Anatomy of A Scandal is the story of four people. James is a privileged, charismatic, successful member of Parliment and is accused of raping his mistress. Sophie is devoted and devastated wife, they have been together since University and she feels his betrayal deeply, but she is not willing to throw away their relationship - yet. Olivia is the "other woman" who told James "no" in the lift (elevator) and now is on trial just as much as James. There are many who believe that she is just a scorned woman seeking revenge. And Kate is the woman prosecuting him for rape. She has her own history that she is trying to not let it cloud her judgment and efforts in this case. But, make no mistake. She believes that James is guilty of rape. In fact, she knows he is. The trial is a sensational one and is all over the media. Will James get away with rape or will justice be served? And how will the verdict change the lives of all of those involved?
I don't think that a more timely novel has ever been written. An Anatomy of a Scandal is a book about privilege and power. I actually read this book in November when the headlines were full of sexual harassment and misbehavior by men of power in all sorts of high profile industries. Now it is January and the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements are going strong. James is an arrogant man who believes that no woman would want to resist his advances. I immediately disliked him and that dislike grew into hate throughout the book. His wife, Sophie, is quite likable, but I found myself questioning her own strength when she allowed her husband to get away with such bad behavior in their marriage. The book is told from alternating viewpoints with alternating timelines. As more of the past is revealed it is even more clear that James is a douchebag. He doesn't believe that he has done wrong - ever. I thought that the end was going to be disappointing - but there is a redeeming twist that made it all worth it. - CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS
Bottom Line - Sarah Vaughan has written a story that could have been ripped from the headlines. An Anatomy of A Scandal exposes sexual assault for being more than just a moment in isolation. It is a culmination of behaviors and attitudes leading up to that moment and involves more than just the victim and the assaulter. An Anatomy of A Assault is a very well written book but should come with a warning that some readers might find the subject matter to be difficult to read.
Details:
- An Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
- On Facebook
- Pages: 400
- Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
- Publication Date: 1/20/2018
- Buy it Here!
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