Stolen

Lucy Christopher's novel Stolen redefines the traditional boundaries of romance novels by presenting a narrative that is both subversive and transgressive. Through its narrative style and complex character dynamics, the novel challenges conventional romantic tropes and delves into the dark, psychological depths of abusive relationships.

Gemma’s first-person perspective establishes a sense of intimacy and complicates the narrative’s depiction of the otherwise straightforwardly antagonistic relationship between victim and captor. By addressing Ty as "you," Gemma’s narrative takes on the tone of a personal letter, blurring the lines between love and coercion. This narrative technique is both intimate and disorienting, emulating the voyeuristic experience of reading private correspondence. This sense of voyeuristic intimacy mirrors Ty’s invasive presence in Gemma’s life, highlighting the transgressive nature of their relationship from the outset. Her honest, often painful reflections reveal a nuanced portrayal of her psychological state. She admits to moments of attraction toward Ty yet simultaneously recounts her desperate attempts to escape and her deep-seated fear of him. This duality in Gemma’s narration underscores the complexity of her feelings, which cannot be neatly categorized as love or hate, victimhood or agency.