Can You See Me?

by Ruth Gilligan

When Alice arrives on campus amidst the ancient splendour of Cambridge University, she thinks she's found her wonderland. Then one night something happens -- one inexplicable act ruins everything and she finds herself alone. Alice will not admit defeat; having practically raised her two brothers single-handedly, she is good at being strong. Too good. But Soon her dark secret becomes too much and the cracks begin to show. Her weekly meetings with Flo, the stranger on the bench, become her lifeline. And try as she might to bury the dark truth of that awful night, she begins to realise that some things have to be faced up to. It's time for Alice to look at her broken reflection and start to put the pieces back together...

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Ruth Gilligan is an Irish novelist and journalist now living in the UK, where she works as a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham. She has published 5 novels to date, and was the youngest person ever to reach number one on the Irish bestsellers' list. She contributes regular literary reviews to the Times Literary Supplement, LA Review of Books, Guardian and Irish Independent; she is also an ambassador for the global storytelling charity Narrative 4.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read both of Ruth Gilligan's previous novels when I was in my late teens, I couldn't resist picking this one up in my local library. However, I think I would've enjoyed it more had I still been in my late teens.
I enjoyed the writing in this book, Gilligan's turn of phrase is admirable. It was also quite emotive when dealing with a very sombre topic. Her depiction of college life in Cambridge was very good, and you could tell that it was a place close to her own heart.
While Alice was a character that was admirable in her strength, she was, for me, difficult to warm to. The 'twist' was also far too predictable for my liking. I didn't like how the story, which was predominantly written from Alice's first person point of view, spontaneously changed to another characters point of view with no warning. As I read along I would have to go back and see things from this standpoint as I would assume as I continued reading that it was Alice, and it got confusing. I thought maybe it would've been better to have a name heading or a new chapter for a different character's POV.

[Helen Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book very much. Ruth Gilligan is a truly talented writer! The characters were well developed and the story line interesting. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because of the ending, unless a second book is planned I will be upset. I know books often leave the endings to the readers imagination but this ending left too many questions. I was disappointed with it. Other than that this book was great :-)

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this book was written when the Author was just 21, it's very good. The overall plot is fairly predictable, but it was still an enjoyable read, and I think the author dealt with the subject of rape and Alice's handling of both the ordeal and the aftermath amazingly well.

[Becky Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Ruth Gilligan is a fantastic writer.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading but did not like the ending at all.

[Helena Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful, disturbing story, one which every parent, young females and males should read. It would be excellent material for a senior school debating team.

[Marysya Aqilah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars from me.

I personally think that the storyline is quite cliche and guessable.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library without even reading the blurb, I just wanted to read a book by an author that was new to me & I am so glad I did! Can You See Me? is about a young Irish woman called Alice who leaves Ireland to go to Cambridge University. While she is there she makes some good friends & goes out drinking with them but on one of their nights out Alice gets raped by a guy who also goes to Cambridge. This story is about Alice's struggle to come to terms with what has happened to her, the hell she goes through & how, with a little help from her friends she can see light at the end of the tunnel. I think this book is a must for any woman that has been through this & also just women in general that enjoy realistic fiction. I will be reading more from Ruth Gilligan that's for sure!!

[Laura Crosse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Not what I was expecting at all. I've read one other of Gilligan's books and I thought that although it was a good read there wasn't anything highly original about it, it was missing something but... this one found the something!

Although it's abit disturbing during one particular part especially, it has a lot of good points that make up for the depressing parts. Gilligan has employed a very Cecelia Ahernish style of writing in this book just with the fantastical element toned down a bit. Since Im an Ahern fan I really enjoyed it.

I hope Gilligan continues writing as she inspires me so much being from Ireland and the same age as me. I think she's only going to get better with age.

[Sidra · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible! I only picked it up for the mysterious cover and the totally misleading synopsis. It was not what I expected. This was puked up CHICK LIT. She loves her friends, she hates her friends. She loves her classmates, she hates her classmates. She hates her boyfriend, she really loves her boyfriend. Every page was a complain of some sort. I sympathize with the incident that happened to her. But come on. She basically lay it all out. How are comfortable with going out, getting drunk, having a guy you don't really like come into you room, kissing you and be uncomfortable with what happens next? It's an oxymoron is what it is. Flo was probably the best character in the book but she too was underdeveloped. A waste of my time..

[Malahat Niaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice was overall portrayed as a strong head girl with an even stronger heart but in reality she was mild as a flower! over all the book was a good read however its not a joyous kind of ride with boyfriends and love making involved. its rather exposing a sensitive issue which all web in together to present why Alice was like that. Definitely a self exposure and experience of the wonderful girls who knocked out their miseries and chose life!
Its all about human psyche , how all the events in his/her life eventually amends the momentum and spirits of the other. It is also important to have people whom understand you in the hardest of time and provide a passage to let your happiness and sadness flow through.

[Meriem Ahmed. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alice portrays a very honest story when dealing with a serious and relevant issue, particularly for girls. In many ways, I related with her character and Gilligan uses a very unique way of storytelling to capture aspects in the novel such as college life, balance of time, and indeed the issue itself and the concept of human strength and where it lies. It was a gripping read, one suited for teens, in my opinion most enjoyable for that year group. It has inspired me to read more of the author's work.

[Jacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did I enjoy this book? Not really, but it was a good book and Ruth did a good writing job, especially with what the character goes through in the story. Despite the frustration I felt towards Alice at times, I also realised that all the situations written in this book could not be realer.

[Rinah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give two star because I didn't like the ending :"(

[Angie Swain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book because I found the subject - rape - a tough one. The book is well written and worth while, but too tough for me

[Chris Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I have read by Ruth Gilligan. I liked the way the imaginary friend was reintroduced.