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Entführt, gefangen ... verliebt?
Während eines Sommeraufenthaltes in Griechenland wird die Amerikanerin Chloe gekidnappt. Tag für Tag steht das einst selbstbewusste, lebensfrohe Mädchen nun Todesängste aus. Ihre Hilflosigkeit, die körperlichen Qualen durch einen der Entführer und die Einsamkeit treiben sie an den Rand des Wahnsinns. Zu Hause kämpft man für ihre Freilassung, doch hier gibt es nur einen, auf den sie sich verlassen kann. Nur einen, der ihr Überleben sichert. Einen, den sie wirklich liebt ... ihr Peiniger.
Während eines Sommeraufenthaltes in Griechenland wird die Amerikanerin Chloe gekidnappt. Tag für Tag steht das einst selbstbewusste, lebensfrohe Mädchen nun Todesängste aus. Ihre Hilflosigkeit, die körperlichen Qualen durch einen der Entführer und die Einsamkeit treiben sie an den Rand des Wahnsinns. Zu Hause kämpft man für ihre Freilassung, doch hier gibt es nur einen, auf den sie sich verlassen kann. Nur einen, der ihr Überleben sichert. Einen, den sie wirklich liebt ... ihr Peiniger.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2011
19 people are currently reading
3303 people want to read
About the author
Edeet Ravel
23 books84 followersEdeet Ravel is the author of sixteen books for children and adults. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and have won numerous awards, including the Hugh MacLennan Book Award, the J.I. Segal Award, the Canadian Jewish Book Award (in two categories), the Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, and the Snow Willow Award. Edeet's books have also been shortlisted for the Giller Prize, the Commonwealth Book Prize, and the Arthur Ellis Crime Award. Edeet was a three-time Governor General's Award finalist in two categories. Her novel The Saver (Groundwood) was adapted into film by Wiebke von Carolsfeld. Her latest (crossover) novels are A Boy Is Not a Bird and A Boy Is Not a Ghost, about a child who is exiled to Siberia in WWII, and Miss Matty, in which a teenager in Montreal of 1942 dreams of being a Hollywood star. In the words of one young reader, "Edeet has a vision where what is strange is loved and what is beautiful -- our planet, our humanity -- is protected." Edeet lives in Montreal, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
December 31, 2013
★★★★★ = Best book Ever!
As my Goodreads friends know I love a dark read, in fact the darker the better and in a way I think I expected this to be just that sort of book but it wasn't.
It was so much more than that.
I can never explain why but from the moment I picked up this book and began to read the prologue I was hooked and its not an intense gripping story, your even told the outcome at the start. But for me it was just one of those books that I'm so glad I read, I loved the story, loved the characters and I loved the writing style and like others I'd like to see a book 2, however from my interpretation I don't think this was the authors intention. In my opinion I think we are suposed to draw our own conclusions.
SPOILER HEAVY CONTENT BELOW DO NOT CLICK IF YOUR GOING TO READ, THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS PLOT
I really hope those spoiler tags work it won't let me preview this.
April 21, 2012
This book is perfect for fans of Stolen by Lucy Christopher. I loved that book and I'm always looking for similar reads so I was very happy when Giselle @ Xpresso Reads recommended this book to me. I knew I had to give it a try and it was exactly what I was looking for! Seventeen year old Chloe is vacationing in Greece when she is grabbed and taken to a warehouse. She believes the worse, murder, sex slavery, or torture and is surprised when her hostage-taker continues to tell her no harm will come to her. He takes her to a warehouse of decent size and she is given plenty of delicious food, and is even asked to make a list of things she would like to help make her stay comfortable. Chloe's hostage taker continues to visit her daily, bringing her food and she grows comfortable until another man breaks in dunking her and making her sick.
Her hostage-taker, this is what she calls him throughout the book we never learn his name, cares for her while she is sick. He gets her medicine, cleans her, rubs her hands, and takes really good care of her. Chloe begins to develop feelings for him. He is also young, smart, polite, and very good looking. He also explains in depth to Chloe that he is doing this for a prisoner exchange. He was once wrongfully in prison and the guy he is now trying to help saved his life. The hostage-taker knows what he is doing is wrong but felt he had no other choice. They have many discussions involving right and wrong and you begin to see how easy those lines can blur. Chloe begins to want to protect him because she understands him. He even tries to tell Chloe that what she is feeling isn't real and when she is released she will change her mind, but he can't help but feel something for her as well. He tells her not to hug him and not feel for him and that she should remember it is his fault she is there. But he continues to bring her fancy soaps, books, music, DVDs, a stuffed monkey, tennis equipment, flowers, wine, and other things to make her happy. With no one else for companionship you can understand Chloe's need and feelings for him.
Enter Stockholm Syndrome! You can't help but somehow want these two to be together even though you know it's wrong. It makes for such an addicting read because I couldn't wait to see how they would deal with their feelings for each other and what would happen when his demands were met and she was let go. I also loved the format of the book. It was written as a journal entry from Chloe explaining the events of her kidnapping. Between chapters there were newspaper articles, emails, facebook conversations and other things explaining what was happening on the outside during her kidnapping. Her mom was working very hard raising money for legal fees to get re-trials and prisoner releases that were demanded by the hostage-taker. I read the whole book in one day. I liked and disliked the ending. With a book like this you can't really expect a happy ending but things were left open, I guess so you can assume what you want.
You are here for the purpose of a prisoner exchange. No harm will come to you. There is food in the refrigerator. I'll visit in a day or two to see that you have what you need. We regret the inconvenience.
"Sometimes breaking the law is just the best of several bad options. Sometimes a situation is so desperate that you can't go by the rules."
"Will you read to me?"
"If you like."
"Why are you kind to me?"
