Wedlock, Denis Wright

This young adult novel from NZ author Denis Wright explores the manner in which dangerous cults can target, and draw vulnerable people into their grasp. In this case, Lucy Sorrenson is the daughter of a father who still thinks he's the only teenager in the household. She lives with him and her grandfather - a stronger, more positive man in her life, although now his grip on reality is slipping and Lucy feels like the only grown-up in the place. Until the opening night of her school play, and a strange woman who comes to give her a message from "the Master".

Interesting idea, and it's coincidentally not the first NZ based novel I've read based around cults and their enthralment of young women in particular. Although with this one I was less convinced by the voice of Lucy which didn't quite sit right with this reader. On the other hand the exploration of cult inculcation, the way that Stockholm syndrome works, and the overall transformation of a forthright, independent young woman to a compliant cult member was a worthwhile exploration. More qualified minds than mine will know whether or not this is correctly pitched at young adults, but I have to confess I was conflicted, possibly because I wasn't convinced by Lucy at all, or what felt like a lot of overtly convenient and stereotypical characterisations. Added to those doubts, the resolution was too implausible and I just couldn't lift this into engaging territory.