I picked up “Girl in the Cellar” intrigued by Natascha Kampusch’s escape story after she was held captive for eight years.

I had never heard of Natascha and didn’t know what happened, but after finishing the book written by Allan Hall and Michael Leidig, I had mixed feelings.

I was simultaneously stunned by Natascha’s boldness and bravery and disappointed in the authors’ two cents incorporated throughout the book when it wasn’t necessary or asked for.

In the introduction chapters, Hall and Ledig talk about the controversy behind Natascha’s capture and escape. The authors mention people’s strong opinions about whether or not she was actually a “victim” or willingly stayed with her captor Wolfgang Priklopil.

Natascha’s quotes throughout the book were interesting as she described her time with Priklopil and how she coped during those years. Priklopil planned her capture for years beforehand and even crafted a “cell” for her using a 1,000-pound door and a space he and Natascha had to crawl backward into. He also installed a ventilation system for airflow since the space was underground.

At first, Natascha was in the cell at all times but as he gained confidence that she wouldn’t leave, he started to allow her in the main part of the house to do chores and in later years, accompany him to the store.

It was only because of Natascha’s behavior that she was even allowed the opportunity to eventually escape; by complying with Prikopil’s wishes and finding a means of solace in her mind, she said she was able to maintain her sanity. Blending Natascha’s own words with the facts of the case made it readable and focused on the most important part — her story.

One of the “controversial” parts of Natascha’s story is that she was spotted on a skiing trip with Priklopil. People argued that if she were truly a “victim,” she wouldn’t have been on a trip with him. But the reality is that he threatened to kill himself or harm others if she tried to escape while they were out in public. For the most part, the authors didn’t show an opinion on this matter but the undertones pointed to victim-blaming.

She spent her time reading and learning all she could and waiting for the right time to escape, which would come when she was washing his vehicle and he turned away to take a phone call.

A main theme throughout the book is Natascha’s nature; she describes herself as being the strong one between the two of them. Her careful work with the media after her escape is also surrounded by controversy, and the authors painted her in a negative light by insinuating she was taking advantage of the publicity but I saw it as her wanting to tell her story.

Hall and Leidig gave the story justice but should have been more careful with remaining objective.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com