#BlogTour Truth Be Told by Kia Abdullah

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Truth Be Told by Kia Abdullah.

About the Author 

Kia Abdullah is an author, journalist and travel writer. She has contributed to the Guardian, BBC, and Channel 4 News, and most recently the New York Times commenting on a variety of issues affecting the Muslim community. Kia currently travels the world as one half of the travel blog Atlas & Boots, atlasandboots.com, which receives over 100,000 views per month.

Follow @KiaAbdullah on Twitter, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit kiaabdullah.com, Buy Truth Be Told

About the book
Are You Ready to Start this Conversation?
Kamran Hadid feels invincible. He attends Hampton school, an elite all-boys boarding school in London, he comes from a wealthy family, and he has a place at Oxford next year. The world is at his feet. And then a night of revelry leads to a drunken encounter and he must ask himself a horrific question.

With the help of assault counsellor, Zara Kaleel, Kamran reports the incident in the hopes that will be the end of it. But it’s only the beginning…

Review

If you haven't read Take it Back by Kia Abdullah, then I can only recommend you do. It's a cracking read, as is this one. This book does give some backstory to be able to understand the main character, her choices and what drives her to help certain people though.

This time Zara Haleel gets involved in case of a young affluent man, who is sexually assaulted. The story delves into the repercussions for both men and the reactions of those around them. It really addresses the stigma attached to male on male assaults and why men are even less likely to come forward and report it than women.

'Is this what women go through?' - Perhaps one of the most poignant and reflective moments in the story. Where the injustice and inequality directed towards victims suddenly dawns on the privileged young man.

The constant battle to live up to the expectations of masculinity and the patriarchal system, which allows no understanding or loopholes for those who don't fall under the category of heterosexual and Muslim. You can't be both gay and be Muslim - a sentence often repeated and bandied about by author in an attempt to strip the walls of prejudice and religious dogma down. To examine the thought process behind this statement of fact, something the fervent religious community believes to be cemented in religious law, albeit they are merely moral judgements and commandments written by men for men.

The same of course can be said for Christianity. The interpretation of scripture often lends itself to the oppression of many and anything deemed not the 'norm' in whatever given era we live in.

I think it is a relevant and timely piece of fiction given the #MeToo era, especially given the fact and clear statistics that male rape is still stigmatised and many men never come forward to report their assaults, because of the reaction they will and do receive. Coming out as a victim or rather a survivor of a sexual assault casts men in the role of a lack of masculinity or an assumption of sexual preference, which then puts their lack of consent into question. Women ask for it - men must be gay if they're raped. Men can't be raped by women because they have a biological reaction, which suggests pleasure and so on.

It's a read that asks the reader to question the preconceptions we have about sexual assault and our reactions to it. The way the media portrays both victim and alleged perpetrator and of course the way both our judicial and police systems are still inadequate when it comes to dealing with cases of sexual assault regardless of the gender of the victim.

Abdullah is adept at giving the reader a riveting read that delivers food for thought. She doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths of cultures, religion and what people really believe in such cases, despite what they may say to the world.

Buy Truth Be Told at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ: pub date 3 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Take it Back by Kia Abdullah.

What Red Was by Rosie Price

The way Price approached the rape and the reaction of the victim to the rape is done in a very specific way, and perhaps not the way the majority of readers will expect it be addressed. The focus is on everything and everyone surrounding the event and Kate.

Every single person, event and item is described in minutiae barring the most poignant one. It shifts the attention on the reactions and emotions of everyone except victim and perpetrator.

I found it an intriguing way to approach the topic, especially because in reality this is often what happens. The trauma of a rape never just belongs to the person it most certainly should belong to. Family members, loved ones, friends and acquaintances - everyone thinks they are entitled to not only an opinion, but also to own a part of the trauma.

As Kate fights to come to terms with the reality of what happened and the way it might change her life if she reveals the truth

Whose story is it to share? Does it belong to the person it happened to, the person who did it or does it belong to the general public? This is the real question that arises from the entire situation. As if it's some sort of public service to inform, to judge and to bare all. Even at the expense of the victim.

One of the pivotal points of the story is the platonic relationship between Max and Kate and the repercussions of the assault on said relationship. The equilibrium between them is destroyed, but only one of them is aware of that fact.

This is an engaging piece of contemporary fiction with a noirish quality to it.

Buy What Red Was at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Harvill Secker; 9 May 2019. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour The Red Word by Sarah Henstra

Today it is a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour The Red Word by Sarah Henstra. It's literary fiction with elements of mythology, sexual politics and rape. It's a brilliant read.

