casts a shadow long and wide, but I never felt like I was being forced to sympathize with him or that he was overshadowing Sally's story. I think that is what makes this book so important. Many times when we see rape depicted in media, it is shown through the lens of the attacker or the victim’s friends and family, particularly for women, and it was a nice change of pace to just have the focus be on Sally and how she handled her trauma, always seeking the light even in the face of utter and endless darkness.

I also enjoyed the many different female relationships in this book. Even the beginning chapters were so painfully relatable, the aching, tender, and desperate desire to seek out that quiet acceptance that only other girls can provide. I enjoyed the development between Sally and Sister Mary Katherine, Lena, and Ruth, and back at her home in Camden we saw her sister, Susan, and mother, Ella, struggle with their grief over Sally's disappearance, each coping in their own way. I thought the portrayal of their grief was realistic and not always pretty. Ella in particular, plays a dubious role in this book, while it might feel easy to see her as a bad mother Greenwood is too good at ensuring we get multi-dimensional examination of her character, making things much trickier than the simple simplicity of defining her as good or bad.

Yes, I often wanted to grab every adult character in this book and shake them until they opened their eyes and did something to save Sally, it was frustrating to see her failed by so many adults but that is the real heart of Sally's story and anything other than that would be a disservice to her memory. It's all the more devastating to know that many of these relationships were fictionalized and there is no way of knowing  whether Sally had any form of support system during those stolen years. 

FINAL VERDICT

This is a coming-of-age story, albeit one told under nightmarish conditions. My heart broke for Sally time and time again. Greenwood's depiction of Sally’s voice suits her and her loss of innocence is well-reflected in the narrative. I would certainly recommend this book but warn that it is a heavy read. It’s not an easy book to get through at times and while even the hardest scenes are tastefully written, (truly want to thank the author for that), this is not a story you can simply close and put away once you're finished, but rather one that lingers long after you’ve read the final words. I think maybe that is the point of it all, that Sally Horner’s stardust transcends and remains, even now, she won’t be forgotten.

Thank you to NetGalley and T. Greenwood's publishers for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This novel was captivating, affecting and ultimately heartrending to experience. I am not thoroughly familiar with the Lolita story so I was coming to this without bias. This story shows the was even the tiniest bit of happiness can sustain you in the midst of overwhelming evil and despair. I thought the story of Sally Horner (a real person) was very well done and the author was able to make it a good story to read and although it was a horrible story it wasn’t completely depressing to read. This will stay with me for a long time. I thank #netgalley for the opportunity to read #rust&stardust ahead of publication.

This is a fictional story based on a real life kidnapping. It is an emotional journey and not an easy read due to the subject matter. I wouldn’t call this book chilling but it has a major creep factor by the name of Mr. Warner, convicted child molester. Greenwood is adept at balancing the abuse of young Sally Horner by Mr. Warner with Sally’s strength and resilience. My heart went out to her and to the devastated family she leaves behind who share their own stories and search for Sally in dedicated chapters.

One negative that niggled me was the extreme nativity of this 11-year old girl. It seemed far-fetched. Believing lie after lie of her tormenter and when given numerous opportunities to escape or open up to kind people she meets who suspect something is wrong, Sally chooses to remain silent…for years. Perhaps in the 1940’s children were more naive at that age.

I found myself feeling angry with Sally’s mother through most of the book. How could a mother turn her daughter over to a man she’d never met before at a train station and not be calling the cops every single day if she needed to in order to keep the search alive.

Rust & Stardust is a beautifully told, heartbreaking tale of young Sally Horner who is abducted by a sick pedophile and spends years away from her devastated family as his captive.

First off, T. Greenwood’s writing is flawless and the story is compulsively readable. The characters are so well-described and believable, as is their inner turmoil while dealing with Sally’s predicament.

Most importantly, the book is based on actual events and I feel that it is a story, though definitely fictionalized, that needs to be told in order to honor the Sally’s memory. Greenwood does this with sensitivity and intrigue.

