They Called Me Red - Softcover

Kilbourne, Christina

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1897073887 ISBN 13: 9781897073889

Publisher: Lobster Press, 2008

Synopsis

It wasn't the perfect life, but it was their life—Devon's and his dad's. They were there for each other. He wasn't prepared for Lily to come along and enchant his father with her giggles and shy glances. Devon has a bad feeling about this new woman who seems endearing one minute, ice cold the next, but his dad is hooked, and Lily moves in. When Devon's father suddenly falls ill, and doctors can't find the problem, Lily insists that they travel to her native Vietnam, where her uncle can treat him. Once in her family's tiny apartment, Lily forces Devon away from his father, and makes him drink some musky tea that is supposed to calm him. It is only when Devon wakes up in a locked room that he begins to realize his suspicions about Lily weren't nearly as horrific as who she really is, and what she has done.
Within days, Devon finds himself locked up in a different location, with three other boys. Through hushed conversations in broken English and Vietnamese, Devon learns that he is now the property of a restaurant-owner named Long, and that he has been transported to Cambodia. As the nightmare worsens, the reality that this restaurant doubles as a brothel sets in. Because of his fiery red hair and freckles, Long is able to demand a higher price for him, and her customers start a bidding war. With the memory of his father and his old life keeping him from complete despair, Devon manages to hope for escape or rescue. Back home, those close to Devon refuse to believe Lily's lies about him running away in Vietnam, and an international search effort begins. Once found, the challenges continue, as Devon faces a new life without his father, and a new identity molded by unspeakable memories.

About this title

About the Author

Author Christina Kilbourne received her master's degree in Creative Writing and English Literature from the University of Windsor, Ontario. She lives in Zephyr, Ontario. Dear Jo (Lobster Press, 2007), Christina's third novel, won the Muskoka Novel Marathon. Her other books include Where Lives Take Root> (BookLand), Day of the Dog-tooth Violets (BookLand), and The Roads of Go Home Lake (BookLand).

Review

"Kilbourne artfully depicts the horrors of forced child prostitution without resorting to disturbing specifics. The plot moves at a heart-poounding pace sure to appeal to young adult readers, and yet Kilbourne manages to imbue her characters with both depth and humanity." (Quill & Quire 2008-10-01)

"Kilbourne handles her subject with sensitivity and tact within an extraordinarily exciting novel...This is a message of both determination and hope which teens need to hear." (CM Magazine 2008-01-02)

"This is a powerful story, realistic and dramatic, with just enough tension to keep the pages turning...This novel is highly recommended. Excellent." (Resource Links 2008-10-01)

"Kilbourne gets the dread across... [and] the sex necessary to advance the storyline is handled tactfully; fear and circumstances of imprisonment are the main focuses." (ForeWord Magazine 2008-08-01)

"Kilbourne has written an intense, frightening book that, without explicit detail, introduces YAs to the horrors of human trafficking around the world. An exposé of human cruelty, courage, desperation, and resilience, the disturbing story closes with Devon’s shame and emotional pain as he reenters normal life. This isn’t an easy book to read, but it’s an important one that may lead teens to a better understanding of global issues and human rights." (Booklist 2008-12-01)

"Kilbourne does not preach...she tells a heartbreaking story while informing her young adult audience. This book will inspire much discussion and should be shared in homes and classrooms." (The Brandon Sun 2009-05-17)

About this edition

• Publisher: Lobster Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1897073887
• ISBN 13: 9781897073889
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192