Outsider at School Gates

Martha Dewhurst is an outcast at Southcott Middle School, mocked for her homemade clothes and strange ways. The other children, led by ringleaders like Simon and Tracy, chase her home daily, calling her "Raggedy-Ann." Martha's loneliness is compounded by her inability to invite friends home, a rule enforced by her strict, religious parents. She yearns for acceptance and normalcy, but her family's beliefs and the secret she keeps—something called "Abomination" in the cellar—make her different. When Scott, the new boy, joins in the bullying, Martha's hope for friendship dims. Yet, beneath her meek exterior, she harbors a desperate wish for someone to understand her, to see past the surface and recognize her longing for connection.

The Righteous Home

At home, Martha's life is governed by the rules of the Righteous, a fundamentalist Christian sect. Her parents enforce rigid discipline, using biblical justifications for everything from her clothing to corporal punishment. Martha's father is stern and distant, her mother cold and dutiful. The family's meals are plain, their leisure time devoid of television or popular music. Martha's only solace is her secret stash of postcards from her older sister Mary, who was cast out years ago for disobedience. The house is a place of secrets and fear, especially the daily chore of feeding Abomination in the cellar—a task that fills Martha with dread and guilt. The oppressive atmosphere leaves her feeling trapped, longing for escape.

A Ruler and a Fantasy

One day, Scott quietly lends Martha his ruler in class, a gesture that, though trivial to others, is monumental to her. It's the first time anyone has shown her kindness at school. That night, Martha escapes into fantasy, imagining a world where Scott is her friend, where she can go to concerts and have adventures like other children. This fleeting moment of connection gives her strength, even as the bullying continues. Martha's inner world becomes a refuge, a place where she can be herself, free from the constraints of her parents and the cruelty of her peers. The ruler represents hope and kindness; the postcards symbolize longing and the possibility of escape; the cellar embodies fear, shame, and hidden suffering.

Scott's Awakening

Scott, initially swept up in the group mentality, begins to question the treatment of Martha. He notices her isolation and the cruelty of the other children, and guilt gnaws at him. After witnessing the relentless bullying, he starts to distance himself from the ringleaders, even standing up for Martha at times. This shift costs him his own social standing, making him a target for ridicule and violence. Scott's empathy grows as he learns more about Martha's life, and he becomes determined to help her, even as he struggles with his own need for acceptance. His journey from bystander to ally marks a turning point in both their lives.

Friendship and Bullying

As Scott and Martha tentatively become friends, the bullying intensifies. Scott is ostracized for defending her, enduring physical attacks and social isolation. Martha, used to being alone, is both grateful and fearful—she knows her parents would disapprove, and she worries about bringing trouble to Scott. Their friendship is a lifeline for both, offering moments of joy and understanding in an otherwise hostile environment. Together, they navigate the minefield of school and home, finding solace in each other's company. Yet, the threat of discovery and the weight of Martha's secret loom over them, testing the limits of their trust and courage.

Secrets in the Cellar

Martha's greatest secret is the existence of Abomination—a child kept locked in the cellar, the product of her sister Mary's forbidden relationship. The boy, treated as a shameful secret by Martha's parents, is denied sunlight, affection, and even a name. Martha is tasked with caring for him, a responsibility that fills her with guilt and confusion. She struggles to reconcile her love for her family with the horror of what they are doing. When Scott learns of Abomination, he is shocked and appalled, urging Martha to seek help. The revelation deepens their bond but also raises the stakes, as the risk of exposure becomes ever more real.

Sister Mary's Shadow

Mary, Martha's older sister, haunts the family as both a cautionary tale and a symbol of hope. Cast out for her defiance, Mary sends postcards from distant cities, offering glimpses of a freer life. Martha treasures these messages, hiding them from her parents and drawing strength from Mary's example. The postcards become a lifeline, a reminder that escape is possible. Martha dreams of following in Mary's footsteps, but fear and loyalty hold her back. The shadow of Mary's choices hangs over the family, shaping Martha's understanding of rebellion, love, and the possibility of change.

Small Acts of Rebellion

Inspired by Scott's friendship and Mary's memory, Martha begins to assert herself in small ways. She challenges her parents' authority, questions their rules, and even stands up to her bullies at school. These acts of rebellion are risky, but they signal a shift in Martha's sense of self-worth. She starts to believe that she deserves better, that her life can be different. The consequences are immediate—her parents tighten their control, and the threat of punishment looms. Yet, Martha's resolve grows, fueled by the knowledge that she is not alone. Each act of defiance brings her closer to the possibility of freedom.