A harrowing take on what happened to Sally Horner those two years she was abducted and the couple of years following. A heart breaking rendering...and very well written. The story is compelling and completely gripping due to the variation of viewpoint as well as the level of detail involved in the storyline. It really made me appreciate my own life and understand how lucky I am and how dangerous the world can be for some. I will never understand how some people come to be like La Salle. This is an extremely sad story and is not for the weak of heart to read..

Rust & Stardust is based on a true story. It was not in any way an easy read. The subject matter is graphic, dark and can be upsetting at times. I kept waiting for the upturn, for the hope, for the healing. Those things did not come. I can not say I enjoyed this book, however I can appreciate the skill that Ms. Greenwood utilized in setting the scenes and weaving the tale. I could see this novel being used in conjunction with Nabokov's Lolita as part of a book discussion, there are many opportunities for discussion, debate, research and comparison. 3.5

When you know a book is going to break your heart but the writing is so enticing that you can't be torn away. Rust & Stardust tells the tragic and horrific story of Sally Horner, a young girl from New Jersey who was held captive by a convicted rapist for 21 months.

The story starts off in 1948 in Camden, New Jersey and briefly explains Sally's rough life at home and school. Eleven-year-old Sally attempts to shoplift a composition notebook from a nearby Woolworth's store in order to be accepted by a small girls club at school. She did not know that someone was watching her. Sally was apprehended at the store by Frank LaSalle, who claimed to be an FBI agent at the time. LaSalle promised that he would help Sally avoid going to prison but she would have to come with him to testify in front of a judge and do everything he says or he would have her arrested.

LaSalle let Sally go home that afternoon but he intercepted her on her way home from school the next day. LaSalle convinced Sally to lie to her mother and tell her that she was going on a trip to Atlantic City with her friend's family. Sally's mother believed her and even walked her to the bus and dropped her off with LaSalle, who posed as her friend's father.

We follow Sally as two agonizing years go by and LaSalle continues to spin a web of lies while transporting her across several state lines. He physically, sexually and mentally abused Sally until he was caught by one of their neighbors who was able to get through to Sally. Sally was definitely naïve but those were different times. She did not want anyone to know that she was kidnapped because she was afraid of what LaSalle might have done if he found out that she told someone.

This story is difficult to read at times, disturbing, and unsettling. It is not for the faint of heart. If you are sensitive to subjects such as child abuse and sexual abuse, this is probably not the right book for you. This book is about a young girl being abused, taken advantage of, and having her childhood stolen from her.

The author's words flow beautifully and she skillfully brings Sally's harrowing account to life through her own eyes and the eyes of her family and friends. Greenwood fearlessly gave Sally a much-needed voice and describes her thoughts, pain and actions. This is the unfortunate but true story that inspired Vladimir Nabokov to write Lolita.

I want to thank St. Martin's Press and T. Greenwood for my free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a long-time fan of T. Greenwood's work, I expected to enjoy this book. I did not expect, nor was I prepared for, the deep emotional experience I had while reading it. As Greenwood told the story from the multiple perspectives of Sally Horner and the people whose lives she touched, I felt like I was each and every one of them, all the time. I found myself imploring the characters to "just do something!" Always one step ahead of the law, the monster who took Sally on her cross-country horror ride never met the end he deserved. When I finished the book, I was truly spent. And in awe. No one but Greenwood could have written this novel.

Best book I've read, so far, this year! Heartbreaking and yet so wonderful. I fell in love with the main character, Sally, a 12year old girl who's real life story is told here. (Real history plus some dialogue) I will not give away spoilers because I'm grateful I didn't know them, but I promise you, you'll never forget this novel. You should block out time to read it, because you will not be able to put it down. So many interesting characters and situations to enjoy, but I have to confess, I left a piece of my heart behind at the end.

I love books based on true events and this story of Sally Horner was beautifully told. It is such a heartbreaking story of how small decisions can set off an avalanche of consequences affecting numerous people. And it all started just because Sally wanted to be liked and included in a group of potential friends. The author crafted a well written tale in spite of the difficult subject matter. Make this one of the books added to you TBR list this year. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a galley of this book for review.

