The Girl Next Door
by Jack Ketchumliterary work· published 1989
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The Girl Next Door is a 1989 horror novel by American writer Jack Ketchum. It is loosely based on the 1965 murder of Sylvia Likens. In 2007, it was adapted into the film The Girl Next Door. Two teenage girls are left in the care of their aunt, and they suffer systematic and escalating abuse at the hands of their aunt and her children. The story takes place in 1950s suburban United States, and is told in flashback form by the narrator, David. Ruth, a single mother and an alcoholic (amongst other things) has three sons: Willie, Donny, and Ralph. Ruth has gained the trust of the neighborhood children by allowing them to come freely into her home, play as rough as they wish, and even drink an occasional beer with her.
Adaptations (1)
The Girl Next Door was adapted into a 2007 film.
The Girl Next Door2007 · film · 91 min · dir. Gregory Wilson · IMDb ↗In a quiet suburban town in the summer of 1958, two recently orphaned sisters are placed in the care of their mentally unstable Aunt Ruth. But Ruth's depraved sense of discipline will soon lead to unspeakable acts of abuse and torture that involve her young sons, the neighborhood children, and one 12-year-old boy whose life will be changed forever.