"The goal is for my friend to be released, not to make you suffer."
"What if they make one of thos epolice drawings of you?"
"No one will suspect me."
"Such a nice smell coming from outside. Can I step out, just for a few minutes?"
"When you're better," he said.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Her hostage-taker, this is what she calls him throughout the book we never learn his name, cares for her while she is sick. He gets her medicine, cleans her, rubs her hands, and takes really good care of her. Chloe begins to develop feelings for him. He is also young, smart, polite, and very good looking. He also explains in depth to Chloe that he is doing this for a prisoner exchange. He was once wrongfully in prison and the guy he is now trying to help saved his life. The hostage-taker knows what he is doing is wrong but felt he had no other choice. They have many discussions involving right and wrong and you begin to see how easy those lines can blur. Chloe begins to want to protect him because she understands him. He even tries to tell Chloe that what she is feeling isn't real and when she is released she will change her mind, but he can't help but feel something for her as well. He tells her not to hug him and not feel for him and that she should remember it is his fault she is there. But he continues to bring her fancy soaps, books, music, DVDs, a stuffed monkey, tennis equipment, flowers, wine, and other things to make her happy. With no one else for companionship you can understand Chloe's need and feelings for him.
Enter Stockholm Syndrome! You can't help but somehow want these two to be together even though you know it's wrong. It makes for such an addicting read because I couldn't wait to see how they would deal with their feelings for each other and what would happen when his demands were met and she was let go. I also loved the format of the book. It was written as a journal entry from Chloe explaining the events of her kidnapping. Between chapters there were newspaper articles, emails, facebook conversations and other things explaining what was happening on the outside during her kidnapping. Her mom was working very hard raising money for legal fees to get re-trials and prisoner releases that were demanded by the hostage-taker. I read the whole book in one day. I liked and disliked the ending. With a book like this you can't really expect a happy ending but things were left open, I guess so you can assume what you want.
You are here for the purpose of a prisoner exchange. No harm will come to you. There is food in the refrigerator. I'll visit in a day or two to see that you have what you need. We regret the inconvenience.
"Sometimes breaking the law is just the best of several bad options. Sometimes a situation is so desperate that you can't go by the rules."
"Will you read to me?"
"If you like."
"Why are you kind to me?"
"The goal is for my friend to be released, not to make you suffer."
"What if they make one of thos epolice drawings of you?"
"No one will suspect me."
"Such a nice smell coming from outside. Can I step out, just for a few minutes?"
"When you're better," he said.
"Really?"
"Yes."
January 29, 2013
*** SPOLIERS ****
I finished this book 5 hours after I started it - I could not put it down. it is wonderfully written. However, I felt somewhat uneased regarding the ending.
Chloe is a 17 YO girl kidnapped during a summer vacation in Greece, and held as prisoner by an unknown organization, and specfically, an engimatic hostage taker who we learn quite little about other than the fact that he is young, unarmed, bright, doesn't smile and is short in words. throughout her ordeal, Chloe suffers the expected emmotional termoils one can expect from a person in her situation, starting from panic, going through confusion, over-thinking and ultimately (and rather quickly) falling quite madly in love with her hostage taker. the said hostage taker described as a decent, caring person, a little too good to be true in his treatment of her, which brings me to the ending -
eventually, we are left with the question of what really happened, with the following options:
1. everything Chloe told us is true, and reflects what really happened. In such case, the hostage-taker's character, although loveable, is not that believeable and the ending is rather grim because we don't know what eventually happened to him, but we do know no one believes her story and she is very distressed to the point where she needs medical attention
2. what chloe told is really what she experience - but her hostage taker didn't genuinly care about her and was only kind to her in order to either get her cooperation or satisfy his own sadistic needs for domination (as emplyed by the phsyc report at the end) - in such case we are left feelign very betrayed for her
3. What Chloe told us is not true at all, but rather a fantasy created by her confused traumatized mind in order to cope with some kind of a horrific solitary captivity.
I understand the literary value in leaving the ending open to the reader's interpretations, but I must say I'm not a fan of such. I like getting a complete and clear bottom line at the end - and that's why I was somewhat upset here and gae it only 4 stars.
but all in all - I enjoyed the ride until the ending, and I would recommend it.
I finished this book 5 hours after I started it - I could not put it down. it is wonderfully written. However, I felt somewhat uneased regarding the ending.
Chloe is a 17 YO girl kidnapped during a summer vacation in Greece, and held as prisoner by an unknown organization, and specfically, an engimatic hostage taker who we learn quite little about other than the fact that he is young, unarmed, bright, doesn't smile and is short in words. throughout her ordeal, Chloe suffers the expected emmotional termoils one can expect from a person in her situation, starting from panic, going through confusion, over-thinking and ultimately (and rather quickly) falling quite madly in love with her hostage taker. the said hostage taker described as a decent, caring person, a little too good to be true in his treatment of her, which brings me to the ending -
eventually, we are left with the question of what really happened, with the following options:
1. everything Chloe told us is true, and reflects what really happened. In such case, the hostage-taker's character, although loveable, is not that believeable and the ending is rather grim because we don't know what eventually happened to him, but we do know no one believes her story and she is very distressed to the point where she needs medical attention
2. what chloe told is really what she experience - but her hostage taker didn't genuinly care about her and was only kind to her in order to either get her cooperation or satisfy his own sadistic needs for domination (as emplyed by the phsyc report at the end) - in such case we are left feelign very betrayed for her
3. What Chloe told us is not true at all, but rather a fantasy created by her confused traumatized mind in order to cope with some kind of a horrific solitary captivity.
I understand the literary value in leaving the ending open to the reader's interpretations, but I must say I'm not a fan of such. I like getting a complete and clear bottom line at the end - and that's why I was somewhat upset here and gae it only 4 stars.
but all in all - I enjoyed the ride until the ending, and I would recommend it.