Rust and Stardust
By: T. Greenwood

My personal review: 5 stars

This heartbreaking historical fiction novel is based on the real life of Sally Horner, a girl who was kidnapped and held captive for two years. The author took real events and fabricated some people and smaller events around the truth. I think this story is amazingly sad and well told. Withholding all spoilers, I can say it is twisted and cruel and horrifying. Without a doubt a real fear that I have as a parent. Great story. Great author. Terrible tragedy. It is very telling of a young child's naivety and trust.

Wow. What a heartbreaking story. The book is written perfectly. At first I thought this was a fictional story but then I did some research after seeing a review on Goodreads and discovered that this story is based on a true story. This made reading the book a bit harder but I think the author did a good job Of not exposing too much of Sally Horners abuse. You could use your imagination as to what happened to her. Still heartbreaking on all levels. The book really evoked all of my emotions: sadness, anger, even joy. Can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next. Excellent way of writing and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This book is a fictional account of the real life kidnapping of 11 year old Sally Horner in 1948, the crime that inspired Nabokov's Lolita. Sally was held captive by this monster for two years, during which time she faced unspeakable horrors. 

Let me start off by saying that this is not a "light" or "pretty" read in any way. As one would expect, given the premise, it is chock full of potential emotional triggers, largely abuse related. Proceed with caution and take care of your mental health. <3

That said, the author took great care in the crafting of this novel. The reader is spared any graphic detail and although I don't usually require a light touch on the darkest details, I feel that when it pertains to a child, a light touch is all I can handle. The author managed to show restraint without underplaying the tragedy of what happened to Sally. 

The writing itself was so stunningly beautiful and eloquent there aren't even words for it. There were sentences that I would read and re-read just to soak them in. It was such a unique combination of beautiful word crafting and heart-wrenching plot that I couldn't give this book anything less than 5 stars. 

"How sad it is that grief has a shelf life … It’s only fresh and raw for so long before it begins to spoil. And soon enough, it will be replaced by a newer, brighter heartache—the old one discarded and eventually forgotten." 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rust and Stardust by T. Greenwood provides a fantastic fictional account of a true crime that took place 70 years ago. In the summer of 1948, Frank LaSalle abducted eleven year old Sally Horner by convincing her he was with the FBI after she attempted to steal a notebook from Woolworths. He took her from Camden, New Jersey to Atlantic City, and from there to Baltimore, Dallas, and ultimately San Jose, California, where he was finally arrested almost two years later. While this book is based on true events, much of what occurs between LaSalle and Sally, as well as the people they meet during the two years of Sally's abduction, is fictionalized.

I found this book to be completely captivating and difficult to put down. The writing was excellent, striking just the right tone to tell Sally's tragic story with sensitivity and compassion. My heart broke for Sally and her family and I seethed with anger at the incompetence of the cops and the coolness of LaSalle's artifice and cruelty. I enthusiastically recommend Rust and Stardust, due for publication in August 2018.

As an interesting side note, Sally Horner's real life story also provided the inspiration for Vladimir Nabakov's Loliita.

I would agree with another reviewer’s comment that, “this book is emotionally devastating yet so beautiful.” I found the writing very engaging and suspensive, very much a crime drama, wondering if the victim will succumb or survive these horrific acts of terror/violence. I read Nabokov's Lolita many, many years ago and was not aware of Sally Horner was the basis for the novel. It is not critical that you know or understand that fact to appreciate Greenwood’s construction of this story, however it does offer you a perspective of the consequences of the perpetrator’s acts. This novel is graphic and hard to read at times. There should be a trigger warning that this story is about the kidnapping and abuse of a minor. While I can't say I "enjoyed" reading Rust & Stardust, I consider it a worthy use of my time and intellectual energy to read. Disclosure: I did receive a reviewer’s copy and I was not paid or compensated to write a review.

