Gemma

It has been hard for me to write a review of this novel - I read it several months ago, and my visceral reaction to it remains strong, but I've had trouble putting that feeling into words. Gemma is a smart, tough, creative 12-year-old who we quickly learn has been regularly raped since age 8 by her mother's low-life boyfriend. At the beginning of the book he sells her for $100 to another child molester, Hazen Wood, who becomes obsessed and kidnaps Gemma, taking her on a cross-country abuse and torture spree. The story is told from alternating points-of-view, first Gemma then Hazen, which adds an element of raw truth to Tilly's well-written prose. Gemma's voice is quiet, shy - she survives solely on the basis of her vivid imagination; Hazen, meanwhile, is violent and obsessed, and sick too - he alternates between hurting Gemma and wanting to comfort her. The descriptions of Gemma's abuse are graphic and horrifying; the awful glimpses into the mind of her abuser are terrifying too. This book was hard to read, and impossible to put down. I give Tilly 5 stars, but caution the sensitive reader - the images depicted herein will not quickly fade.

Gemma is a novel that is hard to read. Meg Tilly puts us into the mind of a 36 year old man who is a pedophile. There are pages and pages of graphic sexual assault and abuse upon his victim, 12 yr old Gemma. I found myself cringing and feeling sick to my stomach reading these parts. But the abuse parts had to be told. Because this is Gemma's story. The same story that countless children live with everyday. It is in her 12 year old voice that we live her life. She takes us into her life of school, her sad relationship with her mother, her pet turtle, and the abuse she endures by her mother's boyfriend. But she also tells us how she survived her time as a sex slave, her abduction and life on the run with her abuser. Her eventual escape and new life with a caring foster mother and father. And her quite strength as Gemma testifies against the monster who forever changed her. Gemma will forever haunt me, as I watch over my own daughter, and hold her tighter.

This was a very hard book to read. Once I encountered the graphic depictions of the abuse Gemma suffered, I really didn't want to keep reading. However, the way this story was told kept me going. I will admit that I'm typically skeptical when I see a novel that has been written by someone who is a celebrity in other mediums - especially actors. But Tilly is a gifted storyteller, and I am sorry for ever having a single doubt in my mind. The very sad thing is that while this was fiction, events like these happen to children all around the world, every day. It's happening right this minute. Being made aware of that, makes me want to do what I can to help. Recommended, especially if you have children.

This book is a very raw, real piece of work that I had alot of trouble putting down. Honestly-if you are not used to seeing/ reading the frank language used and the evilness done to an innocent child, like in this story- I would tell you to pass, it might be too much to take. As you read, it's amazing to see how realistic Tilly has made the character Gemma. During some parts in the story I was literally on the verge of tears, when I read what Gemma had to endure. I have to thank Tilly for the way in which she wrote the book-she was BOLD, fearless and it is a story that needed to be told. There are so many girls out there who are just like Gemma and I for one am glad that their story and experiences can be told through this great novel.

While the story is graphic and horrific it is a very good read. I first heard about the book on a short interview with Meg about the release of "Gemma". Though it is a novel the heartbreaking sad reality is that this sort of thing does go on, having been a victim of abuse I was able to closely relate to Gemma's feelings ..... she is a strong character and I must admit I did cry at the very end, her words were so empowering to all girls and women who go through such experiences (no worries, I won't give anything from the story away) Thank you Meg, I hope the strength from Gemma's character continues to inpire many more readers to come