I chose this book from the new titles section at my library as it had a sticker on it saying it was a book group choice which often indicates a well written read which makes you think. It took me a while to get into the book but after a few chapters I was hooked. It is the story of the abduction of Rachel, the beautiful and much loved daughter of single mum Celia who works hard to support the two of them and chapters alternate between her experience and that of the abductor, Ron, who mends vacuum cleaners for a hobby and for a living and his unwitting accomplice, Nancy, herself a victim of child abuse. Ron is clearly a paedophile although the ...  Read the complete review

I'll start by saying that 'Helpless' by Barbara Gowdy isn't a book that I'd usually choose to read. I am a self-confessed chick-lit fan and I don't tend to read anything that makes me think too much. What I tend to look for in a book is something light than will entertain me during my commute to work, brighten up my day with a bit of escapism and not require too much thought and concentration. However, I am a member of a book group and this does force me to add a bit more variety to my reading list. 'Helpless' begins by introducing us to Rachel, a 'exceptionally beautiful' nine year old girl and her single mother Celia, who is working two jobs as she struggles ...  Read the complete review

Rachel Fox is a true child beauty. She is mixed race so her skin is a light brown shade that contrasts amazingly with her blonde ringleted hair and blue eyes. Her single mother, Celia, knows she is gorgeous and adores her to bits. Everything in their life is normal for a hard working, low income, single parent family until one day; Rachel is snatched from right outside her home. She is not just snatched by anyone though; she is snatched by Ron - a calculating pedophile who thinks he has fallen in love with her. I struggled to decide whether to read this or not for a few reasons. I knew the subject matter would be something I might find extremely ...  Read the complete review