This is a stunning book. There are basically only two characters: 16-year-old Gemma, and 24-year-old Ty. The book is written in the first person, in the form of a letter sent from Gemma to Ty.
Ty has been watching Gemma for years, since she was ten, and when she is at the airport on a trip with her parents going from Britain to Vietnam, Ty kidnaps Gemma and takes her to the desert in Australia.
Ty doesn’t hurt Gemma, nor does he assault her. He tells her he wanted to rescue her from the shallowness of her life, because he knows she would want more. He wants to teach her about the desert and the beauty of natural things. But she is terrified for a long time, and is convinced he is just waiting for the opportunity to kill her. Slowly, however, Gemma gets to know Ty, and her feelings change.
Mirroring their story is a subplot in which Ty captures and tames a camel for them to use for milk and transportation. The fear, anguish, acceptance and finally love of the camel for his captors is as compelling and heartbreaking as Gemma and Ty’s story.
We know that something about Gemma’s captivity will change, because Gemma is writing this letter to Ty, but we don’t know what it will be until near the end. But it is not the suspense that is so riveting but the process that gets us there. We are made privy to every sight, smell, taste, and perception of Gemma as she struggles from day to day to come to terms with her fate. No gritty detail is omitted, but rather than seeming tedious, this takes us wholly into Gemma’s experience like no account of an abduction I’ve ever read. And the author’s ability to conjure the harsh desert landscape is remarkable.
We come to understand Ty and admire him in many ways, especially for the way he resists any mistreatment of Gemma, no matter what the provocation. He also has an artistic streak, and teaches Gemma to look around her with a new appreciation she never had in the city. And he is brave; brave beyond what Emma is as she works her way from terror to love, and brave in ways he never thought he would have to be.
Evaluation: I would have wanted a different ending, but the one the author chose is probably the more realistic. And “realistic” is definitely a hallmark of this extraordinary book. You won’t want to put down this absorbing portrait of two shattered people who navigate through their angst and fear and rage in search of healing and renewal, and you won’t soon forget it. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4/5
Note: There is no sexual abuse, or even sex, for that matter, in this book.
Published by Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc., 2010
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: | Book Review
Ooooh. Sounds like something I would like. (adding it to the list)
You are very bad for my TBR list, you know that. And when there is torment or drama or emotion happening with humans, fine. But throw in a camel? (I happen to have an obsession with camels and have since I was a kid.) Whatever happens with the camel, I think I’d be reduced to a mass of blobby mush.
Man. Something tells me I’m going to have to add this one to the list of books I must read NOW. This sounds strangely compelling and it really is odd how Ty might actually be a good guy even though he kidnapped someone, a kid at that? I can’t imagine how the reader can look favorably on him, which is probably why I have to move this up on the list now.
Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinteresting! I *never* would have picked this up based on the description but you have me seriously curious — esp since there’s no sexual assault (my first concern when you started outlining the premise!) — it sounds horrifying and fascinating. Might be a good wintry read when I’m trapped at home.
This looks very good! It’s nice that it explores the whole situation without it being about sexual abuse like so many other abduction stories. I probably wouldn’t be interested in the book otherwise.
I agree with Alyce et al – an abduction story without sexual abuse sounds riveting!
You’ve certainly piqued my interest. I’ve never heard of that Scholastic imprint.
This sounds like a strange but compelling story! I’ve come across this book before, but had no idea what it was about.
This sounds good!!
Loved your review and it also reminded me that I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while now. I’m sure I will love it!
Definitely adding this to my wishlist!
Wow! Great review. This one wasn’t familiar to me but it sounds like it’s worth checking out.
I had never heard of this book before today, but my gosh, you make such an excellent case for it! I wouldn’t think a book about an abduction could be so moving, and so devoid of violence, but it seems that this one is that and more. Excellent review on this one today. This one is beckoning to me.
And on to the TBR list it goes…
I need to add this one to my wish list. I’ve seen it around but never really knew what it was about. Great review!
I am adding this to my TBR list with the note “Jill says don’t worry about the premise”, because I trust you.
It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that you can be sympathetic with a kidnapper. I’ll trust you though.
Wow. As I was reading your synopsis, I was thinking this was going to be another book about Stockholm Syndrome. Based on your conclusions, I suspect I was way off. I am definitely interested now and will be keeping my eyes out for it!
I need Sheep in the Basements thoughts on what happens to the camel before I can commit.
Sounds fascinating — and I’m definitely glad to know there’s no sexual abuse in the story. That would keep me on pins and needles, waiting and waiting for something truly bad to happen.
I think I may have this one on the shelves…. sounds really intriguing.
Sounds strange, but in a not bad way (not sure if it’s a good way).
This is the most beautiful, moving book i have ever read in my life. Never before have i cried at a book or even a film but this book had me sobbing. I started crying when they had to leave the camel so god help me when ty and gemma had to leave each other. I have never ever been so affected by a book in my life and i honestly felt so emotionally attached to the characters; im devastated its over! Definalty my favourite book of all time.