Lucky Paperback – 6 Jun. 2003

Not sure that 'I love it' is quite the right term here, but I do think this is an important piece of writing, and that it is a privilege to have been made a party to the writer's history.One impressive aspect of this work is the author's ability to recall detail, I feel sure that for the majority of us there would be a protective blur imposed by our own minds. Of course some of the detail is in official records which could be accessed and reviewed for the book, but not all by any means. I suspect that the detailed recall will have been a major factor in the successful outcome of ASs action, and a reminder that the entirely natural defence mechanism of selective amnesia may not always be working in the victim's favour.Uplifting in the sense that a wrong was tackled and, however imperfectly, justice imposed. Quite depressing though to realise how rare is even this level of success.

I read this book in one evening. I disagree with an earlier review who suggested that the rape scene was far too graphic. On the contrary, it was clearly Alice Sebold's aim to deliver the full detail and why shouldn't she? Don't pick up a book about rape if you don't expect to be shocked. I felt I could feel every moment of her anguish and then later I could feel her desire and willingness to succeed despite the terrible things she suffered. Incredibly moving, just as good as The Lovely Bones if not better. I just hope they don't make it into a poor, diluted film.

Wanted to get back into reading and wanted to find a book that was hard hitting.

A very personal account of her life. Heartbreaking at times. It is hard to say I liked the book, the subject is not something everybody wants to read about. A very brave lady who went trough hell and back. I cannot say I would like to read about this again, but it helped me understand certain things...It takes guts to write down what happened to her and offer it to the world. It raises awareness and brings hope too as she rebuilds her life.

To read how a young woman has endured so much pain and has lived with this is inspirational. There are lot of reviews that claim this book is too graphic. However I think that the author has a right to portray her rape exactly as it happened, as nobody but her can comprehend that horror. This book is not written to please people, but to address the subject of rape and the catastrophic effect it has on the victim, and their friends and family. This book is worth a read, it is educating and well written.

Alice Sebold's account of her rape and its aftermath is totally dumb-founding: her gritty attitude is humbling, and the portrayal of others' reactions can't help but make your blood boil. Not an easy read, but definitely a very worthwhile one - as uplifting as it is challenging.

Like some other reviewers I found this book gripping, reading it in 1 sitting, and was full of admiration for her strength and courage, but found the later sections of the book of how her life drifted into drug use and general lack of direction very disjointed and without sufficient explanation - I think she should either have ended it sooner or kept it for a second volume.I also initially did not like the way the book started just like the Lovely Bones i.e. with the awful event itself - a bit unoriginal I thought to myself at the time - but I suppose I can understand the logic of starting with the central event.

Very good book, quite shocking at times but well set out. I would say sometimes I found it difficult to find ym way as it drifted off a bit.