Gillyflower

This short story negotiates the troubled waters of child-abuse admirably, showing subtlety, tact and sensitivity. It has been read three times in five days by my 3rd year girls, who are passing it around with a certain quiet reverence and knowingness. Gilly Harper's predicament and reactions are classic in the situation where her father invites her to 'come and keep me company' whenever the mother is on a late shift. His manipulation of his daughter so that she is ensnared, feeling dirty, guilty and apart, ironically makes him seem trapped too, but when Gilly suspects that her dad is involving her younger sister in his 'secret', then she must summon the courage to seek help. Best read before recommending.