April 13, 2011
I was fortunate to have won this book in a Goodreads' First Reads giveaway (many thanks!!!), but I would have gladly paid for it as it's a wonderful book.
Chloe, a 17 year old, gets abducted during her vacation in Greece. In her mind she expects the worse: they are terrorists and she will be raped and killed, maybe tortured. So it came to a big surprise when she is very well treated with gourmet meals and everything she needs during her confinement. Consequently, she soon starts to fall for her abductor, an attractive and considerate young man. A classic case of Stockholm Syndrome.
The story is narrated by Chloe in a first person point of view. That way, we get to really be in her head and understand how she is feeling and what she's going through. The character of Chloe is very realistic; the emotions she's feeling are tangible and you become aware of her desperation throughout the ordeal. Before I read the book I couldn't conceive how this syndrome actually manifests, now I understand how easily it can. I never once felt it was unrealistic or excessive. I even hoped they would end up together while I was reading!
The only downside for me was the ending. I wasn't really sure what to think of it. Was her kidnapper just brainwashing her? Were the smoking kids actually there? Is she going to snap out of it? Or was it all for real? I felt just a tiny bit disappointed and because of that I might have given a 4.5/5 rating if that was possible. But at the same time, it does add a mysterious allure to the story and I feel it deserves more than a 4/5.
All in all, It was a fresh and unique YA novel. Suspenseful and captivating, Held is a great read and I highly recommend it. Good job Edeet! I will be seeking more of your work!
Chloe, a 17 year old, gets abducted during her vacation in Greece. In her mind she expects the worse: they are terrorists and she will be raped and killed, maybe tortured. So it came to a big surprise when she is very well treated with gourmet meals and everything she needs during her confinement. Consequently, she soon starts to fall for her abductor, an attractive and considerate young man. A classic case of Stockholm Syndrome.
The story is narrated by Chloe in a first person point of view. That way, we get to really be in her head and understand how she is feeling and what she's going through. The character of Chloe is very realistic; the emotions she's feeling are tangible and you become aware of her desperation throughout the ordeal. Before I read the book I couldn't conceive how this syndrome actually manifests, now I understand how easily it can. I never once felt it was unrealistic or excessive. I even hoped they would end up together while I was reading!
The only downside for me was the ending. I wasn't really sure what to think of it. Was her kidnapper just brainwashing her? Were the smoking kids actually there? Is she going to snap out of it? Or was it all for real? I felt just a tiny bit disappointed and because of that I might have given a 4.5/5 rating if that was possible. But at the same time, it does add a mysterious allure to the story and I feel it deserves more than a 4/5.
All in all, It was a fresh and unique YA novel. Suspenseful and captivating, Held is a great read and I highly recommend it. Good job Edeet! I will be seeking more of your work!
March 30, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was a gripping young adult thriller exploring Stockholm Syndrome. Given the target audience, there was very little threat of sexual violence but instead explores the emotional complications of kidnapping situations. The story is clearly romanticized and not realistic. Yet it was still so compelling.
This was a gripping young adult thriller exploring Stockholm Syndrome. Given the target audience, there was very little threat of sexual violence but instead explores the emotional complications of kidnapping situations. The story is clearly romanticized and not realistic. Yet it was still so compelling.
June 21, 2019
I want a sequel to this. That's all.
April 13, 2018
This book, about an American teenage girl (Chloe) that is kidnapped in Greece and held as hostage in order for political prisoners in America to be released in exchange for her, has SO MUCH promise but was *mostly* ridiculous.
The MC turns 18 during her 4 month captivity and yet acts more like a love-struck 12 year old tween than any girl in any YA novel I have ever read. The 'Stockholm Syndrome' begins after about a day and a half, but no- IT IS TRUE LOVE. REAL LOVE. IMMEDIATE, DEEP, MEANT TO BE, I WANNA MARRY YOU WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER KIND OF LOVE. Of course, her 'Hostage Taker'; *is* a smart, charming, sexy guy about 26 or so, and he DOES keep her well--- he sets her up more comfortably in captivity than some people live in my hometown! She is given clothes, bath products, novels, DVDs, a laptop, bedding, gifts, flowers, tons of homemade food ('Hostage Taker' is a chef) and wine-WINE!- as they regularly share their intimate, lavish, homemade meals together. I mean, what else can the girl do BUT fall madly in love and then lie to the CIA + the American govn't in order to protect her man at all costs, right?
The redeeming factors for the book is that is IS compulsively readable-- the reader only knows what Chloe knows, so you read on, hoping for answers. What country has she been taken to? Where is 'Hostage Taker' from? Why HER? Will she be hurt or killed by HT's accomplices? The never ending mysteries make you turn the pages.
Also- this is an epistolary novel, with handwritten letters, Facebook posts, websites, news articles, and magazine stories included in the book; mainly because her mom and best friend set up a fund and a 'Come Home Chloe' web group to raise the money needed for all the lawyers to work their stuff + meet the legal demands of prisoner releases + retrials + reassignments demanded in order for Chloe to be released...but hell, she doesn't really seem to WANT to go home for most of the book!
I caught myself rolling my eyes a LOT while reading this 'love story disguised as a crime' - I mean, she is infatuateD and by the end STILL doesn't even know this guy's NAME (it's true- he is called 'HOSTAGE TAKER' the entire time- she calls him 'HOSTAGE TAKER' to his face, as she lovingly gazes at his face, longing to touch him-'HOSTAGE TAKER'- during their conversations!) BUT the last few pages were the book's saving grace...