About the Author
Sarah Henstra is a writer and professor of English literature at Ryerson University, where she specialises in 20th Century British Fiction. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. The Red Word is her debut adult fiction novel.

Follow Sarah on Goodreads, Visit sarahhenstra.com. Buy The Red Word

About the book
The Red Word asks a bold question: what if women weren’t content to wait for the next assault to take action? What if they got tired of the his-word-against-hers stalemates? Set against the sex wars of the 1990s and the birth of third-wave feminism, the result is a smart, dark, take-no-prisoners look at the extremes to which ideology can go.

As her sophomore year begins, Karen enters into the back-to-school revelry—particularly at a fraternity called GBC. When she wakes up one morning on the lawn of Raghurst, a house of radical feminists, she gets a crash course in the state of feminist activism on campus.

GBC is notorious, she learns, nicknamed “Gang Bang Central” and a prominent contributor to a list of date rapists compiled by female students. Despite continuing to party there and dating one of the

brothers, Karen is equally seduced by the intellectual stimulation and indomitable spirit of the Raghurst women, who surprise her by wanting her as a housemate and recruiting her into the upper-level class of a charismatic feminist mythology scholar they all adore. As Karen finds herself caught between two increasingly polarized camps, ringleader housemate Dyann believes she has hit on the perfect way to expose and bring down the fraternity as a symbol of rape culture—but the war between the houses will exact a terrible price.

Review
This is the kind of book you need a highlighter for. There were so many things Henstra got right, despite it being such a divisive and controversial premise. There are strips of paper throughout my book to note certain paragraphs and sentences.

Fair warning, I am probably going to talk about this one for a bit.

The story begins with Karen meeting the Raghurst women, after a long boozy night at the GBC fraternity (Gang Bang Central). Concerned that she has been assaulted she is drawn into their protective group. The group consists of strong young women with loud and proud views on themselves and their fellow women. They are especially driven by the need to change the rape culture, which is promoted and protected by our patriarchal society.

Fraternities and sororities aren't just an American thing, however they are predominantly found in the US. Becoming a member can ensure or give an extra lift up the career ladder. Plenty of companies and institutions scout Ivy League colleges/unis for the right candidates.

One of the problems referred to in this story is the way colleges function almost like independent countries within a bigger setting. They police their own crimes and offences, which also means they have the power not to discipline or punish, and of course an academic disciplinary action isn't a suitable punishment for a rape or gang-rape culture. The result is plenty of sexual predators being able to prey without fear of punishment and even more victims who suffer the consequence of this system. A system that prefers to protect the privileged, rich and influential.

In Karen the author gives us a character that represents perhaps the smaller percentage of women, the as yet to be assaulted, abused or harassed female. She perceives herself to be someone 'it' couldn't happen to, because she just isn't that kind of girl. Her mind-set isn't unusual, and often part of the victim shaming group. Those who shout about the short skirts, make-up, being in the wrong place and acting a certain way being to blame for any assault.

I enjoyed the frank and brusque dialogue between all of the characters. There is no talking around the bush. They think it, they say it. As a woman, I do believe how other women relate and react to this topic will be in direct correlation to age. The same applies to the way the plot and the characters evolve.

As young adults there is a burning fire inside and often a desire to rebel. To stand up and force change. As an older woman you have learnt that the fire can burn with less intensity and still effect change. The other side of the coin is the acceptance of the status quo and a lifetime of compromises.

It's literary fiction with elements of mythology, sexual politics and rape. It's a call to arms, and yet at the same time a call to think and regroup. Intellectual discourse and stimulation as a weapon and manipulative tool. It's so many things, but above all it is a brilliant read. Kudos to Henstra for this intellectually stimulating story.

Buy The Red Word at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Published by Tramp Press in trade paperback, 21st March 2018, £12.99. Buy at Amazon com.

About Tramp Press
Tramp Press is an independent publisher based in Dublin; recent successes include Notes to Self by Emilie Pine, Sara Baume (Spill Simmer Falter Wither, A Line Made By Walking) and Mike McCormack (Solar Bones). More information can be found at tramppress.com

#SpotlightTour Someone I used to Know by Patty Blount

Today it is my turn on the Spotlight Tour for this great book Someone I Used to Know by Patty Blount. It's an important story, the type we need to tell over and over again until everyone understands what rape culture is.

