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Refuge
Book by GILLIAN WHITE
339 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
15 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Gillian White
20 books34 followersGillian White (b. 1945) grew up in Liverpool, England. She has written sixteen novels under her own name, which are known for suspense, Gothic thrills, and satiric views of contemporary society. She also writes historical romance under the name Georgina Fleming. She lives in Devon, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 21, 2023
When Shelley, along with the rest of the world, watches on the news the horrifying, blurry CCTV pictures of a group of boys setting fire to a baby in a pram, she is even more shocked than everyone else, because she immediately recognises one of the boys as her 11-year-old son, Joey. Her first instinct is to cover for him, believing, or making herself believe, that he was there innocently and that it must have been one of the other boys who poured petroleum over the baby and then tossed in a lighter. But the police soon come to the conclusion that Joey is the main culprit, and charge him with murder. The book looks at the impact on Shelley and her other children.
Given the horrific nature of the crime, it seems a bit wrong to say that I found this dull. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, I worked for years with boys with behavioural difficulties and their parents in a very similar time period (early 2000s), and while White’s portrayal is completely credible, I felt like I was reading social work reports rather than a novel. Secondly, the case in the novel is clearly influenced by a real case of children murdering a toddler that outraged and shocked Britain a few years earlier, and frankly, far too many crime writers have used that child’s death as the basis for what is fundamentally money-making entertainment for the masses – I find it distasteful, and I’m sure I’d find it far worse than that if I were a member of the toddler’s family. Thirdly, there’s no mystery here – it’s simply a long, rather repetitive description of Shelley’s reaction and her life, and I can’t sympathise with a mother who slaps her child’s face or gives her baby valium so it will sleep through the night or leaves an 11-year-old in charge of five younger siblings while she goes out and gets drunk and picks up men. I’ve seen reviews suggesting society was so “judgemental” back then – “poor Shelley”! Well, I’d love to live in a society that still says out loud that having six children by a variety of transient men and then ill-treating and neglecting them is bad parenting. Go on, cancel me!
In short, my dislike for Shelley and the lack of any real plot meant that I found it increasingly hard to force myself to pick the book up, so I threw it on the metaphoric fire at around the 35% mark. I was bored by it rather than hating it, but the fact that I couldn’t bring myself to finish it means I can only give it 1 star.
Given the horrific nature of the crime, it seems a bit wrong to say that I found this dull. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, I worked for years with boys with behavioural difficulties and their parents in a very similar time period (early 2000s), and while White’s portrayal is completely credible, I felt like I was reading social work reports rather than a novel. Secondly, the case in the novel is clearly influenced by a real case of children murdering a toddler that outraged and shocked Britain a few years earlier, and frankly, far too many crime writers have used that child’s death as the basis for what is fundamentally money-making entertainment for the masses – I find it distasteful, and I’m sure I’d find it far worse than that if I were a member of the toddler’s family. Thirdly, there’s no mystery here – it’s simply a long, rather repetitive description of Shelley’s reaction and her life, and I can’t sympathise with a mother who slaps her child’s face or gives her baby valium so it will sleep through the night or leaves an 11-year-old in charge of five younger siblings while she goes out and gets drunk and picks up men. I’ve seen reviews suggesting society was so “judgemental” back then – “poor Shelley”! Well, I’d love to live in a society that still says out loud that having six children by a variety of transient men and then ill-treating and neglecting them is bad parenting. Go on, cancel me!
In short, my dislike for Shelley and the lack of any real plot meant that I found it increasingly hard to force myself to pick the book up, so I threw it on the metaphoric fire at around the 35% mark. I was bored by it rather than hating it, but the fact that I couldn’t bring myself to finish it means I can only give it 1 star.
September 28, 2010
Strange little book, this. Quite scary. Having a son with behavioural problems/special needs I could put myself in the shoes of Shelley as I too have felt the fear that my son is going to do something awful (though never nearly as awful as what happens here). I didn't really warm to the character at all though - I'm not sure if you;'re meant to - which meant that I wasn't particularly excited by the ending. I found the conclusion of events on the farm a bit weird - it felt a bit like the author had set out to write about this dysfunctional family and the awful thing done by Joey, but then didn't quite know how to end it, so brought in the Bolton storyline to do the job. having said all that, i did find this a good read, not exactly enjoyable at times but a page turner.
February 15, 2018
Gillian Whites 'Refuge' is a powerful family drama that is gut-wrenching at almost every turn, and there are many twists and turns in this well-written book. The family's tumultuous journey from the rough end of London's notorious housing estates to an isolated farmhouse on Britain's desolate, wind-swept moors, is told in careful detail by the author. Gillian White's great gift is to create characters that are fully believable. I lived with this family through every fractured step and misstep they took, and it was quite a journey.