At the end, documents are provided by the CIA and a medical team to the reader- but NOT to Chloe herself- that suddenly have the reader questioning whether or not HOSTAGE TAKER actually knew what he was doing the entire time=perhaps professionally grooming her to do exactly what she did- fall in love with him- for his own criminal/sexual/sociopathical desires...then I actually went back and re-read some passages in a different light and the book went up an entire star in my rating system.
Overall, if you are looking for a light, entertaining, FAST paced epistolary read, this book is alright. If you are looking for a harsh, gritty, survival story at the hands of a...*ahem*...HOSTAGE TAKER- then keep looking. ---Jen from Quebec :0)
*I was provided with a free copy of this paperback novel via a Goodreads Giveaway*
The MC turns 18 during her 4 month captivity and yet acts more like a love-struck 12 year old tween than any girl in any YA novel I have ever read. The 'Stockholm Syndrome' begins after about a day and a half, but no- IT IS TRUE LOVE. REAL LOVE. IMMEDIATE, DEEP, MEANT TO BE, I WANNA MARRY YOU WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER KIND OF LOVE. Of course, her 'Hostage Taker'; *is* a smart, charming, sexy guy about 26 or so, and he DOES keep her well--- he sets her up more comfortably in captivity than some people live in my hometown! She is given clothes, bath products, novels, DVDs, a laptop, bedding, gifts, flowers, tons of homemade food ('Hostage Taker' is a chef) and wine-WINE!- as they regularly share their intimate, lavish, homemade meals together. I mean, what else can the girl do BUT fall madly in love and then lie to the CIA + the American govn't in order to protect her man at all costs, right?
The redeeming factors for the book is that is IS compulsively readable-- the reader only knows what Chloe knows, so you read on, hoping for answers. What country has she been taken to? Where is 'Hostage Taker' from? Why HER? Will she be hurt or killed by HT's accomplices? The never ending mysteries make you turn the pages.
Also- this is an epistolary novel, with handwritten letters, Facebook posts, websites, news articles, and magazine stories included in the book; mainly because her mom and best friend set up a fund and a 'Come Home Chloe' web group to raise the money needed for all the lawyers to work their stuff + meet the legal demands of prisoner releases + retrials + reassignments demanded in order for Chloe to be released...but hell, she doesn't really seem to WANT to go home for most of the book!
I caught myself rolling my eyes a LOT while reading this 'love story disguised as a crime' - I mean, she is infatuateD and by the end STILL doesn't even know this guy's NAME (it's true- he is called 'HOSTAGE TAKER' the entire time- she calls him 'HOSTAGE TAKER' to his face, as she lovingly gazes at his face, longing to touch him-'HOSTAGE TAKER'- during their conversations!) BUT the last few pages were the book's saving grace...
At the end, documents are provided by the CIA and a medical team to the reader- but NOT to Chloe herself- that suddenly have the reader questioning whether or not HOSTAGE TAKER actually knew what he was doing the entire time=perhaps professionally grooming her to do exactly what she did- fall in love with him- for his own criminal/sexual/sociopathical desires...then I actually went back and re-read some passages in a different light and the book went up an entire star in my rating system.
Overall, if you are looking for a light, entertaining, FAST paced epistolary read, this book is alright. If you are looking for a harsh, gritty, survival story at the hands of a...*ahem*...HOSTAGE TAKER- then keep looking. ---Jen from Quebec :0)
*I was provided with a free copy of this paperback novel via a Goodreads Giveaway*
April 23, 2015
Stockholm Syndrome?
Count me in - sounds like a book that is absolutely disturbing and intense.
And basically that's what sums up Held.
Ever since watching a German rom-com ("Entführ mich Liebling" for those that are interested) I've been unsettled and intrigued by the psychological case called Stockholm Syndrome where the captive falls in "love" with her captor.
Stolen by Lucy Cristopher just enhanced that even more, a beautiful read, just saying!
Edeet Ravel has a fantastic way of writing this type of book (haven't read anything else by her yet, so I don't know how she works there, but for this...baaam!) - in no way distracting but setting you right in the story and making you feel and actually understand the way Chloe feels and works.
It's crazy though, somehow you really root for the two to get together but on the other hand you know that it's sick and disturbing but then again you try and justify to yourself why it is kinda okay, and heeey the captor isn't even evil or anything and reaaaally caring and whatnot.
Real twisted!
Chloe was a great character and well developed, everything she did made sense in the overall (even if that meant being totally hysteric and having fits -> it all made sense and nothing felt over- or underdone).
The newspaper reports and facebook updates thrown in between chapters helped to gain a larger picture of what was going on in the world in light of them trying to free her and added a whole other perspective, I really appreciated that.
I like when books make you think (okay, hands up, who doesn't...) and overthink certain situations or scenarios - what would I do?
Wish we'd gotten more information about the captor, but then again it wouldn't make sense with the storyline - obviously he's not going to reveal himself to her (we don't even get to know his name), so that's just me thinking as Chloe, not me thinking as a reader.
(Do I even make sense?)
And the ending.
Well what?! It's kind of open when it comes to some things (spoilery, so I can't say) and I do hope Edeet Ravel is going to write that planned sequel!!!!!
A very strong book.
Count me in - sounds like a book that is absolutely disturbing and intense.
And basically that's what sums up Held.
Ever since watching a German rom-com ("Entführ mich Liebling" for those that are interested) I've been unsettled and intrigued by the psychological case called Stockholm Syndrome where the captive falls in "love" with her captor.
Stolen by Lucy Cristopher just enhanced that even more, a beautiful read, just saying!
Edeet Ravel has a fantastic way of writing this type of book (haven't read anything else by her yet, so I don't know how she works there, but for this...baaam!) - in no way distracting but setting you right in the story and making you feel and actually understand the way Chloe feels and works.
