Introduction
The Cellar is a young adult thriller novel by Natasha Preston, published in 2014. The book follows the story of Summer, a sixteen-year-old girl who is kidnapped by a serial killer and held captive in his cellar, along with three other girls who he calls his “flowers”. The book explores the themes of survival, trauma, identity, and hope, as Summer tries to escape from her captor and reunite with her family and boyfriend. The book is a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, but it also has some flaws in terms of characterization, plot development, and realism. My overall evaluation of the book is that it is an entertaining and fast-paced novel, but not a very deep or original one.
Summary
The book begins with Summer enjoying a normal day with her best friend, Lewis, and her boyfriend, Colin. She decides to go to the store to buy some ice cream, but on her way back, she is abducted by a man in a white van. She wakes up in a dark and cold cellar, where she meets three other girls: Rose, Poppy, and Violet. They tell her that they have been kidnapped by a man they call Clover, who is obsessed with flowers and treats them as his “perfect” family. He gives them new names, clothes, and rules, and expects them to love him and obey him. He also abuses them physically and emotionally and kills anyone who tries to escape or disobey him.
Summer refuses to accept her new name, Lily, and her new life. She tries to find a way out of the cellar and to communicate with the outside world. She also tries to keep her memories and identity alive, by remembering her family and Colin, and by writing in a diary. She forms a bond with the other girls, especially Rose, who is the oldest and the most rebellious. She also learns more about Clover’s past and his motives and realizes that he is a dangerous and unstable psychopath.
The book alternates between Summer’s perspective and the perspectives of her family and Colin, who are desperately looking for her. They face many obstacles and frustrations, as the police have no leads or clues, and as time passes by. They also have to deal with their own emotions, such as guilt, anger, fear, and hopelessness. They try to support each other and to keep their faith that Summer is alive and will come back to them.
The book reaches its climax when Summer and Rose manage to escape from the cellar and run into the woods. They are chased by Clover, who is determined to kill them. They are also helped by a neighbor, who calls the police and alerts them of the situation. The book ends with a confrontation between Clover and the police and a reunion between Summer and her family and Colin. The book also has an epilogue, which shows how Summer and the other girls are coping with the aftermath of their ordeal, and how they are trying to heal and move on with their lives.
Critique
The book has many strengths and weaknesses, which I will discuss in this section. One of the strengths of the book is the suspense and tension that it creates. The book is very engaging and captivating, as it makes the reader wonder what will happen next, and how Summer and the other girls will survive. The book also has some unexpected twists and turns, which add to the excitement and unpredictability of the story. The book also has a fast and smooth pace, which makes it easy and enjoyable to read.
Another strength of the book is the portrayal of the emotions and reactions of the characters, especially Summer and her family and Colin. The book shows how they deal with the horror and the trauma of the situation, and how they try to cope and to hope. The book also shows how they change and grow as a result of their experience, and how they support and care for each other. The book also has some touching and heartwarming moments, which contrast with the dark and disturbing ones.
However, the book also has some weaknesses, which I will point out. One of the weaknesses of the book is the lack of depth and originality in the plot and the characters. The book relies on many clichés and stereotypes, which make it predictable and unrealistic. For example, Clover is a typical serial killer, who has a troubled childhood, a twisted obsession, and a lack of empathy. He is also very smart and cunning, and always one step ahead of the police. He has no redeeming qualities or complexity, and he is simply evil and insane. The book also has some plot holes and inconsistencies, which make it hard to believe and follow. For example, Clover can kidnap four girls without being noticed or caught, and he can keep them in his cellar for years without anyone finding out. He also has a lot of resources and connections, which makes him very powerful and influential. The book also has some unrealistic and illogical events, which make it less credible and more sensational. For example, Summer and Rose can escape from the cellar, and to run through the woods, despite being injured and malnourished. They are also able to fight back against Clover, and to survive his attacks.
Another weakness of the book is the lack of development and diversity in the characters, especially the girls in the cellar. The book does not give enough background or personality to the girls, and they are mostly defined by their names and their roles. They are also very similar and interchangeable, and they do not have much individuality or agency. They are also very passive and submissive, and they do not resist or challenge Clover much. They are also very dependent on Summer, who is the only one who has a strong will and a sense of self. The book also does not explore the psychological and social aspects of the girls’ situation, and how it affects their identity, relationships, and mental health. The book also does not address the issues of gender, power, and violence, and how they are related to Clover’s actions and the girls’ responses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Cellar is a thrilling and emotional novel, but not a very original or realistic one. The book has some strengths, such as the suspense, the pace, and the emotions, but it also has some weaknesses, such as the clichés, the plot holes, and the characters. My overall evaluation of the book is that it is a good book for entertainment and escapism, but not for analysis and reflection. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy young adult thrillers, and who are not looking for depth or diversity. I would not recommend this book to readers who are looking for more complex and realistic stories, and who are sensitive to violence and abuse.
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