The Truth About Abomination

The truth about Abomination comes to light: he is Mary's son, hidden away to avoid the shame of an illegitimate child in the eyes of the Righteous. Martha's parents have convinced themselves they are doing God's will, but the reality is one of cruelty and neglect. Scott urges Martha to act, to save the boy from his prison. The moral dilemma is agonizing—exposing the secret could destroy her family, but remaining silent perpetuates the abuse. Martha is torn between loyalty and justice, love and fear. The weight of the secret becomes unbearable, forcing her to make an impossible choice.

The Internet Connection

With time running out, Scott turns to the Internet in a last-ditch effort to find Mary. He posts messages on forums and message boards, hoping someone will recognize her name and pass on the plea for help. Against all odds, Mary responds, and a plan is set in motion to rescue her son. The digital world becomes a lifeline, bridging the gap between past and present, secrecy and revelation. The urgency of the situation brings Scott and Martha closer, as they work together to orchestrate the boy's escape. The Internet, a symbol of modern connection, becomes the tool that breaks the cycle of isolation and silence.

The Plan Unravels

As the Dewhursts prepare to move, fearing exposure, Martha is locked in her room and cut off from Scott. The risk of losing contact—and the chance to save Abomination—grows. Scott, desperate, leaves coded messages and makes frantic phone calls, trying to alert Martha that help is on the way. The tension mounts as the family's control tightens and the window for rescue narrows. Martha's courage is tested to the limit as she faces the possibility of losing everything—her friend, her sister, and her own freedom. The plan teeters on the brink of failure, with the fate of Abomination hanging in the balance.

Rescue and Release

In a dramatic climax, Mary arrives at the Dewhurst home, demanding her child. Martha, recognizing the moment, defies her parents and helps Mary rescue the boy from the cellar. The confrontation is chaotic and emotional, but ultimately, the truth prevails. Martha escapes with Mary and the child, leaving behind the oppressive world of the Righteous. The boy, finally free, is overwhelmed by the sunlight and the unfamiliar world outside. The family is reunited, and the cycle of secrecy and abuse is broken. For the first time, Martha experiences the possibility of a life defined by love, not fear.

New Beginnings

Martha starts a new life with Mary, her nephew, and Mary's partner Annette. The transition is challenging—Abomination, now called Jim, must learn to live outside the cellar, and Martha must adjust to a world where she is no longer an outcast. The scars of the past linger, but the future is filled with hope. Martha attends a new school, makes friends, and begins to heal. She misses her parents, despite everything, but understands that love sometimes means letting go. The story ends with Martha reaching out to Scott, grateful for the friendship that saved her and determined to build a life defined by kindness, courage, and connection.

Characters

Martha Dewhurst

Martha is the protagonist, a twelve-year-old girl trapped between the rigid world of her fundamentalist parents and the cruelty of her peers. Isolated at school and home, she yearns for acceptance and normalcy. Her psychological landscape is shaped by fear, guilt, and longing, but also by a deep well of resilience. Martha's relationship with her parents is fraught—she loves them but is suffocated by their rules and secrecy. Her bond with her exiled sister Mary is a source of hope, and her friendship with Scott becomes a catalyst for change. Over the course of the story, Martha grows from a passive victim to an active agent of her own destiny, finding the courage to confront injustice and seek freedom.

Scott Coxon

Scott is the new boy at school, initially eager to fit in but increasingly troubled by the bullying he witnesses. His journey is one of moral awakening—he moves from passive complicity to active resistance, risking his own social standing to defend Martha. Scott's empathy and determination drive much of the plot, especially as he becomes involved in the effort to save Abomination. His relationship with Martha is complex, blending friendship, loyalty, and the stirrings of young love. Scott's willingness to challenge authority and break the silence around abuse marks him as a true ally, and his actions ultimately help bring about the story's resolution.

Mary Dewhurst

Mary is Martha's older sister, cast out by their parents for her rebelliousness and unwed pregnancy. Though absent for most of the story, Mary's presence is felt through her postcards and the memory of her defiance. She represents both the cost and the possibility of escape from oppression. When she returns to rescue her son, Mary demonstrates courage and maternal love, reclaiming her place in the family and offering Martha a path to freedom. Her journey is one of redemption and healing, as she confronts the consequences of her past and builds a new life for herself and her child.

Mr. Dewhurst (Father)

Martha's father is the enforcer of the family's strict religious code. He believes he is acting in accordance with God's will, using discipline and secrecy to maintain control. His love for his family is twisted by fear of shame and a need for order. Psychologically, he is rigid, repressed, and ultimately fragile—his authority crumbles when confronted with the truth. His relationship with Martha is marked by distance and misunderstanding, and his actions, though intended to protect, cause deep harm. In the end, he is left isolated, a tragic figure undone by his own convictions.

