Review:
Expelled. Expulsion. Rape. Minor. Alcohol. Video.
Anita Shreve’s Testimony sends chills up your spine! Those six words hold a lot of truth and a lot of life in the novel. In the beginning the reader is informed of a floozy girl who seduces boys, getting them into their cars with her so that she can sexually perform with them. The story goes from one scenario to another, all which contain a lot of blame and a lot of horror. Taking place at Avery Academy, the story tells of three boys who were hammered, just looking for a good time. A video is made. The video is confiscated. Three boys are expelled. The press gets involved. Some one dies, and Avery Academy’s basketball team looses its credibility. Dreams become unattainable and families struggle. This novel is a well written life experience. It gives its readers a sense of fear and sorrow for its characters as it deals with everything that could possibly arise regarding relationships and mistakes. I recommend Testimony to adults and children alike, because I feel that no matter the age or gender anyone could learn from its deep message!
Favorite Quote:
“This is real. This is really happening”
This quote, spoken by Ellen, the mother of Robert Leicht, who was one of the boys involved in the sexual assault. For me this summed up the story. At first it is hard to comprehend the situation, even for the reader, and it seems as though we are being set up for a sort of “what-if” situation. The quote basically sums up the feelings of every mother in the novel, as well as every reader of the novel.
Conflict:
Three boys involved in the rape of a fourteen year old girl at Avery Academy. A video was made and clips were posted to the internet. The school administration was informed and they viewed the tape in hopes of identifying the students. EXPELLED.
7 comments:
4/5 stars
Sexting...this story is taken right from today's headlines..., February 13, 2009
This was a sad but interesting novel about 3 boys who were caught on videotape committing various activities that were labeled a sex crime because the girl involved was only 14 and the boys were 18 and 19 years old. The scandal and resultant fallout from the event affects the young female victim, the boys, their families and friends, the students, as well as the entire community of Avery where the private school is located.
The disconcerting thing about the book was that it was told from many different points of view and sometimes was confusing as it went back and forth in time. Those changing voices also reflect the fact that perspective is everything when looking back at an event or situation. The characters in the story all suffer in various ways as the boys face the consequences of their drunken night of debauchery.
No matter how you feel about teens, alcohol, and sexual activity - it becomes clear that when those three exist in combination there will be tragedy and innocent victims resulting from those poor choices. Ms C.
Love your review, Ana. And the project folder turned out great! It's on display.
Great review! Love the folder. This book is great.
I think this was my favorite book club book by far. the discussion we had coulde lasted for HOURS. It delves into so many things that touches today's realities and was truly excellent.
And I love how all of our opinions were different--best discussion book!
This seems like something that could happen so easily. All the different views in the novel seem like a way to really show how it affects everyone. I'll find out how well it really works when I read it though.
I had read this book last year and was just shocked about what had all gone on.
Post a Comment