Synopses & Reviews
Gemma is a compelling and disturbing twist on the theme of Lolita, only this time we see both sides of child molestation and sexual abuse, hearing the voice of not only the adult predator, but that of the young victim as well.
After Hazen Wood kidnaps 12 year-old Gemma Sullivan, the two embark upon a cross-country journey that tests the limits of Gemma's endurance. In graphic scenes of physical and sexual violence, Hazen tries to destroy the young girl's will. It is only Gemma's childlike resilience and fertile imagination that protect her from the worst of the abuse she suffers. And in the end, the healing power of unconditional love gives Gemma the courage to speak out against her abuser at last reclaiming her dignity as a human being.
Review
"...Gemma is an astonishingly vital and involving character....Tilly achieves moments of raw beauty and genuine fierceness..." Booklist
Review
"In the early going, it's an effort to keep flipping the pages and endure Gemma's suffering....A haunting tale of abuse that may leave readers queasy." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Even with all my experience prosecuting these cases Gemma affected me so much that I can't get it out of my mind....This is a truly magnificent work." Judge Ken Freeman and former district attorney
Review
"Never had I read a book on this subject that so effectively captures both the psychology of the abusive relationship along with the social systems that work both to help and hinder the victim." Susan Sarrandon
Review
"Page by page, Meg Tilly holds you captive while portraying every parent's worst nightmare." Barbara Snider, case director, Missing Children Society of Canada
Review
"A gripping book that is a must-read. Meg Tilly gives the ready a chance to experience firsthand the horrors children endure when they are sexually abused." Carla Van Dam, PH.D., author of The Socially Skilled Child Molester and Identifying Child Molesters
Synopsis
After Hazen Wood kidnaps 12 year-old Gemma Sullivan, the two embark upon a cross-country journey that tests the limits of Gemma's endurance. In graphic scenes of physical and sexual violence, Hazen tries to destroy the young girl's will. It is only Gemma's childlike resilience and fertile imagination that protect her from the worst of the abuse she suffers. And in the end, the healing power of unconditional love gives Gemma the courage to speak out against her abuser at last reclaiming her dignity as a human being.
About the Author
Meg Tilly is the author of Singing Songs. Ms. Tilly is best known for her film roles in The Big Chill and Agnes of God. She lives in British Columbia.