How Quickly She Disappears by Raymond Fleischmann
4.5 / 5 Stars
320 Pages
Originally Published in 2020
Finished Reading on January 1, 2024
Picture this: you’re in a remote Alaskan town, snow piling up outside, and the world feels smaller by the second. That’s exactly how I felt reading How Quickly She Disappears. As a mom of two, the idea of losing some you love – especially a sibling – gave me chills before I even turned the first page.
This thriller by Raymond Fleischmann dives into the eerie story of Elisabeth Pfautz, a woman haunted by the disappearance of her twin sister, Jacqueline, 20 years earlier. Set in 1941, the book follows Elisabeth as a mysterious stranger claims to know what happened to Jacqueline. What unfolds is a tense, atmospheric journey into lies, danger, and the lengths we’ll go for answers.
“The silence here isn’t like the silence anywhere else. It’s alive, pushing against your ears until you hear things that aren’t there.”
What I loved
Let me just say, Elisabeth is the kind of protagonist I root for. She’s messy and flawed but so determined to find the truth that you can’t help but cheer her on. And the Alaskan setting? Incredible.
Fleischmann’s descriptions made me feel the biting cold, the eerie quiet, and the isolation of a place so far removed from everything familiar. It’s like the setting became a character in itself. I’ll admit, it made me extra grateful for my cozy living room and a cup of coffee while reading!
“Sometimes, the worst lies are the ones you tell yourself.”
What I Didn’t Love
Okay, real talk: the pacing in the first half was slow. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it took a while to really hook me. Once it did, though, I couldn’t stop reading. My only other gripe? Cliffhangers. You know how I feel about them! This one wasn’t terrible, but if there’s no sequel planned, I’m always left wishing for just a little more closure.
“What’s lost can never be fully found, but sometimes the search is what matters most.”
Final Thoughts
This book really hit me when it came to themes of isolation and the choices we make when we feel alone. As a mom, I’ve experience moments of feeling cu off – even in the middle of chaos!
Elisabeth’s desperation and longing for connection felt painfully real. It’s a reminder of how much we need others, even if it’s just over a shared cup of coffee or a quick chat with a friend.
If you love Gillian Flynn or Ruth Ware, you’ll probably devour this book. The tension reminded me of Sharp Objects, but with the atmospheric chill of The Woman in Cabin 10. And here’s a fun fact: Fleischmann actually based some of the Alaskan details on real-life communities during WWII. It added such an authentic vibe to the story.
This book is for:
- Readers who enjoy complex, flawed protagonists
- Anyone curious about life in remote, historical settings
Overall, How Quickly She Disappears is a haunting, slow-burn thriller with an unforgettable setting and a protagonist who stayed with me long after I finished.
I’d rate it 4.5/5 stars. It’s perfect for a cozy winter read – or a sleepless night!
What’s the most atmospheric book you’ve ever read? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for recommendations!