It's crazy though, somehow you really root for the two to get together but on the other hand you know that it's sick and disturbing but then again you try and justify to yourself why it is kinda okay, and heeey the captor isn't even evil or anything and reaaaally caring and whatnot.
Real twisted!
Chloe was a great character and well developed, everything she did made sense in the overall (even if that meant being totally hysteric and having fits -> it all made sense and nothing felt over- or underdone).
The newspaper reports and facebook updates thrown in between chapters helped to gain a larger picture of what was going on in the world in light of them trying to free her and added a whole other perspective, I really appreciated that.
I like when books make you think (okay, hands up, who doesn't...) and overthink certain situations or scenarios - what would I do?
Wish we'd gotten more information about the captor, but then again it wouldn't make sense with the storyline - obviously he's not going to reveal himself to her (we don't even get to know his name), so that's just me thinking as Chloe, not me thinking as a reader.
(Do I even make sense?)
And the ending.
Well what?! It's kind of open when it comes to some things (spoilery, so I can't say) and I do hope Edeet Ravel is going to write that planned sequel!!!!!
A very strong book.
October 16, 2013
I appreciate that the author is depicting a situation not often seen in young adult lit., and that she is trying to do so in a full and thoughtful way. And, I feel so bad saying this, but I just found the central character and the whole story whiny and kind of annoying. And repetitious. We get it! Stockholm syndrome. Yeah.
I am also heartily creeped out by how many goodreads readers were charmed by this "love" story and were hoping Chloe and her hostage-taker would find a way to be together. (Please don't flame me.)
I've been thinking about why this bothers me so much. This book is aimed at teens. I suspect that teens will identify with the romance and see the kidnapper as a good guy, and the government rescuers as the bad guys. Yuck.
I am also heartily creeped out by how many goodreads readers were charmed by this "love" story and were hoping Chloe and her hostage-taker would find a way to be together. (Please don't flame me.)
I've been thinking about why this bothers me so much. This book is aimed at teens. I suspect that teens will identify with the romance and see the kidnapper as a good guy, and the government rescuers as the bad guys. Yuck.
April 14, 2013
4.5 stars.
SPOILERS CONTAINED IN THIS REVIEW
I really, really liked Held. It was another book that I picked at random from my eReader without reading the synopsis or any reviews. It had me hooked from the very first page, and at times it really, thoroughly disturbed me.
Every emotion that Chloe went through, I experienced too. When she was afraid when she was locked up alone, experiencing hallucinations (which was done very effectively) I was too. When she was claustrophobic when locked up in the second room, I was right there with her. The imagery was perfect, and the writing was fantastic.
The only thing I simply couldn't comprehend was her love for her captor (we never find out his name). It was just so abrupt. There was no gradual falling in love - she was afraid of him one second, hated him for taking her, and then madly in love with him the next. I understand the concept of Stockholm Syndrome, but I honestly don't think this was what was happening here. It wasn't dealt with in the right way.
And the sex wasn't handled very well, either. He went from saying he didn't want to be touched because of his past and then they were having sex on the floor.
Also, I didn't like the ending. It wasn't explained enough.
Still, it was a nice enough read, and kept me reading (fast) until the very end.
SPOILERS CONTAINED IN THIS REVIEW
I really, really liked Held. It was another book that I picked at random from my eReader without reading the synopsis or any reviews. It had me hooked from the very first page, and at times it really, thoroughly disturbed me.
Every emotion that Chloe went through, I experienced too. When she was afraid when she was locked up alone, experiencing hallucinations (which was done very effectively) I was too. When she was claustrophobic when locked up in the second room, I was right there with her. The imagery was perfect, and the writing was fantastic.
The only thing I simply couldn't comprehend was her love for her captor (we never find out his name). It was just so abrupt. There was no gradual falling in love - she was afraid of him one second, hated him for taking her, and then madly in love with him the next. I understand the concept of Stockholm Syndrome, but I honestly don't think this was what was happening here. It wasn't dealt with in the right way.
And the sex wasn't handled very well, either. He went from saying he didn't want to be touched because of his past and then they were having sex on the floor.
Also, I didn't like the ending. It wasn't explained enough.
Still, it was a nice enough read, and kept me reading (fast) until the very end.
November 18, 2011
The voice is there, but it's not necessarily believable. This is an example of too much tell and no show, and throughout the book, the Stockholm Syndrome is handled poorly because it's tell-tell-tell. The captor continues telling Chloe she's experiencing it.
Chloe herself isn't really developed, and lot of her episodes are classic Stockholm, but they're taken almost to an unintentionally funny degree. There's no explanation for anything but that, and it's almost like the joke is on the reader the whole time, which is unsatisfying.
It's unfair, but it's impossible not to compare this to Stolen, where the same phenomenon is handled so well (I mean, the fanfiction alone). This is much more immature.
That all said, I read it in one sitting because I was interested enough in seeing how it all played out, even if it wasn't satisfying. The writing's not the best, but it's seviceable, and Chloe's voice is engaging enough to pull a reader in right away.
Chloe herself isn't really developed, and lot of her episodes are classic Stockholm, but they're taken almost to an unintentionally funny degree. There's no explanation for anything but that, and it's almost like the joke is on the reader the whole time, which is unsatisfying.
It's unfair, but it's impossible not to compare this to Stolen, where the same phenomenon is handled so well (I mean, the fanfiction alone). This is much more immature.
That all said, I read it in one sitting because I was interested enough in seeing how it all played out, even if it wasn't satisfying. The writing's not the best, but it's seviceable, and Chloe's voice is engaging enough to pull a reader in right away.
April 3, 2013
Really enjoyable read, I personally felt that this was not a romance. It was quite predictable which I didn't mind, the only bad thing about it was the ending, it was very abrupt if there is a second book I will definitely read it. I need closure.