If you live in the US or Canada don't forget to enter the Giveaway for 2 Copies of Someone I Used to Know below - Runs August 7th -31st ( remember - US & Canada only)

About the Author
Powered by way too much chocolate, award-winning author Patty Blount loves to write and has written everything from technical manuals to poetry. A 2015 CLMP Firecracker Award winner as well as Rita finalist, Patty writes issue-driven novels for teens and is currently working on a romantic thriller. Her editor claims she writes her best work when she’s mad, so if you happen to upset Patty and don’t have any chocolate on hand to throw at her, prepare to be a subject of an upcoming novel. Patty lives on Long Island with her family in a house that sadly doesn’t have anywhere near enough bookshelves…or chocolate.

Follow @PattyBlount  @SourcebooksFire on Twitter
Connect with PattyBlountNovels on Facebook
Visit pattyblount.com
Buy Someone I used to Know

About the book
From the award-winning author of Some Boys comes an unflinching examination of rape culture that delves into a family torn apart by sexual assault.

It’s been two years since the night that changed Ashley’s life. Two years since she was raped by her brother’s teammate. And a year since she sat in a court and watched as he was given a slap on the wrist sentence. But the years have done nothing to stop the pain.

It’s been two years of hell for Derek. His family is totally messed up and he and his sister are barely speaking. He knows he handled it all wrong. Now at college, he has to come to terms with what happened, and the rape culture that he was inadvertently a part of that destroyed his sister’s life.

When it all comes to head at Thanksgiving, Derek and Ashley have to decide if their relationship is able to be saved. And if their family can ever be whole again.

Review
When you leave aside all the heightened hormone induced drama courtesy of the YA genre, you will find a deeply poignant, emotional and painful read. It'a a wake-up call for everyone, not just the male gender.

The majority of rapists are men, but let's not forget there are female perpetrators too. Following on from that particular train of thought let's also acknowledge male and child victims too. Statistics give us a harrowing view of how many women are raped, bearing in mind that there is a suggestion that over 90% of rapes go unreported because victims feel they won't be believed, fear the repercussions and often may not even comprehend it was rape.

There are less statistics on male on male rape, women-on-male and women-on-women rape, often because of the stigma attached to it and the firm belief no one will believe them, or even ridicule them. None of those facts minimise the reality that in their lifetime every girl or woman will experience some kind of sexual harassment, assault or molestation.

The story is timely because the Me Too and Time's Up movement is trying to break the wall of silence and dismissal. It is asking the sisterhood to stand up and support one another.

Blount takes an introspective look at the family dynamics of the victim's family, after the rape of a teenage girl. How the men in her family react and speak to, about and on the subject of her assault. In particular how one of her brothers has to come to terms with being part of the rape culture and a rape apologist, even going so far as to help her rapist get a lesser charge.

Kudos to the author for not letting the story be dominated by the rapist, by his presence, his experience or his thoughts on his actions. This is purely and simply about Ashley - the victim and the survivor.

The reader follows Ashley, as she is dealing with the physical and psychological scars of her rape. This includes the atrocious behaviour of her peers, her teachers and the people in town. We as a society must ask ourselves why we always blame the victim of a rape and seek to protect the rapist, especially when that rapist is a just a normal popular guy. Why do whole towns protect frat boys, football players and good ol' boys, and blame and hound the victim, because hey gang-raping girls for fun is completely normal right?

While I am on the subject the law also needs to stop allowing lawyers and judges to present the sexual past of a victim, so they can imply any history of sexual activity equates to them being a whore and a liar. The rapists aren't subjected to the same scrutiny in the courtroom, why are the victims?

It is painful read at times, full of fear and anger. The author doesn't want the reader to feel sympathy, but rather an empathy towards Ashley and women like her. More importantly this is a call to arms for boys and men. It's a shout-out to make them acknowledge and comprehend rape culture, and to intervene and speak up when someone is crossing the line. Even the verbal line, the one that suggests and encourages the next move.

It's an important story, the type we need to tell over and over again until everyone understands what rape culture is. Parents need to raise their sons to respect and to understand consent. We need to teach all our children both boys and girls. It should be part of the school curriculum.

Buy Someone I used to Know at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.
Buy at Amazon com Barnes & Noble BooksaMillion !ndigo IndieBound
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Enter the Giveaway below to win 2 Copies of Someone I Used to Know - Runs August 7th -31st (US & Canada only)

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He Said She Said by Erin Kelly

This read certainly has quite a few surprises in store for readers. I liked the concept, perhaps because it is a hot topic and a core setting people really need to take on board.

To be perfectly frank I think the author could have kept the plot as the simple he said/she said scenario and still delivered a thought provoking read. As it stands it evolved from whether a rape actually happened, to a story with the tense undertones of a psychological thriller.

