A harrowing, unforgettable novel about survival, resilience, and the search for hope in the aftermath of unimaginable trauma.
In Gemma, award-winning actress and author Meg Tilly brings us a haunting tale told in two alternating voices: Gemma, a 13-year-old girl abducted by a predator, and her abuser, whose twisted justifications form a disturbing counterpoint to her unfolding nightmare. As Gemma is taken on a cross-country journey away from everyone she knows, she must rely on her intelligence, instincts, and inner strength to survive.
 
What makes Gemma extraordinary is Tilly’s spare, raw prose and her compassionate yet unflinching portrayal of abuse and recovery. Based on real-world horrors, this novel doesn't sensationalize its subject—it humanizes it, allowing the reader to see both the trauma and the spark of resilience that persists in even the darkest places.
 
Deeply emotional and expertly crafted, Gemma is a must-read for those drawn to powerful, character-driven fiction that confronts difficult truths with grace and honesty.
 
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
🧠 Dual POV Narrative: Allows readers insight into both the victim and the predator—challenging, uncomfortable, but necessary.
✍️ Minimalist, Impactful Prose: The stripped-down language intensifies the emotional resonance.
💔 Realistic and Relatable: A compassionate portrayal of trauma survival, based on realistic scenarios without exploitation.
🌱 Redemptive Arc: Despite the darkness, Gemma offers glimpses of hope and healing.
🔍 Introspective and Intimate: Perfect for readers who value deep character studies over plot-driven thrillers.
 
🎯 Perfect For
Readers of literary fiction that explores trauma, survival, and resilience
Fans of realistic psychological fiction
Book clubs focused on intense, issue-driven narratives
Those who appreciated Lucky by Alice Sebold or Room by Emma Donoghue
 
📚 Fans of Gemma may also like:
Room by Emma Donoghue
Push by Sapphire
 
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
Identical by Ellen Hopkins
White Oleander by Janet Fitch