Periklis Georgiou Georgiou itibaren Xagħra, Malta itibaren Xagħra, Malta

There was a lot that I liked about this book. The complexity of the abductor/abductee relationship is one I truly hadn't considered before, and Hart skillfully elucidates the humanity of this novel's "villain" while carefully and meticulously developing the narrator's conflicted feelings toward him. However, there were also many things that bothered me about this book. First, without spoiling anything, the initial decision Gilly makes (which sets the plot into motion) really rang ridiculous to me. And trust me...I have felt exactly as she did in that opening scene (harried frazzled mother at the end of her rope)...but I truly do not know a single mother who would have made the same rash decision that she did. I also felt like some of the metaphors (the roses, the roses) were overwrought. But most importantly, I had a fundamental issue with the narrator. By the end of the novel, I found Todd (the abductor) a thousand times more likable and sympathetic and (most importantly) authentic than Gilly. It is for this reason that the ending was not only incongruous to the rest of the story but abrupt and unearned as well. I am torn about this novel. Some might be willing to forgive those little thorns (sorry) that bothered me.

I love Michael Owen. Now even more ^^

Pairs of people are competing on a reality show that takes them around the world looking for clues. A pair of brothers, a mom and daughter with a secrets, former kid stars, a "reformed" gay couple who are now heterosexualy married... A bit sitcom like in the wrap up and pacing but an interesting look at secrets and life from multiple oints of view.