I actually read the large print version by Paragon. To people who are put off reading books because they find the print too small, large print books are an excellent option.
I actually read the large print version by Paragon. To people who are put off reading books because they find the print too small, large print books are an excellent option.
March 12, 2024
This was a good read , not great .
Although the ending made me tear up 😐.
Although the ending made me tear up 😐.
December 4, 2014
Another example of a sound idea badly executed.
We follow the interior monologue of a mum who can't cope with her brood and finds herself waking up in a nightmare: her eldest may have harmed a baby.
Three quarters of the book is spent in denial, making excuses. Which, as a premise,is not half bad. First rankle: under the supervision of a foster mum, her children turn into little angles litteraly overnight. Right.
But then...
*spoiler alert*
A romance of sorts springs up. As unlikely, as unbelievable as it gets, while at the same time, the dismissed mum is sussing out all might not be well at her brood's haven. She might be in mortal danger herself and surprise, surprise: who is going to believe her?
This is executed in such a rushed fashion (with 90% of the pages now turned) that it borders on the ridiculous. The final scene takes the cake: Dartmoor's version of Mr Darcy saves the day.
Give this to a screen adaptor and a nice TV movie will ensue, but no more Gillian White on the menu for me.
We follow the interior monologue of a mum who can't cope with her brood and finds herself waking up in a nightmare: her eldest may have harmed a baby.
Three quarters of the book is spent in denial, making excuses. Which, as a premise,is not half bad. First rankle: under the supervision of a foster mum, her children turn into little angles litteraly overnight. Right.
But then...
*spoiler alert*
A romance of sorts springs up. As unlikely, as unbelievable as it gets, while at the same time, the dismissed mum is sussing out all might not be well at her brood's haven. She might be in mortal danger herself and surprise, surprise: who is going to believe her?
This is executed in such a rushed fashion (with 90% of the pages now turned) that it borders on the ridiculous. The final scene takes the cake: Dartmoor's version of Mr Darcy saves the day.
Give this to a screen adaptor and a nice TV movie will ensue, but no more Gillian White on the menu for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2016
This was a great thriller kept me on the edge of my seat :)
August 19, 2020
The pacing was odd and the ending was inadequate, like the author was bored with her own story and just wanted to be done.
December 22, 2022
Mildly enjoyable but the writing was lazy and fairly unbelievable. The ending was rushed and unsatisfying.
October 18, 2021
Another disturbing, dramatic and unsettling storyline.
First asking questions of how far do you go to protect your kids?
Joey and his gang have been involved in the death of a baby. Surely not Shelley’s boy? She spends her time covering up the various misdemeanours that her eldest has been guilty of, until of course she can cover up no more.
As her son is arrested, an angry mob descends on Shelley’s home, putting herself and her other 5 kids in danger and sees them being moved to a rundown safe house. While they await trial, and Shelley visits joey with his legal team every day, and the little kids thrive under the care of a foster family. Shelley finds herself joining her children at the remote farm with the safe family unit of the foster family. Are they really all that they seem? and what will the formidable Eunice think of the love affair embarking between Shelley and her son? And where have all the other mothers gone?
With a twisty end we’re going to find out exactly.
This is the second of Gillian’s books I’ve read and whilst I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as the first I think I’ve found a new up there author.
First asking questions of how far do you go to protect your kids?
Joey and his gang have been involved in the death of a baby. Surely not Shelley’s boy? She spends her time covering up the various misdemeanours that her eldest has been guilty of, until of course she can cover up no more.
As her son is arrested, an angry mob descends on Shelley’s home, putting herself and her other 5 kids in danger and sees them being moved to a rundown safe house. While they await trial, and Shelley visits joey with his legal team every day, and the little kids thrive under the care of a foster family. Shelley finds herself joining her children at the remote farm with the safe family unit of the foster family. Are they really all that they seem? and what will the formidable Eunice think of the love affair embarking between Shelley and her son? And where have all the other mothers gone?
With a twisty end we’re going to find out exactly.
This is the second of Gillian’s books I’ve read and whilst I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as the first I think I’ve found a new up there author.
June 11, 2023
i actually read this novel back when it was first published but I had forgotten everything except the broadest of brushstrokes in the intervening years. Firstly it is interesting to see how some of the public opinion has changed over time with single parents no longer vilified in the way that they were back at the turn of the millenium.
This is a sad tale with very obvious echoes of the real-life events of the killing of James Bulger. In this story fire takes centre stage along with the inadequate mother Shelley who is left defending her son Joey from the charge of killing a baby. Shelley and her other four children are taken off the estate to live with the Bolton's on a farm. We see how the children blossom as Joey awaits trial.
Not an uplifting read, and I'm not sure how well this book has stood the test of time, but from a social perspective, really interesting.
