Haunting. Revulsive. Hopeful. Inciting. This book is not for the faint of heart. I like the character of Gemma (though I must admit to not particularly liking her name since I am never sure how to pronounce it and it sometimes tripped up the flow of my reading). I think the author did an amazing job of showing how such a young girl can have wild dichotomies of personality. Gemma has a sense of bravado, a coolness, an "above it all" ability to take her abuse without letting it destroy her. Yet she also has the sensibilities of a child, one who can be convinced by wicked adults that she is the one doing something wrong, that she might get in trouble, and her devoted attachment to her pet is heartbreaking. The scenes of abuse are graphic. I think in this case it was perhaps a necessary evil to show the depths of Hazen's depravity. However, I do think maybe there were more scenes, an overabundance of graphic details, than were necessary to tell the story. The author did a fine job of switching voices between the young girl and her abusers. And Gemma's mother...I hate her with a passion, but she was a well-drawn character. The whole thing, the knowledge that this is exactly the sort of thing that happens in the world, sickens me. enrages me, but I feel privileged to have been let in on Gemma's story. This one will affect the way I move in the world. From here on out I'll be paying closer attention, I won't be afraid to talk to little girls with haunted eyes. Maybe they need help, just like Gemma did, and I can't stand the thought of all those adults who just didn't notice her need... ( )

Wow. The back cover of this book suggests that Meg Tilly's novel echoes the works by Alice Sebold and Dorothy Allison. And yes, while I was reading the story of 12 year old Gemma's trauma of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, Tilly's descriptions certainly do remind me of both authors. The novel depicts a young girl who is kidnapped and raped by a man who gleefully tortures the heroine.

The book's depiction of abuse is painfully graphic and realistic, and certainly not for those with weak hearts. I couldn't help but flinch at many of the passages, especially the ones that are told through the eyes of the rapist. Gemma is a wonderfully strong main character -- but it seems that in some ways her personality gets lost in the pages of violence and abuse. I wanted a bit more Gemma, and a little less abuse, even though I realize that Tilly's novel is about the strength that even a young girl could have in the face of such trauma. ( )

Wow. Meg Tilly is a very good writer. The subject matter and the story were so intense, and the details really gruesome. But, I have to say that I want to read more of her books. I will probably avoid the young adult version of this story, but the other two books that she has written are on the top of my list now. I appreciate the honor of being given an early reviewers copy. I had no idea she was more than a great actress (in my opinion). But she really is a great writer, IMHO. ( )