October 24, 2016
3,75
Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome
April 29, 2013
I can't even begin to figure out what I just read. I was almost completely convinced that this book was the author's idea of a joke until I came across the occasional failed attempts at philosophy that convinced me otherwise. The 3 stars rating is based more on my enjoyment of the book as a whole rather than character development or plot-pacing.
Some parts in the book just called for ridicule and I wasn't quite sure what to make of our seemingly dim protagonist:
- "I saw a movie bout Patty Hearst once", I said. "On late-night TV. Have you seen it?" "I saw a documentary about her." "No, this was a real movie". (I'm sorry, what?)
- "Poor Angie. She's going to blame herself. You have no idea how much anguish you're causing. To my mother... and everyone. Only Mom's dad won't know. He has Alzheimer's." And that's relevant to your drivel because...?
- Trying to control my voice, I asked, Is this photo for the newspapers?" "Yes." "Can you take a few, so I can choose the best one?" Moral of the story: appearance is infinitely more important than captivity.
- And, of course, there are those newspaper articles and the thoroughly humorous facebook conversations between Angie (Chloe's friend) and characters I know nothing about bar their full name.
Recommended to those who enjoyed Stolen. Although, I must warn you, this piece of work monumentally fails in comparison.
Some parts in the book just called for ridicule and I wasn't quite sure what to make of our seemingly dim protagonist:
- "I saw a movie bout Patty Hearst once", I said. "On late-night TV. Have you seen it?" "I saw a documentary about her." "No, this was a real movie". (I'm sorry, what?)
- "Poor Angie. She's going to blame herself. You have no idea how much anguish you're causing. To my mother... and everyone. Only Mom's dad won't know. He has Alzheimer's." And that's relevant to your drivel because...?
- Trying to control my voice, I asked, Is this photo for the newspapers?" "Yes." "Can you take a few, so I can choose the best one?" Moral of the story: appearance is infinitely more important than captivity.
- And, of course, there are those newspaper articles and the thoroughly humorous facebook conversations between Angie (Chloe's friend) and characters I know nothing about bar their full name.
Recommended to those who enjoyed Stolen. Although, I must warn you, this piece of work monumentally fails in comparison.
June 16, 2013
I wanted to like this book. I really wanted to. I just couldn't.
This book deals with a very serious topic - young Chloe Mills gets kidnapped during her time in Greece. Her kidnappers want the American government to look into several cases and demand different things in exchange for Chloe. I've already read some books about kidnapped girls who fall in love with their kidnappers but this was the first time I read a book there it was political motivated. I think that was what really made me buy the book.
So Chloe is held in something like a storage building. She spends time alone, desperate and scared and clings to her kidnapper more and more till she - herself - calls it love.
So ... Chloe is a 17year old girl, during the book she turns 18. Not for one second did I have the feeling that Chloe really was that old. She sounded and behaved like a 12year old who has a crush on her teacher which - trust me - got pretty annoying. She is described as intelligent but if that's intelligent I might be getting the word wrong. For example: If a kidnapper tells you he's not going to kill you, accept it. Don't start telling him why that is a stupid idea and that you can identify him and start describing him. I'm not sure if any hostage would do that. But Chloe Mills did.
The whole situation, the behaviour, the dialogues, the feelings were so unconvincing. I don't claim to know what it's like to be held hostage. I don't and I hope I will never find out. But I read a lot of books with this topic and they were much more convincing.
I couldn't even take this book serious and that is a shame because it is such a serious topic! But Chloes behaviour was just too ridiculous. Her feelings came out of nowhere. She was afraid of her kidnapper for like one day. At some point I actually felt sorry for the kidnapper because Chloe was throwing herself at him like a pre-teen with raging hormones. Let me just say: If I were him I would have shot her on the first day.
If you are interested in the subject of Stockholm Syndrome I would recommened "Stolen" by Lucy Christopher or "The Breakaway" by Michelle Davidson Argyle to you.
This book deals with a very serious topic - young Chloe Mills gets kidnapped during her time in Greece. Her kidnappers want the American government to look into several cases and demand different things in exchange for Chloe. I've already read some books about kidnapped girls who fall in love with their kidnappers but this was the first time I read a book there it was political motivated. I think that was what really made me buy the book.
So Chloe is held in something like a storage building. She spends time alone, desperate and scared and clings to her kidnapper more and more till she - herself - calls it love.
So ... Chloe is a 17year old girl, during the book she turns 18. Not for one second did I have the feeling that Chloe really was that old. She sounded and behaved like a 12year old who has a crush on her teacher which - trust me - got pretty annoying. She is described as intelligent but if that's intelligent I might be getting the word wrong. For example: If a kidnapper tells you he's not going to kill you, accept it. Don't start telling him why that is a stupid idea and that you can identify him and start describing him. I'm not sure if any hostage would do that. But Chloe Mills did.
The whole situation, the behaviour, the dialogues, the feelings were so unconvincing. I don't claim to know what it's like to be held hostage. I don't and I hope I will never find out. But I read a lot of books with this topic and they were much more convincing.
I couldn't even take this book serious and that is a shame because it is such a serious topic! But Chloes behaviour was just too ridiculous. Her feelings came out of nowhere. She was afraid of her kidnapper for like one day. At some point I actually felt sorry for the kidnapper because Chloe was throwing herself at him like a pre-teen with raging hormones. Let me just say: If I were him I would have shot her on the first day.
If you are interested in the subject of Stockholm Syndrome I would recommened "Stolen" by Lucy Christopher or "The Breakaway" by Michelle Davidson Argyle to you.