This is a sad tale with very obvious echoes of the real-life events of the killing of James Bulger. In this story fire takes centre stage along with the inadequate mother Shelley who is left defending her son Joey from the charge of killing a baby. Shelley and her other four children are taken off the estate to live with the Bolton's on a farm. We see how the children blossom as Joey awaits trial.
Not an uplifting read, and I'm not sure how well this book has stood the test of time, but from a social perspective, really interesting.
December 28, 2018
An interesting read, the traumatic storyline stays with you. Although I enjoyed the read, I felt that the last quarter of the book deserved a lot more attention and could have even been an entirely separate novel. This was the first Gillian White book I've read, I could see myself trying out more of the novels
May 13, 2022
Parents worst nightmare when a child is involved in an horrific murder. Could not put this down both feeling sorrow and repulsion for Joey and his family. Raising questions could this happen to any family experiencing daily struggles? I feel the ending was a let down a bit too much of a fairy tale finish which spoiled the book for me otherwise I would have given it five stars.
June 1, 2023
Perfect For Audible.
Very satisfactory Audio experience because of its detail with everything stretched out so it makes for a steady relaxing all day listen.
Surprisingly good for a freebie from the Audible Plus Catalogue.
Excellent narration.
For me the ending was quite a let down, one of those that gets messy and confusing.
But highly recommended to see you through the working day.
Very satisfactory Audio experience because of its detail with everything stretched out so it makes for a steady relaxing all day listen.
Surprisingly good for a freebie from the Audible Plus Catalogue.
Excellent narration.
For me the ending was quite a let down, one of those that gets messy and confusing.
But highly recommended to see you through the working day.
April 27, 2022
I listened to this book on Audible. Wasn’t too sure if I would enjoy it at first however really compelling listen. Great performance by the narrator too. Only criticism is that the ending seemed a little too rushed.
May 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this as you got to see the flip side to a young criminal. Makes you think about the Jamie Bulger case and other young juvenile offenders. I loved the final twist at the end in which the novel changed to an errie thriller. fantastic novel that will stay with me.
February 13, 2024
Interesting subject, great writing style, I got quite invested in the characters, then a sudden hard left turn at the end, leaving the original subject unfinished. It’s like the writer needed to finish the book and panicked, bringing in a new storyline.
June 22, 2017
Good story, told well. However the outcome was most unexpected.
December 17, 2021
Great book…. Abrupt ending?!
July 14, 2022
A great idea but repetitive with unlikeable* characters.
*Not in an enjoyable way, just miserable and mythanropic
*Not in an enjoyable way, just miserable and mythanropic
June 27, 2023
Starts out as a bit of an annoying whine, but gets much better by the end.
dnf
July 19, 2025DNF
The narrator made it impossible to listen, horrible narration.
The narrator made it impossible to listen, horrible narration.
August 27, 2023
Found it didn't really move on very much. Got bored
Couldn't finish
Couldn't finish
May 20, 2016
I found myself disliking the main character. I found it quite hard to find any sympathy at first but later on found a little.
From the blurb I'd read I found that the second half of the story took a long time to come about in the story. It was nearly finished when that came to light. Then it was over quite quickly. I had thought it would have more of that in the storyline.
I enjoyed the book but it didn't quite meet my expectations.
From the blurb I'd read I found that the second half of the story took a long time to come about in the story. It was nearly finished when that came to light. Then it was over quite quickly. I had thought it would have more of that in the storyline.
I enjoyed the book but it didn't quite meet my expectations.
July 14, 2012
auch ein totaler Überraschungsfund war dieses Buch - ich habe es mit geringen Erwartungen begonnen und muss sagen es ist sooo toll!
Wirklich sehr spannend aber auch tragisch und drmatisch erzählt es seine Geschichte. Man fiebert mit und bleibt etwas nachdenklich zurück wenn das Buch zuende ist.
Empfehlenswert!
Wirklich sehr spannend aber auch tragisch und drmatisch erzählt es seine Geschichte. Man fiebert mit und bleibt etwas nachdenklich zurück wenn das Buch zuende ist.
Empfehlenswert!
November 7, 2014
It really is a most uncomfortable book, and I had to stop for a while before I finished as I was getting creeped out. I don't know that I could recommend it to many people, but any book that makes me want to stop, go back, and stop etc. deserves four stars!
September 22, 2015
This book was a bit of a head scratcher. It has a devastating crime that draws out the dysfunctional incidents of the main character's family. And then it just gets deeper and rougher until bam! 40 or so pages from the end it does a 180 and you're left wondering what the heck just happened?'
January 29, 2011
Very well written and sinister in an uncomfortable kind of way but a great addictive read.
September 7, 2011
Started off really good, then by the end I was bored, but I had to finish it - I can never leave a book unfinished. I guess I wanted a better ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews