Abomination (novel)

Abomination

First edition
Author	Robert Swindells
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Publisher	Doubleday
Publication date	1998
Pages	208
ISBN	0-385-40854-4 [1]

Abomination is a 1998 novel by the author Robert Swindells, dealing with themes of religious extremism, adolescence, bullying, and relationships, as well as integrating the intriguing question of what its title refers to. Scott and Martha the two main characters. At the start, Martha is bullied by all the children and they all call her "Raggedy Anne" because her mother makes her clothes. Martha meets a new boy named Scott, who used to bully her as well when he was new to the school and wanted to fit in. Scott feels bad for Martha, so he befriends her and loses his friends in the process. Therefore, Scott gets bullied as well as Martha and the two become good friends. Martha goes to Scott's house after telling him that her father hits her. Scott tells his mother and is convinced they should call the police, but his mother suggests to wait, saying 'Fools rush in, where angels dare to tread'. Scott asks Martha to allow him to visit her house, but Martha refuses, as she doesn't want anyone in her house - her house is dim and boring, and the family doesn't own a TV. Scott assures Martha that they will still be friends, no matter what. Martha has to be careful, though, because she isn't allowed to bring home anyone, especially boys, otherwise the family's secret would be revealed. Scott goes to Martha's house and sees how bad it is, after a while, he leaves. Another day comes and Scott knocks on Martha door and hears screaming and crying, he instantly thinks they are beating her. He runs home and on the way meets Martha. Scott, shocked, asks her what the noise was. Martha was angry and shouted at Scott and said what if my parents answered. Scott apologized but insisted he knew what the noise was then she told him about abomination... Abomination was a 6-year-old boy the son of her sister. Scott said they should call the police but Martha said to tell no one. Scott emailed Mary her sister to come and collect her child. Meanwhile, Martha had rebelled against her parents and they were scared she would tell the secret. Then Mary came and the mom and dad blocked the door and tried to stop Martha but she pushed through with Abomination and escaped with her sister.

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