Review -- Testimony

Testimony

by Anita Shreve

Little, Brown, and Company, 2009
352 pages

Summary: Testimony is the story of a sex scandal that breaks out at a small New England private school and shows the repercussions through the eyes of the students and their parents.

Review: An intense novel that tackles a difficult subject through multiple characters, Testimony is a fantastic read. It is hard to feel sympathy towards many of the characters whose actions are met with the deepest consequences, but the author delves deep into each character so the reader can feel their emotion and understand their intent. At times a slow read, the book leaves the reader to contemplate how one act can change so many lives. Rating: ***1/2 out of 5.

Barney's Online Book Club Discussion -- October 2009

Welcome to the third discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club! This month we are discussing Testimony by Anita Shreve. Below are questions to start the discussion, feel free to raise your own questions in the comments section. Please note that the questions and the comments sections may include spoilers! Read at your own risk.

Let the discussion begin!

Discussion Questions:

1. Many blog reviewers have mentioned that telling the story through multiple characters made the story difficult to follow. Do you agree?

2. Did you sympathize with any of the characters? Why or why not?

3. Who do you feel is to blame for Silas's death?

4. How do you feel about Rob's assessment at the end of the novel? Do you think he (and the other characters) will lead a better life because they survived the scandal?

5. What was your over impression of Testimony?

A Real Life 'Testimony'?

My sister-in-law, Deb, who is a member of the Barney's Online Book Club wrote me an email today about our book club pick Testimony by Anita Shreve. She remembered seeing an article about a real life private school sex scandal that had happened in Massachusetts -- which is very similiar to the plot of Testimony. Here is part of the email that she sent me:

This one paragraph really reminds me of the 'Testimony' story:

The lowlight of this giant love-in came that January, when a sophomore girl slid into the locker room for the varsity hockey team and fellated five boys in succession. This story passed from students to parents to the headmaster to prosecutors and The Boston Globe. The ensuing scandal was devastating for almost everyone involved. The school was nationally embarrassed, and sometimes girls who’ve graduated from Milton are asked if they are the serial fellator. The five boys involved were expelled, and the three older ones were charged as adults with statutory rape — charges that were eventually dismissed. Controversially, the girl was not expelled. She was placed on administrative leave and eventually transferred.

For more of this article, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/books/review/Toure-t.html

Thanks Deb for the great info!

Barney's Online Book Club -- Discussion Post Reminder

Just a quick reminder that the discussion post for Barney's Online Book Club will go up on Sunday, October 25th. We will be discussing Testimony by Anita Shreve. All are welcome!

It's Monday! What are you reading? -- 10/19

I am currently reading Testimony by Anita Shreve for Barney's Online Book Club. It is an interesting read, told in a very interesting style, and I can't wait to discuss it on Sunday.

What are you reading? This meme is hosted by J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog.

Barney's Online Book Club -- October 2009 Selection

Testimony by Anita Shreve is the book club's selection for October 2009. Thanks to everyone who voted. The discussion take place on Sunday, October 25th. There will be no live commenting this month (I have tickets to a play that night), but everyone is welcome to answer the questions and check in throughout the day to read and reply to other member's comments.

Questions? Concerns? Want more info on the online book club? Email me at jedziedz@hotmail.com.

Friday Finds -- 5/15

It has been another great week for finds!

Dar over at Peeking Between the Pages (a fantastic blog that everyone should check out) is sending me a copy of Scattered Leaves by Richard E. Roach. It sounds like a great thriller and I am very excited to read it. Thanks Dar!

Jennifer over at Just Jennifer Reading (a really great blog -- check it out) is sending me a copy of Testimony by Anita Shrieve. I am very excited to read this because it was the subject of a lot of buzz at our book club meeting. Thanks Jennifer!

Lastly, the wonderful author, Jennie Shortridge sent me a copy of her latest -- Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe. I recently read Eating Heaven (check out the review) and absolutely loved it and am hoping to enjoy Love and Biology as well. Thanks Jennie!

Remember to check out my latest reviews: Austenland, Little Pink Slips, What the Dead Know and Salty Like Blood and if you enjoy my blog, please consider becoming a follower!

Want to play along? Check out Should Be Reading and post your Friday Finds.

Have a great weekend,
jess