(102) Testimony by Anita Shreve

Monday, November 3, 2008



W-O-W
Anita Shreve has hit it out of the ballpark with her new book, Testimony. It is an insightful, 360 degree look at what happens when a scandal erupts at a prestigious, upper crust New England private school.
The story is told in alternating voices. And it took me several chapters to realize that the chapters were being told as if it were truly testimony in a trial. (yes, I am a dork). From the Headmaster, who tried to keep the situation involving three upper class boys & a fourteen year old freshman, within the four walls of the school. To the roommate of the girl involved, to the parents of the students involved. The book tells the Testimony of all those involved.
Some readers may find it a bit confusing, because each person's Testimony starts at a different point in time. For the Headmaster, it started when his car flipped over on the icy road several years before the incident. For the girlfriend of one of the boys, her Testimony starts when she & Silas first discovered each other. But all of the testimonies come together to tell the story of what happened that Saturday night.
Testimony explores the privileged world of New England Private Schools and the communities they are set in. And how to the two, very different worlds, sometimes collide, wreaking havoc on many in the process. Well written & easy to read, once you start to read Testimony, you won't want to stop.
Alicia said...

I have heard great things about this book and I can't wait to read it :)

FlipFlop Mom said...

I'm going to have to try this book.. I live in New England and NOT very far from an "upper crust" private school..if anyone says that "name" around here.. you get .. "ooohhh and ahhh's".. to funny!!
I actually live in the Jodi Picoult "territory"..

Charlotte's Web of Books said...

I must say that I am jealous, Flipflop Mom. I have always wanted to live in New England. In a little town just like Stars Hollow. LOL

Wingnut said...

I love Anita Shreve! Can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Wingnut said...

You want to talk about confusing? I'm listening to this as an audiobook and the audio changes people with each change in character. So, unlike many audio books, this one has a *cast*. At first it was disconcerting, but I'm used to it and finding the story to be completely intriguing. Once again, you've served up another great read!

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