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Many reviewers praise this debut novel by Gabriel Tallent, citing the lyrical prose and powerful coming-of-age story. Other reviewers skewer the book for its graphic scenes of rape, violence, and psychological torture. I'm in the latter camp.
The book relates an intense tale of an adolescent girl finding her voice - and guts - in very difficult circumstances.
This is an admirable theme. To me though, the book is disturbing and - in some places - quite horrific.
*****
Julia Alveston, called Turtle, is a 14-year-old girl who - after her mother died years ago - has been raised by her father Martin.
They live on a woodsy property in Mendocino, California, in a house that's falling apart.
Martin's pet name for Turtle is Kibble, but he's just as likely to refer to her as bitch or cunt - names she's adopted to think about herself and most other females.
Martin, who apparently works as a free-lance carpenter, is highly intelligent and well-read. He often sermonizes about global warming, war in the Middle East, and other issues that demonstrate how flawed the human race is.
Martin seems to believe the world is on the brink of collapse, and he's amassed a large supply of non-perishable foods, veterinary medical supplies (which he uses for people), and guns.....lots and lots of guns.
Martin taught Turtle to shoot when she was six-years-old, and the girl is now a dead shot, constantly practicing with and cleaning her weapons.
Unfortunately Turtle isn't as capable in her middle-school classes, and - goaded by Martin - thinks of herself as stupid and incapable of learning.
In fact, Turtle is profoundly psychologically damaged. Martin has isolated Turtle for years - discouraging relationships with other people - and has brainwashed her into thinking he's the 'best daddy in the world' who 'loves her more than anyone's ever been loved.' In fact, Martin has been battering and sexually abusing Turtle since she was small, but she accepts this as evidence of how much she's cherished. There are explicit rape scenes in the book, as well as chapters in which Martin hits Kibble, beats her with an iron rod, throws her around, and mentally torments her.
Martin is extremely jealous of Turtle, and doesn't want her to have any friends. Martin even resents Kibble's affection for her grandfather (Martin's dad) who lives in a trailer on the property. When Grandpa gives Turtle his cherished army knife - which she plans to keep in pristine condition - Martin promptly takes the knife and spoils the smooth blade.
Daddy then holds the knife beneath Kibble's crotch while he forces her to do a series of agonizing pull-ups. Afterwards, Martin (literally) can't stop laughing at the 'expression on Kibble's face.' Clearly, Martin - who calls Kibble 'my absolute darling' and constantly tells her 'you are mine' - is a manipulative psychopath.
For her part, Turtle can't imagine life without her beloved Daddy. Thus, when anyone - a teacher, school parent, or Grandpa - tries to reach out and ask about Martin, Turtle - fiercely protective - lies. Moreover, Turtle knows that, if confronted, Martin would shoot to kill - and she doesn't want to lose him to prison.
Turtle does appear to make tiny bids for independence. One day she takes off on a long barefoot hike in the woods (Turtle's calloused feet are as tough as shoe leather) and comes across two high school boys - Brett and Jacob - who've become lost during an orienteering project. Turtle assists the boys and camps out with them, and the lads - VERY IMPRESSED with her outdoorsy skills - call her a ninja.
Brett and Jacob are smart, well-educated boys from hippy-dippy households, and much of their conversation sounds like Greek philosophers chatting.....which struck me as very unrealistic. In any case, the three kids become friends, and there's a clear attraction between Turtle and Jacob. When Martin finds out about this, all hell breaks loose.
At one point Martin goes off on a trip and returns with a nine-year-old girl named Cayenne - whose presence he doesn't really explain. This leads to a nightmare scene in which - following a shooting accident - Martin and Turtle amputate the child's fingertip.
When Turtle tries to address Martin about Cayenne's pain, he's dismissive and goes off on a rant about pain making us aware of other people (I couldn't make heads or tails of this diatribe.) To me Martin is a monster.
I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll just say that Turtle eventually realizes she has to make a change.....and guns are fired.
I'm not clear what Tallent's intentions were in writing this book. Perhaps he wanted to showcase a courageous young lady who - despite overwhelmingly difficult circumstances - tries to break away and do right. This would be a laudable lesson, but comes at a high cost (to the reader).
Though I didn't enjoy the book I do acknowledge that it's well-written. The author's prose brings the characters and their surroundings vividly to life, and I could picture all the scenes in my mind. Martin is described as a large muscular man and - for some reason - his 'huge stubby toes' are etched in my mind.....a picture I don't like. (LOL)
I'm giving the book three stars because - though I hate the story - I admire the writing. I personally wouldn't recommend the book to anyone. However, since the novel has received so much praise, maybe you have to take gander at it and make up your own mind.
Rating: 3 stars
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