About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with their self image or feels that the world only sees their external flaws rather than their internal humanity. It is particularly resonant for those who have experienced bullying or isolation due to physical differences. The story follows Evelyn, a girl scarred by her work in a match factory, as she becomes the caretaker for Joseph Merrick, the famous Elephant Man, in Victorian London. Together, they navigate a world that treats them as monsters while a literal monster, Jack the Ripper, haunts the streets. Parents will appreciate the profound exploration of empathy and dignity, though the historical setting includes the dark reality of the Ripper murders. It is a sophisticated, somber, yet ultimately redemptive choice for mature teens who enjoy historical fiction with a supernatural edge.
