“The more she fought, the less they would listen. She had to act rational and sound calm, despite the fact that inside she was screaming hysterically.”
― Ellen Marie Wiseman, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman is a strong story based on real events. Set in the 1970s, this book follows 16-year-old Sage, who finds out that her twin sister, Rosemary—who she thought was dead—might still be alive. Her search leads her to Willowbrook State School, a place full of secrets, fear, and shocking truths.
This isn’t just a mystery—it’s a heartbreaking look at how people with mental health struggles were treated in the past. The story mixes suspense, emotion, and history in a way that’s both eye-opening and hard to put down. If you enjoy books with strong female characters, real-life settings, and a bit of mystery, this one is worth reading.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the plot, themes, and reviews and discuss who should read it.
Plot Summary
“No one could hear them, and no one came to help. It was like they were forgotten on purpose.” – Ellen Marie Wiseman, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook
This quote captures the haunting and emotional tone of The Lost Girls of Willowbrook.
The story follows Sage Winters, a 16-year-old girl living in 1970s New York. She’s still grieving the loss of her twin sister, Rosemary, who she was told died years earlier. But one day, Sage finds out the shocking truth—Rosemary isn’t dead.
She was actually sent away to Willowbrook State School, a place for children with mental and developmental challenges. Sage sets out to find her sister and learn what really happened.
When Sage arrives at Willowbrook, things take a terrifying turn. The school is nothing like she imagined. It’s dark, overcrowded, and full of hidden dangers. The people inside—both staff and patients—don’t always seem safe.
And before Sage can ask questions, she’s mistaken for her sister and locked inside the very place she was trying to learn about. What follows is a suspenseful, emotional story as Sage fights to survive, find answers, and get out.
Sage is a brave and strong character. At first, she’s scared and unsure, but as the story moves on, she finds her strength. Her change from confusion to courage is one of the most powerful parts of the book.
Along the way, she meets people who help her, challenge her, and even try to stop her. Each character plays a role in pushing Sage forward or holding her back.
This book looks at some serious topics like how people with mental illness were treated, the abuse that happened inside institutions, and how families sometimes kept painful secrets.
But it’s also about sisterhood, growing up, and standing up for the truth—even when it’s scary. The mix of past events and suspense makes the story both eye-opening and hard to put down.
What Genre Does It Focus On?
About the Genre
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook is historical fiction with a strong mix of suspense, mystery, and real-life horror. It’s based on true events—especially the real Willowbrook State School, a place where many children were mistreated and forgotten. The story uses fiction to shine a light on a dark part of history while keeping you pulled in with turns and emotional moments.
About the Themes
Even though this isn’t a romance, the book includes a few strong story ideas:
- Hidden identity – Sage is mistaken for her twin sister.
- Family secrets – The truth about Rosemary was kept quiet for years.
- Missing sister mystery – Sage’s search for Rosemary drives the plot.
- Brave young woman finding dark truths – Sage risks everything to get answers.
What to Expect
This story is chilling, not because of monsters or ghosts, but because the horrors are real. You’ll learn about how people with disabilities were treated in the past and how places like Willowbrook were able to hide the truth for so long. Expect emotional, scary, and eye-opening moments.
Sage’s story is full of mystery but also personal change. From the beginning to the end, she grows a lot as she learns who she is and what she can do.
This is a book that will make you think, feel, and want to keep reading until the last page.
Ratings and Reviews
“You just want to hide all the abuse and neglect that goes on here, no matter who suffers.” ― Ellen Marie Wiseman
Goodreads Rating
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook has an average rating of 3.92 out of 5, with around 46,850 ratings and 4,772 reviews on Goodreads.
Goodreads Reviews
Readers have shared a wide range of opinions:
- “Informative, fast-paced and suspenseful, I found The Lost Girls of Willowbrook hard to put down. The author brilliantly combines fact and fiction in this hard-hitting, gripping and intense novel.”
- “I skipped some parts because the terrible treatment of the children was too much. It was heartbreaking, but I still wanted to see how it ended.”
Amazon Ratings
The book has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with over 11,000 reviews.
Readers often mention the emotional impact and how eye-opening the story is:
- “I cried reading this novel. I pray that those who were mistreated found peace and happiness later in life.”
- “This book was a darker look at recent history. The subject was hard to read, but it was very well written.”
How the Book Sets Itself Apart from Others
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook stands out because it’s inspired by real history. It brings attention to the horrible things that happened at Willowbrook State School. The story is both emotional and tense, giving readers a mix of mystery and meaning.
Through Sage’s story, the book shows the strength it takes to stand up for the truth—even when no one wants to hear it.
Who Should Read The Lost Girls of Willowbrook?
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook is best suited for adults or older teens. The story deals with heavy and upsetting topics like abuse, neglect, and the mistreatment of people in mental health institutions. Some scenes are emotional and hard to read, so it’s not recommended for younger readers.
If you like historical fiction based on real events, stories about strong young women, or books that explore deep emotional and social problems, this one is worth reading.
It’s also a good pick for readers who enjoy mystery, suspense, and stories that make you think about how society treats its most at-risk people. Just be prepared—this book is strong, but it can be intense.
Book Recommendations If You Liked This Book
- The Girls with No Names by Serena Burdick
- Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
- _Necessary Lies_ by Diane Chamberlain
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
- The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman
Conclusion
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook is a strong story that blends history, mystery, and emotion. It takes a real and heartbreaking part of the past and turns it into a gripping novel that’s hard to forget.
Sage’s journey is full of fear, courage, and the need to find the truth. If you like stories that teach you something while keeping you on the edge of your seat, this book is a great pick. It’s not an easy read—some parts are upsetting—but it’s important and eye-opening.
The Lost Girls of Willowbrook is different from most books because it mixes suspense and real-life history. It shows how strong one person can be, even in the darkest places. If you’re looking for an emotional, intense, and meaningful story, it’s definitely worth reading.
More from This Author
Ellen Marie Wiseman is known for writing emotional and powerful historical fiction. Her books often focus on parts of history that people don’t talk about enough, especially stories about women and children.
She writes about tough subjects but always includes strong female characters who fight through hard times.
If you liked The Lost Girls of Willowbrook, you might enjoy her other books too:
- The Orphan Collector – A young girl’s story during the 1918 flu pandemic
- What She Left Behind – A mystery about life in a mental institution and family secrets
- Coal River – A teen girl fights injustice in a Pennsylvania mining town
- The Plum Tree – A World War II story about love and survival in Nazi Germany
Each book shines a light on the past while telling a heartfelt, unforgettable story.
