A review by serendipitysbooks
Damage by Caitlin Wahrer

dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 
Damage explores the impact of the rape of Nick, a gay man, not only on Nick himself but also on his family - brother Tony, and sister-in-law Julia. Sections of the novel are told from the perspective of all three, as well as that of the officer investigating the case, in alternating then (the immediate aftermath of the assault) and now (four years later) timelines.

In many ways this is a slow burn, a quiet suspense/domestic thriller rather than an action packed drama. It was however full of plenty of twists and turns, and had me questioning who if anyone I could trust. In answering the question “How far would you go to protect your family?” this book really went in a direction I wasn’t expecting.

It did drag a little in the middle, I didn’t find the ending completely satisfying, and I wish the specific issues relating to being a gay male survivor of rape were honed in on a little more. But overall a read that handled sensitive issues in a compassionate manner, held my attention, got me thinking and kept me guessing. 
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