Dark, sad, and beautifully written. This reminded me why I did not like Lolita, which is also based on the case of Sally Horner. Greenwood has chosen to tell the story from varying perspectives and it is Sally's mom who made me ache the most. How was LaSalle able to fool so many people? Well, he's not the only one who has been able to do something like this. This isn't a fluffy beach book but rather one to reflect upon. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Genre: Historical Crime Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub. Date: Aug. 7, 2018

Mini-Review

“And the rest is rust and stardust.”—Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov.

In the summer of 1948, a real-life 11-year-old girl named Sally Horner was kidnapped by a child molester in Camden, NJ. At the time Vladimir Nabokov was working on his famous novel and struggling. He supposedly was about to burn the manuscript when his wife showed him the newspaper saying: “I found her. Volodya, stop! I found Lo.” This is the fictional account of the girl who inspired the famous novel “Lolita” (which Nabokov called his ticking time bomb,) as well as Sarah Weinman’s true crime essay and soon to be released, “The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World.” It appears that soon “Rust and Stardust” will have sales competition. If you have read the famous book or seen the movie, Lo appears to be a child temptress. Sally Horner was not. As the book rightly shows, Sally’s misfortune began after she stole a composition notebook from a Woolworths (remember them?) The kidnapper witnessed the minor theft and pretended to be an FBI agent taking her to jail. Her young gullible mind fell for it and she spent the next five years traveling around with her kidnapper, who posed as her stepfather. This book should break your heart. Unfortunately, the author, T. Greenwood, has written a novel filled with way too much detail, reading almost like a newspaper itself. I was impressed by her end-notes, but not her style of writing.

Fiction, based heavily on a real life, true crime story, Greenwood delivers a harrowing and heartbreaking account of Sally Horner’s tragically short life. A compassionate, humanitarian look at the victim’s side of this sick crime is intriguing and indelibly sad. You will definitely be thinking about this one long after you put it down.
*I received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review

One of the most heart wrenching, tear-inducing, hanging on the edge of my seat books I have read in a really long time. All through Sally's ordeal, I could personally relate to everything she was going through. The author captured the raw emotions of Sally, her family, and all of the people that wanted to help, but at the time were unable. Many tears were shed in the reading of this novel, and I loved it.

Rust & Stardust = serious book hangover! This story is based on the real life 1948 abduction of 11 year old Sally Horner by Frank LaSalle, a child molester, and it totally captivated me. It is one of those books that I couldn't wait to finish but tried to pace myself because I didn't want the story to end. Although this was a difficult story, T. Greenwood did an amazing job writing!

I totally enjoyed reading this book. The way the author wrote each chapter through the eyes of one of the characters in the story was really well done. You would think this is so much more than a fictionalized story based on an 11 year old girl, Sally Horner, who was kidnapped without knowing it from her home in Camden NJ in 1948. You really empathize with Sally's mother, sister and family and the author does a great job of portraying how this one event changed so many lives. Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to preview this book.

Rarely have I read something so moving and so beautifully written. If I could, I'd give this ten stars. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking about what a great movie it would make although, considering the subject matter, that might be difficult. In actuality, I don't think Hollywood could do it justice. The book is flawless, highly recommend.

I went into this book no knowing what it was about. OMGosh! This book is based on a true story, about the kidnapping of Sally Horner, age 11. It's a very well written book and the author really did her homework! It's very heartbreaking and emotional.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.

Based on real events, this story is captivating and terrifying. Told from many perspectives, all equally heart gripping.

What would a young girl do to fit in? What would a mother allow for her child’s happiness? What lengths will they go to hide their shame? How much can a little girl endure before she loses herself? How do you keep moving when your world is in pieces?

A horrible story about the manipulation by a sociopath (my diagnosis) upon an 11 year old girl and her mother. While deplorable, we dutifully read on, wishing that Sally survives. While not my genre, it was a well written book that I’m glad I read. Although her other story was even more enjoyable. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

If true crime interests you, then you will definitely want to read this book, plus the writing is superb. It is a work of fiction, but based on the gut wrenching true story of little 11 year old Sally Horner’s abduction by mechanic Frank La Salle in 1948. It then inspired author Vladir Nabokov to write the 1955 novel Lolita (which I haven’t yet read, have you?).
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I loved that this story gave Sally a voice, along with her family members & others involved in the case, revolving the narratives of each. I went into it knowing only that it was about a true child abduction & I’m so glad I knew nothing else about the harrowing case. I read this book all in one sitting - it was just that good!

