Take a photo of a barcode or cover
I’ve always loved this book. I first read it as a teen and started reading it again recently to get back into books. It’s been interesting to consider the book from my perspective as a teen vs as an adult.
As a teen I was less alarmed by the age gap between Ty and Gemma, much quicker to empathise with and pity Ty, able to overlook the abduction and lean into a relationship for the pair.
As an adult I’m far more repulsed by the age gap, surprised that I didn’t remember this detail clearly, more alert to the fact that, when alone without contradiction, it’s easy for Ty’s warped views to poison Gemma’s perception of her own life.
The writing really makes you experience the confusion of Stockholm Syndrome - how the isolation and dependence on a captor can lead an abductee to form a relationship with them. Rationally, its easy to understand initial compliance and lessened antagonism from an abductee results in a less volatile captor. But, over time and in isolation, where exactly does that superficial amicable relationship blur into true feeling?
This is what the book captures so well. Particularly once Gemma is returned back to civilisation, when her time with Ty is no longer in isolation and she has information from other sources. The confusion and inner turmoil is really well presented.
And, of course, through Ty’s love of the Australian land you’re able to paint a beautiful picture of the Separates and the desert. The descriptions of nature really are lovely in this book.
As a teen I was less alarmed by the age gap between Ty and Gemma, much quicker to empathise with and pity Ty, able to overlook the abduction and lean into a relationship for the pair.
As an adult I’m far more repulsed by the age gap, surprised that I didn’t remember this detail clearly, more alert to the fact that, when alone without contradiction, it’s easy for Ty’s warped views to poison Gemma’s perception of her own life.
The writing really makes you experience the confusion of Stockholm Syndrome - how the isolation and dependence on a captor can lead an abductee to form a relationship with them. Rationally, its easy to understand initial compliance and lessened antagonism from an abductee results in a less volatile captor. But, over time and in isolation, where exactly does that superficial amicable relationship blur into true feeling?
This is what the book captures so well. Particularly once Gemma is returned back to civilisation, when her time with Ty is no longer in isolation and she has information from other sources. The confusion and inner turmoil is really well presented.
And, of course, through Ty’s love of the Australian land you’re able to paint a beautiful picture of the Separates and the desert. The descriptions of nature really are lovely in this book.