
Stolen is an intense and complex novel that explores the gray areas between two extremes, forcing you to think. The novel is written in the form of a letter from Gemma to Ty, recalling her experiences, which is an intimate technique that really puts the reader in Gemma's shoes and reveals all of her thoughts and convoluted feelings as she wrestles with curiosity and fear, but also portrays Ty in an interesting light. Along with Gemma, readers come to realize how damaged Ty is psychologically, but his caring and even noble sides are also revealed, which will invoke nearly as much sympathy and concern for him as the despise and disgust ignited when he stole Gemma away.
The setting of Stolen is described with breathtaking beauty and desolation, and its characteristics and the many things that Gemma experiences while in the desert--catching the camel, for instance--all serve as a fascinating extended metaphor for Gemma's time spent with Ty. Christopher's depiction of the desert is vivid, and will certainly haunt you.
Christopher does build quite a bit of suspense throughout Stolen, which will have readers wondering how the letter's end will find Gemma, and what her emotional state will be when she finally signs her name. She is an incredibly strong and capable heroine, and by the end she has grown impressively as a person, and she grapples with the fact that once you have truly understood someone and their motivations, it is difficult to condemn them. Stolen is a remarkable and stirring novel that blurs the lines between right and wrong, love and hate, and freedom and captivity--it is a truly impressive debut.
Cover Comments: I love this cover--so simple, and beautiful, but the colors used hint at its darker undertones. It is perfect.
ARC received from publisher.
9 comments:
Wow! What a great review! I have to add this to my wishlist:)
Awesome review! I really enjoyed this book.
That is a very unusual plot. Interesting that it is a letter too. Very different.
Good review!
Sounds like a great read. And, it is timely given the amount of stories available about missing girls who've been discovered recently. Thanks for the review--This is going on my wishlist!
Ooo, this sounds intriguing. Kind of a new concept too. I'll have to check it out.
The premise sounds really amazing. I can't say that I've read anything like this before and I am now adding this to my wishlist!
Great review! This was such a unique book.
This book has recently become one of my favorites. It was reallt intense in a good way.
P.S. You should do a reveiw on Ship Breaker, I'd like to here your thoughts.
Awesome review! Here's mine if you don't mind: http://lorxiebookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/12/stolen-by-lucy-christopher.html
Thanks and have a nice day! :)
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