It feels odd rating this book as 5 stars because it is so disturbing, but the writing is so honest that I must. "V" is introduced by her mother to a much older male writer who has a following in the literary world despite having a reputation for inappropriate relations with underage girls and boys. The author pursues our narrator when she is 13, and begins an physical relationship with her at 14. This is all with her mother's knowledge, as is an open secret amongst the literary and intellectual crowd.
Ultimately V is able to end the relationship, but its ramifications affect her mental well being and ability to be in a healthy romantic relationship for many years. She shows true courage in telling her story and ability to state that what she was subjected to as a child was wrong, and the adult in her life who condoned or turned a blind eye to her situation were complicit.
Ultimately V is able to end the relationship, but its ramifications affect her mental well being and ability to be in a healthy romantic relationship for many years. She shows true courage in telling her story and ability to state that what she was subjected to as a child was wrong, and the adult in her life who condoned or turned a blind eye to her situation were complicit.