February 18, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be well written. The only thing that I didn't like was the ending which was too abrupt. It left me wondering with many questions. I liked the way the author made this book have a "real" feel to it. Furthermore, I found the whole Stockholm syndrome, very interesting. I have to wonder though, if I was confused as an adult, how confused a "young adult" would be reading this. Spending the time to give a clearer ending would have made this book much better.
August 30, 2013
A perfect case of Stockholm Syndrome. I really enjoyed this book. It had me from the second chapter and I was sucked in until the book finished.
This book could've been a five star for me but I really did not like the ending. It finished so abruptly that I was left with my mouth hanging.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE! Darn it to heck!
Great job, Edeet. You really did a number on me!
This book could've been a five star for me but I really did not like the ending. It finished so abruptly that I was left with my mouth hanging.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE! Darn it to heck!
Great job, Edeet. You really did a number on me!
August 13, 2016
The ending ................. WHAT THE FUCK.............. What happens next ............will they meet again ? ..........
July 20, 2015
4.5 stars. Very good, read it in one sitting but I am desperate for a continuation of this story. Fingers and toes crossed!
December 23, 2022
Chloe is kidnapped while she in Greece. And then she falls in love with her kidnapper...
I liked the beginning but once she is developing feelings for her kidnapper, the story was getting strange. Also this seemed to happen very sudden.
The ending was also left too open for my taste and makes you question the whole story. Which in a way is brilliant but also very unsatisfying for the reader.
The book was well written so it was still a smooth read.
I liked the beginning but once she is developing feelings for her kidnapper, the story was getting strange. Also this seemed to happen very sudden.
The ending was also left too open for my taste and makes you question the whole story. Which in a way is brilliant but also very unsatisfying for the reader.
The book was well written so it was still a smooth read.
August 21, 2014
Alright, I still don't know what to think about it... Did I like it? Yeah... I kind of did. But it certainly wasn't one of my favorite books about this subject matter. I missed something here, however, it was good book and very well written.
As we can see in the burb, this book is about Stockholm syndrome, and the author created a story where she followed every step of it. We get to see everything!
And speaking for myself, I didn't lost myself in the romance as I did in other books with the same subject matter, because it just wasn't believable. Not because she couldn't do it, but because this book wasn't about two people falling in love in such a strange situation. This was really about Stockholm syndrome. I'm not sayin that in the other books it wasn't either, it was, but I don't know... I just could fell there was something more, but not in this one.
By the end of the book I didn't fool myself thinking she was indeed in love with him. The way Edded Ravel developed the story we could see all the symptoms of this mental illness developing between the captor and the hostage. I mean, that "love" she felt? It was the way her mind choose to deal and survive that horrible situation. She was attached to him because she needed someone to make her feel safe, protected... he took care of her and she felt so lonely... ans well, he was actually her only company during all that time. But the thing is, she didn't know him, aside from his body language and stuff like that... There wasn't anything... She created a fantasy on her mind and just went with it.
So that's the good thing about this book, I could experience the real deal with her. In the beginning we fell her denial, desperation, need to escape, her acceptance because there just wasn't another choice. And then when things started to change... It was a crazy ride and I really enjoyed. I'm not crazy guys! Don't worry! It's not that I wanted to be in that situation, but it's nice to see how our minds can play us.
The end was a bit weird, we are left with two big questions unanswered and to be honest I hate when this things happen. But to think of it, probably that was her only way out. Although, I still wanted something more. So because of it, I can’t really give it 5 stars, but 4 is well deserved.
As we can see in the burb, this book is about Stockholm syndrome, and the author created a story where she followed every step of it. We get to see everything!
And speaking for myself, I didn't lost myself in the romance as I did in other books with the same subject matter, because it just wasn't believable. Not because she couldn't do it, but because this book wasn't about two people falling in love in such a strange situation. This was really about Stockholm syndrome. I'm not sayin that in the other books it wasn't either, it was, but I don't know... I just could fell there was something more, but not in this one.
By the end of the book I didn't fool myself thinking she was indeed in love with him. The way Edded Ravel developed the story we could see all the symptoms of this mental illness developing between the captor and the hostage. I mean, that "love" she felt? It was the way her mind choose to deal and survive that horrible situation. She was attached to him because she needed someone to make her feel safe, protected... he took care of her and she felt so lonely... ans well, he was actually her only company during all that time. But the thing is, she didn't know him, aside from his body language and stuff like that... There wasn't anything... She created a fantasy on her mind and just went with it.
So that's the good thing about this book, I could experience the real deal with her. In the beginning we fell her denial, desperation, need to escape, her acceptance because there just wasn't another choice. And then when things started to change... It was a crazy ride and I really enjoyed. I'm not crazy guys! Don't worry! It's not that I wanted to be in that situation, but it's nice to see how our minds can play us.
The end was a bit weird, we are left with two big questions unanswered and to be honest I hate when this things happen. But to think of it, probably that was her only way out. Although, I still wanted something more. So because of it, I can’t really give it 5 stars, but 4 is well deserved.
March 10, 2015
I was really hoping that this wouldn't be another Stolen by Lucy Christopher. Unfortunately, it's pretty much Stolen by Lucy Christopher in slightly different makeup.
November 4, 2012
Man, what a good read. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I’m not normally into such realist fiction when it could potentially house some really awful things inside it’s pages. When there is kidnapping and potential terrorism then who knows what else it could hold, right?
Its a really interesting look into one girls experience with kidnapping, mental instability, Stockholm Syndrome, and first love. First love = stockholm syndrome. It’s crazy all the emotions you feel for Chloe. At times you even want her love for her hostage taker to returned! And at the same time you can’t help but feel horrible for rooting for them as a couple.
What I really like is how believable it is. I really feel like Edeet knows someone who has went through this or at the very least has went through a period of mental instability.
