If You Find Me summary

Surviving in the Wilderness

Emily Murdoch's If You Find Me is a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between two sisters. The story begins with Carey and her younger sister Jenessa living in a desolate forest, isolated from the outside world. Their mother had taken them away from their abusive father, but she eventually abandoned them, leaving the girls to fend for themselves. Carey, who was only five at the time, had to take care of Jenessa, who was just a baby, and the two had to learn to survive in the wilderness.

For years, Carey and Jenessa lived in a rusted-out camper, away from civilization. They hunted for food, collected rainwater, and adapted to the harsh conditions of their environment. Despite their circumstances, Carey made sure that Jenessa was safe and happy, creating a world of imagination and games to shield her from the harsh reality. Carey's love and devotion to her sister are unwavering, and she does everything in her power to protect her.

A New World

One day, two strangers, their father and his wife, stumble upon the girls' makeshift home. The authorities had discovered their existence, and now, they were being forced back into the real world. Carey is initially resistant to the idea, fearing that they would be separated and that she would lose Jenessa, who still hasn't spoken a word since their mother left. However, the authorities assure her that they would stay together, and the girls are taken to live with their father and his family.

The transition from the forest to the civilized world is challenging for Carey and Jenessa. The sudden change in lifestyle, the overwhelming presence of people, and the haunting memories of their past make it difficult for them to adjust. Carey, in particular, struggles to fit in, feeling like an outsider in a world she doesn't understand. She keeps her past a secret, unwilling to share the truth about their mother and their life in the forest.

Confronting the Past

As Carey begins attending a public high school, she meets a boy named Ryan who sees through her tough exterior. He tries to break down her walls and understand her, but Carey is hesitant to let anyone in. She is also burdened by the responsibility of keeping Jenessa safe and happy, and her fear of losing her sister makes her hesitant to form any attachments.

As the story progresses, Carey's past comes back to haunt her. Her father is arrested, and she is forced to confront the truth about their mother and the reasons they were abandoned in the forest. The revelation is both shocking and heartbreaking, and it forces Carey to reevaluate her life and her relationship with her sister.

Acceptance and Healing

In the end, If You Find Me is a story of acceptance, healing, and the power of love. Carey comes to terms with her past and finds the strength to move forward. She opens up to Ryan and learns to trust him, and together, they help Jenessa find her voice and start the healing process.

Despite the challenges they face, Carey and Jenessa emerge resilient and stronger. They overcome their traumatic past and learn to embrace their new life. Carey realizes that she doesn't have to carry the burden of their past alone and that she has people who care about her and are willing to help. The bond between the sisters remains unbreakable, and they find solace in each other as they begin their journey towards a brighter future.