Oh my gosh! I am so intrigued by this book! I read it literally in a matter of hours! It was really captivating and told a well rounded version of a story based off of true facts. Any lover of true crime will enjoy this one, be aware it's a tad nitty gritty and doesn't have a happy ending.

In 1848, eleven year old Sally Horner was kidnapped by a horrible pedophile named Frank La Salle. He was a recently released prisoner who had served time for sexual crimes against children. When he came across Sally at the Woolworth store, she was vulnerable and a prime target. La Salle was a conman who used fear and intimidation to keep Sally quite and under his control. Sally went with her kidnapper believing he was with the FBI. She was told by La Salle that she would be arrested and jailed if she did not go with him. Sally had stolen a notebook at the store on a dare from some girls at school. She was lonely and desperately wanted to be included in their club. La Salle frightened her so much she felt she had no other choice but to go along with his plan.
Rust and Stardust takes you into Sally’s world of horror and fear at the hands of this horrible man. Other chapters explore the heartache her mother, sister and brother-in-law went through as they tried to deal with their own fears for Sally and the inept police investigation into her kidnapping.
This story is also based on a true life kidnapping of a girl name Sally Horner. My heart broke for Sally while she was under the control of this horrible man. I found the book to be very interesting and at the same time unsettling. This book gets a definite five star review from me. I received an ARC from NetGalley. This review is my unbiased opinion.

This is a must read! The author knows how to draw a reader in and for most parents this story will haunt your dreams. I loved learning that this was based on a true story. The author brought such a beautifully luminous shine to a subject and story that is truly disturbing. I highly recommend this one.

This story imagines the details of how the kidnapping of a child in New Jersey affected the lives of many people. The story of Florence is haunting (in a good way) and will stay with me for long time. It is bleak but very well-written and worth reading.

I didn't think I would like this book, based on the topic, but I read It because I love all of T Greenwood's books. I was so pleasantly surprised that I was drawn into the life of Sally Horner and the events surrounding her kidnapping. Greenwood does an excellent job weaving in historical facts with imagined feelings, so much so that I really want to research this even more. The different voices telling the story help the reader to get into the minds of those involved when something like this happens.

I loved this book, but keep in mind that it is a very hard read. Lolita turned this relationship into a weird love story that I was never comfortable with and I’m thankful for T. Greenwood for showing the relationship for what it was-a terrifying experience for a little girl who lost so much to a sick man. My heart is forever aching for Sally, but I’m glad to have “met” you.

Rust and Stardust is the fictional account of the real-life abduction of Sally Horner. In this book, T. Greenwood not only captures the essence of what two years of captivity was like for Sally, but for those she met along the way and the family that was left behind. It was a compelling read with well developed characters and thoughtfully researched insights. Highly recommended.

I could not stop reading this story. At first it made me feel immense sorrow but as I read it captivated me more and more. I love the way its written and the weaving together of fact and fiction was very clever. This was a great read.

I found this to be an incredible work of historical fiction based on a true crime. The story was well crafted and hard to put down. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

This book is based on the true story that inspired the novel, Lolita, about a young girl named Sally Horner who was tricked, kidnapped, and held captive by a serial pedophile for roughly two years. The author tells Sally's story with grace and tenderness, drawing the reader into her innocent world infiltrated, yet never quite shattered, by the harrowing experiences she endured. I highly recommend this book.

It's 1948 and eleven year old Sally Horner just wants to fit in with some of her classmates. She accepts a dare to steal a notebook from the Woolworth store. That one decision will change Sally's life forever. This book is based on real life events and it's a heartbreaking and emotional read. The author did an excellent job bringing Sally Horner to life and I will never forget her.