I just finished the novel Asking For It by Louise O'Neill. I came across a recommendation for the book somewhere that eludes me now. The recommendation was strong enough that I ordered the book shortly after adding it to my wishlist. I wish I had read it immediately. It may have made the list of books for our class to read and discuss.
The story takes place in Ireland and follows an teen girl, Emma. The book only gives us a brief window into Emma's life - 4-5 day period when she's 18, and then a year later for 4-5 days. As the title suggests, Emma's life is changed by a night of partying that she can't recall.
Emma in the beginning of the story is not a sympathetic character. She's obsessed with her appearance, treats her friends poorly, and seems entirely self-absorbed. Emma finds value in her looks and ability to attract and seduce boys and men. Stereotypically, she is attracted to the bad boys and the boys that she shouldn't have (her friend's boyfriend), and basically ignores the boy next door who genuinely cares for her. Emma presents an interesting character is discuss and analyze in terms of cultural pressures on women (and especially teens) to be pretty, sexual, and competitive. It is easy to see that Emma has absorbed all of the terrible messages that modern Western society throws at girls.
In the second half of the book, Emma struggles with the aftermath of her rape and failure to remember what happened. In the age of Facebook, social media, and quick spreading internet stories, she becomes an international spectacle eliciting hatred and support from around the globe. The book presents the real struggle that Emma faces in dealing with her shattered life and the shattered lives of her family. The constant doubt, self-hatred, and despair give insight to the experience of rape victims. It underscores why so many victims keep quiet and refuse to acknowledge they've been raped.
The book is a gripping and insightful read. The author keeps the emotions real and raw. O'Neill doesn't sugarcoat the situation and doesn't give the reader a happy ending just for reaching the end of the novel. The book can be an uncomfortable read at times, but well worth it.
The story takes place in Ireland and follows an teen girl, Emma. The book only gives us a brief window into Emma's life - 4-5 day period when she's 18, and then a year later for 4-5 days. As the title suggests, Emma's life is changed by a night of partying that she can't recall.
Emma in the beginning of the story is not a sympathetic character. She's obsessed with her appearance, treats her friends poorly, and seems entirely self-absorbed. Emma finds value in her looks and ability to attract and seduce boys and men. Stereotypically, she is attracted to the bad boys and the boys that she shouldn't have (her friend's boyfriend), and basically ignores the boy next door who genuinely cares for her. Emma presents an interesting character is discuss and analyze in terms of cultural pressures on women (and especially teens) to be pretty, sexual, and competitive. It is easy to see that Emma has absorbed all of the terrible messages that modern Western society throws at girls.
In the second half of the book, Emma struggles with the aftermath of her rape and failure to remember what happened. In the age of Facebook, social media, and quick spreading internet stories, she becomes an international spectacle eliciting hatred and support from around the globe. The book presents the real struggle that Emma faces in dealing with her shattered life and the shattered lives of her family. The constant doubt, self-hatred, and despair give insight to the experience of rape victims. It underscores why so many victims keep quiet and refuse to acknowledge they've been raped.
The book is a gripping and insightful read. The author keeps the emotions real and raw. O'Neill doesn't sugarcoat the situation and doesn't give the reader a happy ending just for reaching the end of the novel. The book can be an uncomfortable read at times, but well worth it.
