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A review by thisismenow
Scars by Cheryl Rainfield
5.0
The first time I heard about this book was when it was mentioned in a Wall Street Journal article about the dark themes in young adult novels. I was naturally curious about this book because any time someone complains about something it just makes me want to check it out for myself.
While this is a book about some very horrible things, I found it to be an incredible read. Kendra's pain is palpable, as well as her frustrations. Typically, I'm very squeamish about anything to do with blood, especially cutting, but I didn't have a problem reading it in this book.
Even though the cutting was a huge part of the book and Kendra's primary way of coping when she couldn't speak to her therapist, Carolyn, it was the sexual abuse that she endured that made my heart ache.
There was an interesting twist in this book, though, in that Kendra has suppressed the identity of her abuser. I guessed pretty early on who it likely was, but I think this is the first book that I've read dealing with this type of subject matter where the victim has suppressed things so deeply. As the book went on, the reasons for her loss of memory became more apparent, but I think in many ways her lack of memory made the whole situation all the more horrific.
I recently read Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess, which also dealt with sexual abuse, but as horrible as it was, there was at least a name and face to put with the abuser. The protagonist in that book knew who had hurt her. In Scars, Kendra knew deep down who had abused her, but it was very terrifying for me, on her behalf, to be so uncertain of who to trust. Plus, there was an extra added element of fear, in that her abuser had not simply faded away but was actively trying to keep Kendra silent.
Even though this was a very dark book, there was a host of really wonderful characters that helped to serve as a sort of light at the end of the tunnel. Whether they knew the specifics of the situation or not, they were people who weren't content with just sitting idly by. They could see something was wrong and didn't back away from voicing their worries. Even though Kendra often wanted to left alone, as a reader, it was a relief to see that these people cared and were willing to take action.
Even though the subject of the novel is sad and sickening, I still found it to powerful read. And I suppose I should also thank the WSJ article for making me aware of the novel. Even though they tried to shade in a bad light and even referred to it as "dreadfully clunky," I really can't agree with that assessment. There is so much more to take away from this book - strength, courage, support and healing are just a few.
While this is a book about some very horrible things, I found it to be an incredible read. Kendra's pain is palpable, as well as her frustrations. Typically, I'm very squeamish about anything to do with blood, especially cutting, but I didn't have a problem reading it in this book.
Even though the cutting was a huge part of the book and Kendra's primary way of coping when she couldn't speak to her therapist, Carolyn, it was the sexual abuse that she endured that made my heart ache.
There was an interesting twist in this book, though, in that Kendra has suppressed the identity of her abuser. I guessed pretty early on who it likely was, but I think this is the first book that I've read dealing with this type of subject matter where the victim has suppressed things so deeply. As the book went on, the reasons for her loss of memory became more apparent, but I think in many ways her lack of memory made the whole situation all the more horrific.
I recently read Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess, which also dealt with sexual abuse, but as horrible as it was, there was at least a name and face to put with the abuser. The protagonist in that book knew who had hurt her. In Scars, Kendra knew deep down who had abused her, but it was very terrifying for me, on her behalf, to be so uncertain of who to trust. Plus, there was an extra added element of fear, in that her abuser had not simply faded away but was actively trying to keep Kendra silent.
Even though this was a very dark book, there was a host of really wonderful characters that helped to serve as a sort of light at the end of the tunnel. Whether they knew the specifics of the situation or not, they were people who weren't content with just sitting idly by. They could see something was wrong and didn't back away from voicing their worries. Even though Kendra often wanted to left alone, as a reader, it was a relief to see that these people cared and were willing to take action.
Even though the subject of the novel is sad and sickening, I still found it to powerful read. And I suppose I should also thank the WSJ article for making me aware of the novel. Even though they tried to shade in a bad light and even referred to it as "dreadfully clunky," I really can't agree with that assessment. There is so much more to take away from this book - strength, courage, support and healing are just a few.