Mrs. Dewhurst (Mother)

Martha's mother is a product of her environment, upholding the values of the Righteous with unwavering devotion. She is emotionally distant, prioritizing obedience and reputation over her children's well-being. Her complicity in the family's secrets is driven by fear and a desire to belong. While she occasionally shows flashes of regret, she is unable to break free from the cycle of control and denial. Her relationship with Martha is strained, defined by disappointment and unmet expectations. In the end, she too is left alone, her sacrifices rendered meaningless by the loss of her family.

Abomination (Jim)

Abomination, later named Jim, is Mary's son, kept in the cellar for six years to hide the family's shame. He is deprived of love, sunlight, and even a name, growing up in isolation and neglect. His existence is a living indictment of the family's values and the consequences of secrecy. Despite his traumatic upbringing, Jim is capable of love and trust, especially towards Martha and Mary. His liberation is both a literal and symbolic act of redemption, offering hope that healing is possible even after profound suffering.

Annette

Annette is Mary's partner, a stabilizing presence who helps facilitate the rescue and recovery of both Mary and Jim. She represents acceptance and unconditional support, providing a safe haven for the fractured family. Annette's role, though secondary, is crucial—she helps Mary rebuild her life and welcomes Martha into their new home. Her kindness and practicality contrast sharply with the rigidity of the Dewhursts, embodying the possibility of a different kind of family.

Simon Pritchard

Simon is the main instigator of bullying at school, targeting Martha and later Scott. He thrives on power and conformity, using ridicule and violence to maintain his status. Psychologically, Simon is insecure, masking his own fears by dominating others. His actions serve as a catalyst for Scott's transformation and highlight the dangers of groupthink and unchecked aggression. Simon's lack of empathy stands in stark contrast to the compassion shown by Scott and Martha.

Tracy Stamper

Tracy is Simon's counterpart, leading the girls in tormenting Martha. She is sharp-tongued, manipulative, and relentless, embodying the cruelty of social exclusion. Tracy's behavior is driven by a need for approval and a fear of difference. Her role in the story underscores the gendered dynamics of bullying and the ways in which girls enforce conformity. Tracy's eventual silence in the face of Martha's defiance signals a shift in the balance of power.

Mr. Kilroy ("Killer")

Mr. Kilroy is the PE teacher at Southcott Middle, known for his tough demeanor but ultimately revealed to be fair and compassionate. He intervenes during moments of crisis, protecting Scott and Martha from physical harm. While limited by institutional constraints, Kilroy represents the potential for adult intervention and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children. His presence offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise indifferent system.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel employs a dual narrative, alternating between Martha and Scott's points of view. This structure allows readers to experience the story from both inside and outside Martha's world, fostering empathy and understanding. The shifting perspectives highlight the contrast between Martha's internal struggles and Scott's growing awareness, building tension as their stories converge. The device also underscores the theme of connection—how two isolated individuals can find common ground and change each other's lives.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Swindells uses foreshadowing to create suspense, dropping hints about the true nature of Abomination and the family's secrets. Symbols such as the ruler, the postcards, and the cellar serve as touchstones for the characters' emotional journeys. The ruler represents hope and kindness; the postcards symbolize longing and the possibility of escape; the cellar embodies fear, shame, and hidden suffering. These motifs enrich the narrative, inviting readers to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of the characters' actions.

The Internet as Catalyst

The use of the Internet as a plot device is pivotal—Scott's decision to seek out Mary online transforms the story from one of helplessness to one of agency. The digital world becomes a space where secrets can be shared, help can be summoned, and barriers can be broken. This device reflects the changing landscape of communication and the potential for technology to bridge divides, offering hope in situations that once seemed inescapable.

Moral Dilemmas and Psychological Realism

The narrative is driven by moral dilemmas—Martha's struggle between loyalty to her family and the need to save Abomination; Scott's conflict between fitting in and doing what's right. These choices are rendered with psychological realism, capturing the complexity of fear, guilt, and love. The characters' growth is rooted in their willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and take risks for the sake of others. This focus on internal conflict elevates the story beyond a simple tale of rescue, making it a meditation on conscience, courage, and the cost of silence.

Analysis

Abomination is a searing indictment of the ways in which fear, shame, and rigid ideology can warp families and communities. Through Martha's and Scott's intertwined journeys, Swindells exposes the corrosive effects of secrecy and the dangers of blind obedience. The novel's portrayal of bullying—both at home and at school—serves as a microcosm of broader societal failures to protect the vulnerable. Yet, amid the darkness, the story offers hope: the possibility that even the most entrenched patterns can be broken through empathy, courage, and connection. The use of modern technology as a tool for liberation underscores the importance of communication and solidarity in confronting injustice. Ultimately, Abomination is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love—reminding readers that no one is beyond saving, and that even small acts of kindness can change the course of a life.

Last updated: February 26, 2026