This book has gotten so much press, of course, in the #MeToo era. Interesting that it took the author 18 years to write it! As I ponder that, it makes me believe that there is a lot of autobiography in this book. Russell helps the reader understand sexual abuse from the point of view of the victim who does NOT want to come forward. This is appalling at first but the author helps us understand why Vanessa wants to hold onto the belief that it was romantic love, not abuse, that was going on for those years.
Although it was a difficult book to read, and at times it seemed gratuitous, in the end I have only the highest respect for this author. From the NPR review:
Pearl-clutchers, take note: When it comes to sexuality and complex power dynamics, Russell pulls no punches. What you get is a raw, unflinching look at the ways we hold young girls responsible for the criminal actions of grown men and, even worse, how victims come to blame themselves.
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