Mouthing The Words

Dec 6, 2025 12:52 AM

Author:Camilla Gibb

Mouthing The Words

Thelma is six years old. Life at home is unsettling and disturbing; her father's games are not enjoyable and her mother dotes on Willy, the favoured child. When her parents move to Canada, Thelma smuggles her imaginary friends with her in her suitcase.

By turns harrowing and wonderfully funny, Mouthing the Words tells Thelma's story of sexual abuse, anorexia, borderline multiple personality disorder and her return to England. Reminiscent of Jeanette Winterson and Sylvia Plath, Mouthing the Words is a remarkable and inspiring fiction debut.

Reviews

Gibb seduces the reader with sparky prose and charming storylines before drawing us onto a heart-wrenching rollercoaster ride

—— Guardian

Beautiful and compelling... an insightful and humane exploration of the space between reason and imagination

—— The Times

This is a bold and ambitious debut from a writer who sows the seeds of great promise

—— Daily Express

Fresh and original

—— Sunday Times

It's sassy, it's smart... Go girl!

—— Jeanette Winterson

A perceptive, tears-trickling-down-the-side-of-your-nose-on-the-bus brilliant read

—— Company

Moving and intelligent

—— Independent

A poignant tale of life, love and loss

—— Mirror

Traditional, light-hearted romantic fiction at its best

—— Literary Review

Poignant and humorous

—— Now

A buoyant tale that will have you laughing and crying from start to finish

—— Woman's Journal

The twists and turns in the plot will leave you dizzy

—— New Woman

The story is original and the suspense is skilfully built. An infuriatingly enjoyable feel-good read

—— The List

An engaging and original plot

—— New Statesman

Previous Article：Clerical Errors Next Article：Illumination Night

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.