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A review by kristy_k
These Violent Delights by Victoria Namkung
4.0
"Don't you find it interesting that these types of crimes against women- whether it's violence, sexual assault, rape- are the only kinds we force the victim to make a case about their own innocence before even investigating?"
This short book packs a powerful punch. These Violent Delights focuses on three girls (Caryn, Eva, Sasha) who come forward years later about the inappropriate relationship they had with their English teacher in high school, all in different years. Jane, a reporter who Caryn interns for, champions their case, writing investigative pieces and being there for these women.
All three women came from such different backgrounds and yet their tragic events bonded them. I like that Namkung showed that sexual assault crimes don't only happen to the poor and destitute or those without support; it could happen to anyone you know and by anyone you know.
Copeland, their English teacher, is much beloved by parents, students, and the community. Windemere is an elite private school for girls who seems at times to care more about their image than their girls. When news breaks of these allegations and the evidence supporting them, many are shocked, some unbelieving.
"They want a perfect victim and a perfect perpetrator. Someone who jumps out of the bushes in a park in the middle of the night and drags you to the ground by your hair. They want witnesses and screams and blood. Anything short of that is considered murky or he-said, she-said, even when there's proof."
These Violent Delights takes a hard look at sexual assault culture and victim blaming and there were many times I was infuriating by how these women were being treated and talked about by people they didn't even know.
"These men don't know the first thing about the violent truths of being born female."
I will add a side-note here that this is not a "men are evil" book. On the contrary there are some amazing male side character in this book that show men can be compassionate, understanding, and respectful.
I'll end with a quote from the author's statement which I found apropos: "Abuse is rarely committed in a dark alley by a stranger, and to perpetuate that myth is irresponsible."
This short book packs a powerful punch. These Violent Delights focuses on three girls (Caryn, Eva, Sasha) who come forward years later about the inappropriate relationship they had with their English teacher in high school, all in different years. Jane, a reporter who Caryn interns for, champions their case, writing investigative pieces and being there for these women.
All three women came from such different backgrounds and yet their tragic events bonded them. I like that Namkung showed that sexual assault crimes don't only happen to the poor and destitute or those without support; it could happen to anyone you know and by anyone you know.
Copeland, their English teacher, is much beloved by parents, students, and the community. Windemere is an elite private school for girls who seems at times to care more about their image than their girls. When news breaks of these allegations and the evidence supporting them, many are shocked, some unbelieving.
"They want a perfect victim and a perfect perpetrator. Someone who jumps out of the bushes in a park in the middle of the night and drags you to the ground by your hair. They want witnesses and screams and blood. Anything short of that is considered murky or he-said, she-said, even when there's proof."
These Violent Delights takes a hard look at sexual assault culture and victim blaming and there were many times I was infuriating by how these women were being treated and talked about by people they didn't even know.
"These men don't know the first thing about the violent truths of being born female."
I will add a side-note here that this is not a "men are evil" book. On the contrary there are some amazing male side character in this book that show men can be compassionate, understanding, and respectful.
I'll end with a quote from the author's statement which I found apropos: "Abuse is rarely committed in a dark alley by a stranger, and to perpetuate that myth is irresponsible."