By John Krakauer
New York: Doubleday 2015 384 pages. Nonfiction.
The latest publication from best-selling nonfiction writer John
Krakauer is a journalist exploration of acquaintance rape in the college town
of Missoula. It delves deep into the experience of several rape victims and
their treatment in the aftermath by the public, attorneys, police officers, and
college officials as they attempt to gain justice from the alleged perpetrators,
many of them college football stars.
According to the book, rape is one of the most
under-reported and under-prosecuted crimes. It is easy to understand why as the
book depicts shameful victim blaming and brutal court and police questioning as
victims are forced to recall the events. The author is critical of the harsh treatment
of the women and points out inconsistencies and injustices enacted. Well
researched and told with a typical Krakauer storytelling bent, the tales are
frustrating, infuriating, and at times painful to endure, bringing the brutal
reality of the issues to the foreground of the reader’s experience.
It’s not a lighthearted or easy read, but gives important
information and perspective on an issue becoming more prevalent, especially on
college campuses.
RC
No comments:
Post a Comment