I'd Know You Anywhere

I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman
Published January 1, 2010

About the Book:

Eliza Benedict cherishes her peaceful, ordinary suburban life with her successful husband and children, thirteen-year-old Iso and eight-year-old Albie. But her tranquility is shattered when she receives a letter from the last person she ever expects—or wants—to hear from: Walter Bowman. 
"There was your photo, in a magazine. Of course, you are older now. Still, I'd know you anywhere."

In the summer of 1985, when she was fifteen, Eliza was kidnapped by Walter and held hostage for almost six weeks. He had killed at least one girl and Eliza always suspected he had other victims as well. Now on death row in Virginia for the rape and murder of his final victim, Walter seems to be making a heartfelt act of contrition as his execution nears. 

Though Eliza wants nothing to do with him, she's never forgotten that Walter was most unpredictable when ignored. Desperate to shelter her children from this undisclosed trauma in her past, she cautiously makes contact with Walter. She's always wondered why Walter let her live, and perhaps now he'll tell her—and share the truth about his other victims.

Yet as Walter presses her for more and deeper contact, it becomes clear that he is after something greater than forgiveness. He wants Eliza to remember what really happened that long-ago summer. He wants her to save his life. And Eliza, who has worked hard for her comfortable, cocooned life, will do anything to protect it—-even if it means finally facing the events of that horrifying summer and the terrible truth she's kept buried inside.

My Thoughts:

For a book that was a pretty great read up until then, this had the most unsatisfying ending of about any book I've ever read.  The book really builds up that there is some huge secret to be revealed, but it never materializes.  The main character, Eliza, is also just really weak and apathetic.  She doesn't seem capable of having an opinion or taking action without someone else telling her what to think or do.  With a better main character and an actual shocker of an ending to fulfill the promise of the story up to that point, it could have been a really great book.  The majority of the book is interesting enough to hold interest, even without a main character that you want to root for, but the book just doesn't deliver on its promise at all.  The other characters are interesting and complex thankfully, so Eliza is the only dud.  I have read and really liked other Lippman books in the past, so don't let my review of this particular one sway you from reading her other books.