Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....(Goodreads).
My Thoughts:
Stay was my first novel by Deb Caletti and I have to say what a good job on writing this book. I started to read this book and I was not able to put it down. I wanted to know what happens next, so I kept reading. I think I read it in one day.
Book deals with serioussubject matter and I loved the way the author handles it. The author manages to strike the right balance. I was experiencing so many emotions as I was reading this book, sadness, anger, disgust, annoyance, helplessness and etc. Most of the emotions were directed towards the bad guy if you will, but also some of these emotions were directed toward Clara too. I think that I was mostly annoyed with Clara and her rationalization of what is happening to her. Or the fact that it took her so long (over a year I believe) before she gets out of relationship that was psychologically abusing. I know that she is a victim and that being in a abusive relationship is not easy and that it is not easy to get out. But Clara was in a way also obsessed with Christian and being in love with him. At least that was how I saw it. The whole time through she was making excuses for him and avoiding situations that would provoke Christian. I know that these are typical sign of abuse and in my opinion on the first sing of these you run the other way.
Psychological abuse, obsession are the main topics in this book. But romance and father daughter relationship are too. I love the way father daughter relationship was played out in this book. I loved the fact that they are so free with each other, they can talk about anything to with each other. But they have their own secrets too.
Overall this was an excellent read and if you have not read this book yet then you should. I believe that any one wheatear teenager or adult should read this book or book similar to this subject matter.
Book was very well written and there was a lot a character development, especially Clara. But do not be afraid, this book was not just about some crazy guy who was obsessed with Clara, there was romance in here as well, good romance.
I give this book 5/5 STARS - Happy Reading!!!
Thanks for your review :)
ReplyDeleteI own this book but haven't gotten a chance to read it yet. Somehow, books I own are not top priority reading-wise.
I have read and/or watched a lot on this topic. I have known people involved in abusive relationships and could never understand why they didn't just leave. I now know it's not that easy. But it was so frustrating listening to them rationalizing and
making excuses for their abuser. I found myself feeling angry, disgusted, and repulsed by the perpetrator. The worst is when the abuser wears a mask of respectability. The victim thinks nobody would believe her and, in many cases, she's right.
As you mentioned in your review, although abuse is the main topic, the relationship Clara has with her father is also addressed. Even though they are close and can discuss anything, they each have their secrets. This seems contradictory. It's possible that they don't divulge their secrets due to a fear of being judged. Maybe each of them feels they are at fault.
Abuse, in any form, is not the victim's fault and they shouldn't feel guilty or be made to feel guilty.