The ending is great and I can’t decide if I really understand what happened with the whole kidnapping business or not.
The only tragedy with book is the cover. A better cover would result in it being on a lot more to-read lists. Don’t you think?
Its a really interesting look into one girls experience with kidnapping, mental instability, Stockholm Syndrome, and first love. First love = stockholm syndrome. It’s crazy all the emotions you feel for Chloe. At times you even want her love for her hostage taker to returned! And at the same time you can’t help but feel horrible for rooting for them as a couple.
What I really like is how believable it is. I really feel like Edeet knows someone who has went through this or at the very least has went through a period of mental instability.
The ending is great and I can’t decide if I really understand what happened with the whole kidnapping business or not.
The only tragedy with book is the cover. A better cover would result in it being on a lot more to-read lists. Don’t you think?
August 3, 2013
Wow.
Alright, to be fair, I think a normal person would've fallen in love with him. We can't chalk it all up to Stockholms Syndrome, seeing as this man was THE. NICEST. FUCKING. KIDNAPPER. EVER. I"m pretty sure, most kidnappers are not that nice. But then again, all I know about kidnapping comes from watching Criminal Minds and Taken, and those shows may just be an exaggeration of the reality. Nice kidnappers mat, in fact, be the norm.
Still, this was an amazing book. The writing reminded me of the writing from The Perks of Being a Wallflower in that I had to shift the flow of my thoughts in order to keep pace with the book. It worked well. That was probably the best thing about this book, if you ask me.
(though I won't lie, I DO want to know if they end up together in the future. Was it just Stockholm's Syndrome? Or was it real?)
Meaning the plot and characters were good too.
Alright, to be fair, I think a normal person would've fallen in love with him. We can't chalk it all up to Stockholms Syndrome, seeing as this man was THE. NICEST. FUCKING. KIDNAPPER. EVER. I"m pretty sure, most kidnappers are not that nice. But then again, all I know about kidnapping comes from watching Criminal Minds and Taken, and those shows may just be an exaggeration of the reality. Nice kidnappers mat, in fact, be the norm.
Still, this was an amazing book. The writing reminded me of the writing from The Perks of Being a Wallflower in that I had to shift the flow of my thoughts in order to keep pace with the book. It worked well. That was probably the best thing about this book, if you ask me.
(though I won't lie, I DO want to know if they end up together in the future. Was it just Stockholm's Syndrome? Or was it real?)
Meaning the plot and characters were good too.
September 1, 2011
Hmmm. I'm perplexed. Did I like it? Well, aside from the PG-13ness of a few parts, as I contemplate how I want to review this, then I guess I would say I have 2 options: either I like it or I dislike it, right? So, then if Chloe was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, then that would mean that her abducter (-er, or -or?) had masterfully manipulated her, brainwashed her and perfectly portrayed himself to be interesting and interested in her and thereby was able to get away with everything without getting caught. BUT, if Chloe was NOT suffering from S.S., that would mean that her abducter had true feelings for her and all of those romantic episodes would become so stupidly ridiculous and unbelievable that I would even want to move it down to one star. But because Ms. Ravel was wise enough not to reveal, I guess it made me wonder just a little, and I get to keep 2 stars there, and I'm pretty sure that it was the former. Yet still it bugged me.
August 21, 2014
Wow, I'm like crying because there needs to be a second book the ending just left me wondering, honestly I still have a million question ....
Best read of the summer for sure! After reading " Stolen and Pretty girl -13 " I became completely obsessed with dark reads such as this and I am soo glad I looked for books with similar story lines because I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book & probably going to read it in a few days like Stolen , it was just that good.
Best read of the summer for sure! After reading " Stolen and Pretty girl -13 " I became completely obsessed with dark reads such as this and I am soo glad I looked for books with similar story lines because I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book & probably going to read it in a few days like Stolen , it was just that good.
July 30, 2011
An amazing story. Like other Goodreads reviewers, I found myself entirely wrapped up in Chloe's world, only to get to the end of the book and wonder exactly what it was that I just read. I don't normally like books that keep you guessing, but this ending really works.
Very well written and an easy, but exciting, read when you have a few hours to spare.
Very well written and an easy, but exciting, read when you have a few hours to spare.
April 12, 2017
I liked the premise of this book, and the storyline had definite potential, so I was excited to read it. Then I got to know Chloe. Did she go insane from fear, or is she just stupid? I really did like this book, and props to the author for taking on a challenging first-person examination of a possible-Stockholm-victim. I just couldn't stand Chloe--especially her instincts under pressure!
November 25, 2016
What. Was. That.
January 21, 2022
Never read a book where the captor/kidnapper is the one who is so lovable, kind , realistic and logical. Who keep reminding the CAPTIVE that what she was feeling is just "Stockholm syndrome". (Or maybe I AM the one who is delusional)
Anyways , i do not do well with open endings
(╥﹏╥) so that is why I'm taking out a star in my rating.
I don't have anything else to say now aside from;
I've read my fair share of 'abduction romance' and now I can finally see this difference of Stockholm syndrome and actual love. I mean in books lol. I always wanted to read a book which HAS a love story but is not a typical abduction romance and they ACTUALLY potrays 'stockholm syndrome' and Held by Edeet Ravel delievered this exceptionally.
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Anyways , i do not do well with open endings
(╥﹏╥) so that is why I'm taking out a star in my rating.
I don't have anything else to say now aside from;
I've read my fair share of 'abduction romance' and now I can finally see this difference of Stockholm syndrome and actual love. I mean in books lol. I always wanted to read a book which HAS a love story but is not a typical abduction romance and they ACTUALLY potrays 'stockholm syndrome' and Held by Edeet Ravel delievered this exceptionally.
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