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Loading... Helpless (edition 2007)by Barbara Gowdy
Work detailsHelpless: A Novel by Barbara Gowdy
None. Barbara Gowdy deals with the situation of an abduction of a nine year-old girl, from an unusual perspective, and takes what could have been a predictable suspense story and infuses it with moral dilemma on the part of both the abductor and his ex-girlfriend conspirator. Nine year-old Rachel Fox is abducted during a power-outage, leaving her mother Celia terrorized and a full-scale search in effect. Rachel is taken by Ron, a local appliance repairman and told she is being saved from local slave hunters. Ron wrestles with the nature of his love for Rachel, while Nancy his former addict ex-girlfriend wrestles with protecting her from Ron and giving in to his desire to keep her. The writing is intelligent and heartfelt. (  ) CarterPJ | Aug 29, 2012 |  I anticipated a lot more than I actually got with this read, especially from Gowdy. The plot was interesting enough on a superficial level, but the history and the foundation in which the characters were built were so diluted, I really didn't care about them, their supposed eccentricities and weaknesses. I kept waiting for the story to move to another level, and then by the time I reached the end of the book, it disappointingly felt rushed and unfinished. I'd much rather refer you to Gowdy's older works: "Mr. Sandman" or "We Seldom Look on Love." (  ) ZaraAlexis | May 24, 2012 | Just finished it and have to say I was disappointed by this book. I loved her other ones, especially Fallen Angels but this one lacked some of the wit and irony of her earlier work. ( ) grinandshareit | Jul 17, 2009 | This was a page turner. I found myself trying to read quicker to find out what was going to happen at the end. A suspense story, but given the storyline of abduction of a young girl and what you think the outcome was going to be, getting so far with it you think you know what the ending is etc....well you will have to read it to find out won't you (  ) Inver | Oct 7, 2008 | I'm a big fan of Barbara Gowdy, and this book didn't disappoint me. I think posthumose put it well: Barbara Gowdy writes in such an easy, straightforward style that the real impact of the story can "sneak up on you" -- even long after you've finished the book. In this story, nine-year-old Rachel Fox is kidnapped by Ron during a power failure. Ms. Gowdy does an excellent job of presenting the abductor's point of view as he struggles to admit to himself whether his "love" for Rachel is that of a father/protector or one of sexual desire. I disagree with those who say the ending felt rushed. I was surprised by it, and thought it was perfect. (  ) LynnB | Jul 15, 2008 | no reviews | add a review
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