First of all, I’d like to say that I started this book a few months ago and gave up halfway. However, last night I picked it up again and finished it, and I’m not sure whether I regret it or not.
Goodreads Summary:
It happened like this. I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him.
This is my story.
A letter from nowhere.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back?
The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don’t exist–almost.
My rating: 3/5
My review:
Even though I appreciate the concept of the book (Gemma writing a letter to Ty and describing, or explaining if you wish, how she felt at the desert and everything that happened out there), I struggled to believe and accept that she could remember everything more than a month later with great detail. I understand that an experience like that may leave someone traumatised and they may never forget the face of their abductor or the memories with them, but I don’t believe that someone can possibly remember all the conversations in great detail and everything else she experienced.
Ignoring that, the book, in general, was an easy read. I really enjoyed that the main location was the desert and although I never thought of the desert as this beautiful location where I would like to be, somehow the book made me rethink of what I consider beautiful in terms of scenery. Gemma, a 16year-old from London, kidnapped and forced to stay in a desert, away from all the luxuries that a city could provide, explores throughout the book all the beauty that the desert, and nature in general, can hide.
Gemma, as a character, was likeable but I think she needed more development. I mean, the whole letter was written by her and by the end of the book we learn more about Ty, than her. I do, however, appreciate her honesty, especially at the end of the book.
Ty, on the other hand, was very developed as a character. We saw him calm, upset, happy, sad, angry, crazy and guilty. He had opinions on different matters (environment, cities, stars, etc) and he had a personality. Yes, he is supposed to be the bad guy, but at least he has a personality. I don’t hate him but I don’t like him either. To me, he is just an interesting character, with a potential to become a better person, that may deserve a second chance.
I’m not really bothered about how the book ended. I enjoy reading books that don’t satisfy my wishes because they make the story a bit more realistic.
Favourite quotes:
“Let’s face it, you did steal me. But you saved my life too. And somewhere in the middle, you showed me a place so different and beautiful, I can never get it out of my mind. And I can’t get you out of there either. You’re stuck in my brain like my own blood vessels.”
“People love what they’re used to, I guess.”
“No.” You shook your head. “People should love what needs loving. That way they can save it.”
Have you read this book? What do you think about it? What were your favourite parts/quotes? Let me know:)
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