Title: The Companion
Author: Katie Alender
ISBN: 9780399545917
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Copyright Date: 2020
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Format: Novel
Reading Level/Interest Level: Grades 8-12, Lexile - 720
Awards or Honors:
Edgar Award Winner - Best Young Adult Fiction (2021)
Plot Summary
Margot, the only survivor of a horrific car accident that killed her entire family, is plucked from the orphanage by the wealthy Sutton family who owes her deceased father a favor. When she arrives at the huge estate that’s to be her new home, she realizes the kindness of this family comes at a cost. They are expecting her to be the companion to their daughter Agatha, who is sick and is unable to speak or take care of herself. Not wanting to insult the family, Margot agrees and moves into the nursery attached to Agatha’s bedroom.
As Margot settles into her home, her nightmares have subsided, she has started up a good relationship with Laura, the mother, and even begins to become close with their teenage son, Barrett. But underneath all the perfectly coiffed hair and strict routine, something is not quite right. Margot starts to lose her sense of time and discovers forbidden sections of the house and garden she has come to love that seem to hold some sort of secret. A secret Margot will have to unearth before she is consumed as well.
Author Background
A horror writer who actually doesn’t like to read or watch horror, Katie Alender has published a number of scary novels for young adults. After graduating from Florida State University’s film program, Katie moved to LA to work in TV production and development, before becoming an author. She enjoys many hobbies, including sewing, crafting, reading, gardening, and spending time with family. (Alender, n.d.)
Critical Evaluation
The writing and descriptions in this book were absolutely amazing from the get-go. Lots of details of what the estate looked like and imagery of the garden made the setting come to life in my mind. This fed in well to the horror aspect, with lots of jumpy moments and creepy visuals. The voice of Margot, our teen lead, was so unmistakably teen that I wouldn’t have been surprised if the author was that age. She had such an authentic, real voice that I loved reading. We never got a description of what she looked like, except that she had a short, choppy haircut, but I think that fed into the “this could be you” vibe. Once the plot got into motion after Margot arrived at the Sutton house, things unfolded in a fairly predictable way, but the writing was so good that it didn’t even bother me. The ending was a bit rushed and both wrapped things up without really having full closure on what happened. Teens are sure to be drawn to the writing and portrayal of Margot: she has such a relatable voice that makes it easy for readers, especially teens, to relate to what she’s going through. There's not a whole lot to say about this book without giving away spoilers, but it was a thoroughly creepy read that had me in suspense from page one.
Creative Use for a Library Program
Volunteer at the local community garden to hone teen’s gardening skills, much like Margot did during her time at the Sutton Estate.
Speed-Round Book Talk
What could be worse than losing your whole family and being stuck in an orphanage? Maybe being forced to keep the company of a sick girl who is eerily silent but pops up during the night at random moments? Or perhaps the unsettling feeling that you might never get out of the house alive?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
To date, there are no challenges to this material. The only issues I can foresee being problematic are the horror elements of this novel as well as any triggers that teens who have lost family members might face. There is also some violence at the end of the novel, but that, along with the creepy moments, is easy to skip through for those that are averse to those elements.
Reason for Inclusion
I loved that this book was scary, but not so scary that teens wouldn’t be able to get through it. It has the perfect amount of creepy descriptions for seasoned horror readers as well as those new to the genre who are looking for something not-too-spooky. I love a psychological thriller/horror story and The Companion had everything that is great about these genres.
References
Alender, K. (n.d.). About me. Katie Alender, Author. https://www.katiealender.com/about
Alender, K. (2020). The companion [Cover Image]. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers. Retrieved from https://www.katiealender.com/
Monroe, L. (2017, September 26). The haunted garden in New York that will send shivers down your spine [Image]. Only In Your State. Retrieved from
Spectrologie. (2022, March 3). Leonard Poole [Image]. Tumblr. https://spectrologie.tumblr.com/post/677730361660293120/leonard-poole
Thepastelprince. (2020, October 2). #fall #autumn #manor [Image]. Tumblr. https://thepastelprince.tumblr.com/post/630906822183862272
Zmazingzoe. (2020, October 11). Spooky or scary? [Image]. Tumblr. https://zmazingzoe.tumblr.com/post/631739674305740800/spooky-or-scary-zs-31-nights-of-halloween
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