My Absolute Darling

By Gabriel Tallent

Details

Publisher:
Publication Date:
ISBN: 9780008185237
Themes: psychological suspense realistic fiction Friendship Abuse Mental Health Family

Preface

'My Absolute Darling' is about the dysfunctional relationship between 14 year old ‘Turtle’ and her father Martin.

Turtle is a skilled survivalist and has been able to shoot a gun since a very young age. She loves nothing more than to wander in the woods around her home and has skills to help her survive in any number of situations in the woods.

Turtle fends of interest from anyone who tries to break down her barrier and become her friend. Martin is her life and she is his ‘absolute darling’, his ‘kibble.’

Martin is obsessive in his survivalist attitude and in his constant need to ‘protect’ Turtle. He alternates between ‘loving’ father, ice-cold punisher and guilt-ridden abuser with increasing speed. Martin is unpredictable and unstable, a dangerous mix.

Then she meets Brett and Jacob when they become hopelessly lost in the woods. She knows she should leave them to fend for themselves but she can’t quite bring herself to and ends up guiding them to safety. In the process Turtle begins to see how she might just have met some people she wants in her life.

Turtle fights against her feelings because she knows she is Martin’s possession and she worries about the lengths he would go to in order to prevent her having anyone but him in her life.