By Kate Elizabeth Russell
This book was hard to read, like Lolita – which makes sense, as there are many references throughout the novel to Lolita. This book goes back and forth between fifteen year old Vanessa, and Vanessa in her early thirties. At both points, and the years in between, Vanessa is beholden to her English professor, Jacob Strane. He grooms, seduces, and captures Vanessa wholly.
Rumors become rampant at the private school where the two met and have their affair, though both vehemently deny it. Vanessa repeats constantly that she is not “his victim”, it’s not “like that”, and of course it is love. It is frustrating as a reader to have the inside track to this girl’s thoughts, and have her be so utterly brainwashed to not see she is victimized over and over again by this man.
The “relationship” physically falls apart, but the two stay in touch over the years, mostly so Strane can cover his ass. Other victims come forward against him, and he reaches out to her for assurance that his secret is safe – further manipulating and taking advantage of her.
Further themes explored are social media, venom from the media, and the #MeToo movement. The book doesn’t have a very satisfying climax nor ending, but I applaud the author for tackling such a difficult issue and adding relevance for today. There is absolutely a girl out there who needs to read this and will hopefully find her voice from it to speak up and out.
Soundtrack
- Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel
- Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon by Neil Diamond
- Father Figure by George Michael
- Don’t Stand So Close to Me by the Police
Pros & Cons & Potential Spoilers
Pros
- She gets a dog!…eventually
- He is held accountable…eventually
- She sees a therapist and gets help…eventually
Cons
- She does not kill Strane
- She defends her pedophile for decades!
- Her family and her school all fail her and enable him