Jake's Tower

Jake lives a dismal life with his mother and Steve, his extremely violent stepfather. His only refuge is his imagination and he dreams of living in a secluded tower on an island, where nobody can hurt him.

After a particularly vicious beating, his mother flees in desperation to Mrs Judd, Jake's paternal grandmother, whom he has never met. Gradually, they get to know each other, and Jake is overwhelmed when he meets his real father for the first time - although he is not quite what Jake had imagined.

This short novel skilfully tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence, and Jake is a brave, convincing character, full of maturity and passion.