Alice is eight, and since her dad left, she lives alone with her mother. Movie nights, dinners on the carpet, heart-to-heart talks—just Alice and Mom. Their idyll is allowed to be interrupted only by Mom's best friend, Georges, or Monjo. After her dad left, Alice missed exactly this kind, caring, and understanding adult by her side. At the rock climbing club, Monjo leads Alice to victories and awards. He takes her to competitions and sets an example for the other students. He also teaches her to give each other goosebumps...

Alice is fifteen, and every time she goes to bed and closes her eyes, blue exercise mats collapse on her, and a faint cry for help is heard nearby. Alice keeps a big secret that she can't tell anyone. Alice splits in two and watches everything happening from the outside. And nothing can be done.

The poignant novel by French writer Claire Castillon, 'Bound,' sounds like a quiet cry for help and gives a voice to children who were not heard in time. This book draws attention to the problem of sexualized abuse of children, helps start a conversation about difficult experiences and gets support and help.

5 reasons to buy the book 'In a Bundle':

• A new book in the 'Not Children's Books' series, which raises sensitive and important topics;

• A novel that shows through the eyes of a child how violence happens and why children remain silent about what adults do to them;

• A book that is scary to read, but necessary;

• Can help cope with traumatic experiences;

• The book won the prestigious French literary prize Prix Vendredi in 2022.

QUOTES FROM THE BOOK:

'Tell Mom. Tell Mom today. Tell her: 'No, Mom, no leggings, no short skirt, no tight pants, better an iron jumpsuit with snap fasteners so Monjo can't open them anymore. No, Mom, no small top, or Monjo will start his hurdy-gurdy again: Anna-Anna-Anna. No, Mom, no soft pullover with a low neckline, no party tights, no bra instead of my sports bras. No, Mom, let's not go shopping, let's go to the police, come with me, Mom, you'll understand.''

'He asks if I like Coca-Cola, marshmallows, chocolate, and also if I like goosebumps. I don't know what it is. It's when you run your fingernails down your back. I ask him to show me, and he runs his nails down my knees. On the inside. I feel like I'm flying off somewhere, but it's better for him not to know.'

'They say you can always say no. We had a lecture on sex education at college. It should only be done when both partners want it and no one is pressuring anyone. My body is mine. Why does Monjo always say I'm his? 'You're mine, Anna, say it.' 'I'm yours, Monjo.' I say. But I didn't tell him about the lecture.'