Mouthing the Words

This is a novel of breathtaking power, vitally relevant, sensitive and intelligent. The author has wisely endowed Thelma -- her narrator -- with a wry sense of humor, which makes the book much less of a 'downer' than it might be otherwise.The story follows Thelma from about the age of six into adulthood. She is an odd child, to say the least -- but there are many reasons for this, becoming more and more apparent as the narrative unfolds. An unplanned child ('the result of premature ejaculation', as she puts it), Thelma senses quite early in life that her parents are not quite sure what to do with her, how to love her, how to nurture her. She is ridiculed and treated as a burden by her mother, sexually abused by her father, and generally confused and intimidated by the world. She has problems making friends -- with the exception of Janawee, Ginniger and Heroin, all imaginary, all endowed by her imagination with the talents and abilities she sees lacking in herself.Her life is not an easy one -- the author's knowledge and writing skills are crucial in bringing this story to life. Through her sensitive and intelligent story-telling, we see the shyness, insecurity, self-loathing -- and more -- that Thelma's upbringing has engendered within her. It's a heartbreaking thing to watch -- but, thanks to the above-mentioned sense of humor that persists in Thelma, as well as her strength (which she can't always see herself) and determination, the tale is not too dark to endure. It's extremely heartening to see her go through the process of finding out who she is, accepting the things about her that she is able to admire, and re-invent the parts of herself that she wants to change. It's a difficult task for someone to go through in life -- and it's at times a difficult story to read, but Gibb pulls it off in a way that is not only entertaining, but enlightening, uplifting and empowering as well. It's an amazing achievement -- and it's one of the best books I've read that deals with this subject.Read this book and become absorbed in Thelma's story and life -- and be proud of her. Read it and know that, yes, these things really happen. Read it and open your heart to those who live them. They are heroes.Also recommended: BITTERROOT LANDING by Sheri Reynolds and BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA by Dorothy Allison.

Camilla Gibb's first novel "Mouthing the Words" won the Toronto Book Award, and for many good reasons. This is an astonishingly beautiful, lyrical, strong work. It is a coming-of-age story, a female "bildungsroman." The narrator, Thelma, tells her story, from birth to womanhood, with wit and poignancy. The early chapters subtly reveal Thelma's psychological betrayal and physical molestation through a child's innocent perspective. We get to know not only Thelma's family, but also her imaginary friends Ginniger, Janawee, and Heroin. Through Thelma, unspeakably traumatic events find humane and humourous expression. Thelma's sense of the absurd is central to her nature and affects her survival. The world would label Thelma "disturbed." The reader comes to know her as perceptive, imaginative, and compassionate, with a fine sense of the ironic and the ridiculous. "Mouthing the Words" moves through Thelma's life until adulthood, creating unforgettable scenes that are at one and the same time hilarious and heartbreaking.

I couldn't put this book down. It depicted the feelings of a child in an unjust world in such a powerful and empathic way. Camilla Gibb has the ability to 'catch us up' in this child's life with her evocative and creative language. We really connect to this child. I highly recommend it.

Camilla Gibb takes a fresh, humourous, and powerfully provocative look into relationships and the human spirit. This book is a delightful departure from the forumla best sellers. I highly recommend this book - but be prepared for a heavy dose of hardcore, in-your-face, reality. Enojoy!

The story of Thelma Barley, a girl growing up in more than unfortunate circumstances. Her family is beyond dysfunctional with a bitter, self absorbed mother and an abusive father. But instead of falling victim to these circumstances Thelma has found a place to escape. Able to retreat into her imagination in a moments notice she is comforted by her imaginary friends and her ability to morph into inanimate objects. She has found a safe place where her father's games of "naughty secretary" and her mother's resentment can't get in. She manages to make it to young adulthood where she eventually learns, as odd as she is, that she too has a place in the real world.This is one of those rare books that you must read in one sitting. You should commit an entire day and experience Thelma's life with her. You'll feel like you've lived another lifetime and you'll know what it feels like to be her. The key to this book is that it's not another sad, depressing, painful abuse survival story. It's a story about a unique girl who lives through sadly common circumstances. But it's her that makes this book special. It's her sense of humour, her passion, her spirit and her imagination. You will laugh outloud and cry the next minute. And then when it's all over you will be a better person for having read it.