67 pages • 2 hours read
The Girl Who Was Taken
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Themes
The Psychological Impact of Crime on Victims and Their Families
Content Warning: This section discusses kidnapping, murder, trauma, and mental illness, including PTSD.
The psychological impact of crime affects every character in The Girl Who Was Taken and influences their motivations, relationships, and personal growth. Megan’s abduction and subsequent trauma serve as a central pillar of this theme, illustrating the emotional and mental toll that such crimes inflict not only on the victim but also their loved ones. Megan’s parents, for instance, grapple with feelings of guilt, helplessness, and a desire to protect their daughter at all costs, showcasing the ripple effects of crime on familial dynamics. Likewise, the Cutty family has been impacted by crime twice: first when Nicole’s cousin Julie was abducted at the age of nine and again when Nicole herself is kidnapped. Nicole is haunted by the loss of her cousin, and that trauma shapes her interests, personality, and actions later in life. Likewise, Livia is traumatized by Nicole’s kidnapping and her own guilt for not answering Nicole’s phone call on the night she was abducted. This guilt impacts Livia’s career choice and continues to affect her every day.
This theme also offers opportunities to explore the nuanced ways in which individuals cope with trauma. Megan’s journey is marked by moments of resilience, vulnerability, and introspection as she navigates the aftermath of her abduction. Her interactions with Dr. Mattingly during hypnotherapy sessions, for example, highlight the complexities of memory and trauma, showing how victims often struggle to piece together fragmented memories while dealing with intense emotional distress. This theme also extends to Livia, whose pursuit of justice for murder victims reflects her own understanding of the psychological impact of crime and her dedication to bringing closure to affected families.
Furthermore, Chief McDonald’s psychological unraveling underscores how the perpetrator’s actions and subsequent guilt can also spiral out of control as well. His compartmentalization and attempts to maintain a facade of normalcy are disrupted by the psychological toll of his crimes, reflecting a twisted mirroring of the victims’ trauma. This dynamic illustrates that the impact of crime extends beyond the immediate violence to engulf both the victims and the perpetrators. Through these character arcs, the narrative delves deeply into the varied and profound ways that crime reshapes lives, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit as well as the dark complexities of the human psyche.
As Megan, Livia, and Nicole each struggle with the psychological impact of their trauma, their journeys underscore the importance of support systems and healing processes in the face of adversity. Megan’s visits with Mr. Steinman and therapy sessions with Dr. Mattingly represent her efforts to confront and process her trauma, showcasing the significance of professional help and emotional support in recovery. Likewise, Livia is committed to seeking justice for Nicole through her work as a forensic pathologist. Nicole, by contrast, develops a different, darker coping mechanism by sharing her obsessive fascination with abductions with Casey through the context of the Capture Club. Juxtaposed with Megan’s emotional growth throughout the novel, Nicole’s unhealthy coping mechanisms can be viewed as a result of her own family’s silence around Julie’s disappearance. With this, The Girl Who Was Taken argues that the psychological impact of crime cannot be overcome alone; instead, people need community support and care to heal and move forward.
The Complexities of Memory and Trauma
The Girl Who Was Taken offers a nuanced exploration of how individuals grapple with the psychological repercussions of traumatic experiences. Megan’s journey in particular depicts the intricate relationship between memory and trauma. Her hypnotherapy sessions with Dr. Mattingly reveal the fragmented nature of her memories after her kidnapping, highlighting how trauma can blur timelines and distort perception. This is further accentuated by Megan’s relentless pursuit of elusive details about her abduction, showcasing the process of piecing together memories while navigating emotional upheaval. Megan’s experience with PTSD symptoms, nightmares, and emotional triggers reflects the multifaceted nature of trauma’s impact on mental and emotional well-being. In addition to navigating the darker intersection of memory and trauma, Donlea underscores the significance of empathy, understanding, and support in addressing the complexities of memory and trauma. Characters like Livia, Mr. Steinman, and Dr. Mattingly exhibit compassion and patience in their efforts to help Megan navigate her feelings. Their roles highlight the importance of a supportive environment and professional guidance in fostering healing and resilience.
The novel illustrates how trauma and memory are interwoven in the lives of other characters as well. Livia’s and Nicole’s experiences showcase the secondary trauma experienced by loved ones after a family member is harmed. This, in turn, complicates their memories and perceptions. Livia is not only motivated in her work as a forensic pathologist by Nicole’s disappearance, but she also consistently revisits memories of her sister, wondering how she might have changed her fate. This chiefly manifests in her regrets over not answering her phone on the night Nicole disappeared. With the benefit of hindsight, Livia acknowledges all the ways she failed to notice her sister’s cries for help, culminating in her shock over discovering Nicole’s participation in the Capture Club. Trauma complicates Livia’s relationship with her sister, where she recasts herself as a bad sibling and wonders whether she knew Nicole at all. While grief distorts Livia’s memories and feelings, it also becomes a driving force, compelling her to seek justice and closure.
Donlea’s narrative underscores the idea that understanding and processing trauma is a continual journey. Megan’s progress is not linear, and her setbacks and breakthroughs reflect the realistic ebb and flow of healing. By portraying the complexities of memory and trauma through various characters’ perspectives, the story provides a comprehensive look at how deeply these elements can shape and reshape lives. This thematic exploration offers insight into the enduring and transformative power of confronting and understanding one’s past.
The Role of Forensic Science in Solving Crimes
The role of forensic science is an integral aspect of The Girl Who Was Taken. This theme provides a framework for understanding the investigative process and the pursuit of justice. Livia’s meticulous approach to examining crime scenes, analyzing forensic data, and collaborating with experts underscores the pivotal role of forensic science in piecing together complex cases. By exploring Livia’s determination to seek justice for Nicole, Donlea illustrates the advancements and challenges associated with forensic science. Her interactions with colleagues, experts, and law enforcement agencies showcase the collaborative effort required to leverage forensic science effectively in solving crimes. The narrative also explores the ethical considerations and limitations of forensic science, such as the potential for human error, differing interpretations of evidence, and the impact of forensic findings on legal proceedings.
Livia’s collaborations with Megan, Nate Theros, and her fellow medical examiners also emphasize the intersection of forensic science with other investigative methods, such as witness testimonies, psychological profiling, and technological tools. The integration of diverse investigative approaches underscores the complexity of solving crimes and the necessity of a comprehensive strategy. With this, The Girl Who Was Taken demonstrates that forensic science is not just about the technical aspects but also about the human element behind the science. Livia’s personal connection to the case adds a layer of investment to her forensic work, illustrating how personal motivations can drive professional excellence. Her dedication is not solely a professional obligation but also a personal mission to bring closure to her family and ensure that justice is served. This duality adds richness to the theme, showcasing how forensic science is both an art and a science, requiring precision, empathy, and relentless pursuit of truth.
Livia and Megan’s investigation also highlights the practical challenges faced by forensic scientists. Limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and the pressure to deliver conclusive results in high-stakes situations all play a role in shaping the forensic landscape presented in the story. Likewise, nefarious actors like Chief McDonald are actively hindering the investigation, highlighting the reality of people who abuse the justice system to get away with crimes. Livia’s navigation through these obstacles reflects the resilience and ingenuity required to succeed in the field. With this, the depiction of forensic science in The Girl Who Was Taken is a broader commentary on the criminal justice system. It underscores the importance of scientific integrity and the need for continuous advancements in forensic methodologies to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics. Livia’s ability to adapt to new information and continually refine her approach exemplifies the evolving nature of the field. Her story advocates for the need for objectivity in upholding justice and protecting society.
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