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This memoir, published in 1999, recounts the author’s rape while she was a
college freshman approximately 15 years in the past. It is a terrifying experience,
a recounting of her struggle to survive and see her rapist go to prison, and
the various reactions of her friends, family, and those who would help her with
her legal journey.
I was in for quite an experience. I have never read anything like it and will
not soon forget the words written in this book. The author does not shy away
from the specifics and this makes the reading compelling but also revolting.
This is not a book for everyone. I felt guilty for even picking it up and emotionally
drained after I read it. If you, God forbid, have been raped or know someone
who has, be careful about your choice to read this book. The author pursues
her rapist all the way through the legal system, but the book has at least a
couple of chapters where the victim told no one and other characters who have
different reactions altogether.
But overall, this is a book by a woman with remarkable courage and strength
enough to share her story with the world. The author does not offer any easy
answers, which fact makes the story that much better. This book also offers
rare glimpses into various parts of the criminal justice system: the initially
disbelieving police office, the defense lawyer who plays a trick on her, the
often-postponed trial, and finally the conviction of her rapist.
If you like to read nonfiction memoirs or if you’re attempting to write one,
this is definitely a book to read.
