The Story of Beautiful Girl: The beloved Richard and Judy Book Club pick - Softcover

"If you loved Lori Lansens' The Girls, you'll love this even more. Beautiful story-telling that pulls you right in." (Red)

"Simon combines love story and social accountability to great effect." (Guardian)

"The Story of Beautiful Girl is a beautiful story, indeed. In its sweeping breadth and textured detail lies a finely crafted testament to the benevolence and brutality of our humanity. I dare you to read the first twenty pages and not keep going." (John Grogan, New York Times bestselling author of Marley & Me)

"An enthralling and moving novel" (Woman & Home)

"Exceptionally moving. It is a testament to human cruelty and kindness, bravery and loyalty. You won't easily forget this." (Judy Finnigan Daily Express)

A RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK

Pennsylvania, 1968.

'Hide her.'

Two words that would change all of their lives - for ever.

On a stormy night in small-town America, a couple, desperate and soaked to the skin, knock on a stranger's door. When Martha, a retired schoolteacher, answers their knock, her world changes for ever.

Her visitors are Lynnie and Homan, who have fled The School for the Incurable and Feebleminded with their newborn baby. But the police are closing in and their freedom is about to be snatched away. Moments before she is taken back to the School, bound and tied, Lynnie utters two words to Martha: 'Hide her.' And so begins the heart-rending story of Lynnie, Homan, Martha and baby Julia - lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.