Seventeen

‘Engaging and engrossing, frank and frankly troubling, Seventeen is a book not easily forgotten.’ – Karen Joy Fowler‘A fascinating and important dissection of coercion and abuse from deep within it, Joe Gibson’s story is so compelling and shocking that to read it is to have it seared on to you. I felt like I was there. As gripping a memoir as you’ll find’ – David Whitehouse‘An outstanding memoir’ – Lucy Nichol‘Seventeen is a remarkable book, Joe Gibson brings to life a shocking true story that’s as compelling as it is urgent. In sharp, evocative prose, he places the reader at the heart of his teenage experience, showing the enduring after-effects of coercive control. An essential insight into the all too often hidden male experience of abuse’ – Ali Millar‘An amazingly courageous book’ – Lily Dunn‘A vivid and moving story, grippingly told. But, more to the point, Gibson’s account of how attraction and obsession became exploitation and cover-up is a must-read for anyone involved in the care of adolescents.’ – Alex Renton‘It’s both nostalgic and prescient, looking back at the past while unpacking how much of the present is dictated by the legacy of deceit that at the end of the author’s adolescence.’ * Vice *‘A powerful tale of lost youth’ * Guardian *‘A gripping tale of forbidden love and irresistible desire’ * The Sun *‘I can’t recall when, if ever, I’ve been so affected by a memoir … A magnificent and, at times, terrifying book’ – John Boyne‘Disturbing, powerful and important’ * The Times *‘A coming of age memoir with a difference’ * i *‘…by writing such a brave and honest book, he has given hope to anyone who has suffered any level of abuse. The scar tissue will always be there, and some days it’s a little more sensitive to the touch, but Gibson shows us that survivors can find a path towards peace. I can’t remember the last time, if ever, a memoir affected me as deeply as Seventeen’ * Irish Times *

Joe Gibson is a star of West End musicals, a concert pianist, ballet dancer, Formula 1 racing driver, and embarking on his PhD, in his dreams. In real life, he’s still figuring out what he was meant to be. Life has not exactly gone to plan, but it’s been eventful. When he’s not writing, Joe spends as much time as possible walking his ageing hound, looking for purpose and adventure. Joe Gibson is a pseudonym. Seventeen is his first book.

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