With that in mind I actually enjoyed the read, but wasn't as enthralled with the ending. I liked the way Kelly drew the story out and created this shadow of doubt around every single character, but was especially interested in the way Beth was perceived.

I know other reviewers found the whole eclipse sub-plot a little tiresome, however I felt it was an intriguing way to show how predictable we are and how easy it is to find someone in this day and age. We leave behind huge digital footprints, so big that they can be followed by anyone with the most basic digital skills.

I felt as if the crux of the plot was how easily Laura was eventually swayed in her opinion of the event. Her instincts told her what was happening, and she called Jamie out for what he was, a rapist. Then suddenly it only takes a trickle of a doubt for her to question what she saw with her own eyes.

Kelly makes some very valid points about rape. The victim is almost always shamed and blamed, whilst the perpetrator is treated like an innocent person in the middle of a set-up to destroy their lives. Even when there are eye-witness statements, it seems as if the victims always have the scales of justice weighted heavily against them.

Kelly does an excellent job of sewing the seeds of doubt in this story. Before you know it a certainty becomes a maybe, and then you may start to question not just the one person who needs the support, but also everyone in her vicinity.

Oh and by the way, if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it is probably a duck. Just saying.

Buy He Said/She Said at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

The Man Who Wanted to Know by D. A. Mishani

This is the story of a crime within a crime or rather the repercussions of a crime. The way crime leaves more than just the actual victim in its wake.

The scene between Avraham and Ilana is pivotal for the investigation and his own insight. She questions his motives, which really rattles his cage. In turn he realises that she doesn't really belong on a pedestal.

In fact she agrees with the decisions made by Saban. The conversation shatters this imaginary image he had in his head, of his ex-supervisor and himself. It makes him doubt his gut intuition as a detective.

I have to say the story progresses a wee bit like someone fishing in a huge lake waiting for a fish to nibble. I'm not sure any fish gets caught to be completely honest, which is probably the charm of this book.

It has a conclusion, and yet it still seems as if the fisherman is still casting away. It's hard to explain, perhaps it was the topic in general. I think Mishani was trying to create the kind of atmosphere that exists for victims of rape and their loved ones.

There is a before and an after, except the after never really goes away. It hangs around like a lingering smell, pushed to the back of the victim's mind. Even if the rapist is punished, and in our society that isn't a given, it doesn't change the facts. The punishment also doesn't take all the casualties into account.

The author leaves the reader with the same feeling of frustration and sense that somehow nothing has really been resolved.

Buy The Man Who Wanted to Know at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Redemption Road by John Hart

Hart is the personified storyteller with a talent for words. His writing is excellent. The premise also needs a certain insight, expertise and research to get the reactions just right when it comes to the rape. His description of the Channing and Liz's experience in the basement, and their emotional and physical reactions, is realistic and on point.

The flashbacks, the denial and the whispers in the ear, the smell of his breath and the nightmares are all part of the daily torture. Channing and Liz are connected on a level no one else can understand. They survived the basement together.

The truth may set one of them free, but it may make the other seek deeper into the quagmire of her feelings of shame. Powerless instead of powerful, no control and ultimately becoming the victim instead of being the saviour.

Ask yourself whether you would kill, if you found a young woman, man or child being brutally assaulted. If given the opportunity and weapon in hand would the anger blind you and take over? Vigilante justice instead of legal recourse?

Liz finds herself applauded by some, whilst others just see her as a liability. A dangerous cop, who kills instead of bringing in the suspects. Not everything is black and white in the grey shades of daylight.

Simultaneously an old case has reared it's head again, because the killer is being released. Not everyone believed he was a shoe-in for the brutal killing but the new bodies piling up since his release seem to suggest otherwise.

Hart writes a compelling plot with plenty of twists and turns. Regardless of which crime he focuses on, the other one never sinks below the surface. They are both given equal attention and run smoothly alongside each other.

I really liked the way the author dealt with the abuse and assault element of the story.The reactions of the women, the parents and the colleagues. The shame, blame and the guilt.

Buy Redemption Road at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Nina is Not OK by Shappi Khorsandi

It doesn't get much grittier or realistic than this. I am sure this will echo with quite a few readers, especially the ones who can relate to Nina's life on a more personal level.

The relationship between Nina and her mother is pivotal. She feels abandoned by her mother, is reluctant to accept the new father figure in her life, but clearly dotes on her baby sister. Their plans revolve around what is best for her step-father and her mother.

Apparently being 17 going on 18 also means you can throw someone out of the nest. Like an animal being cast out of the herd. Of course the truth is age is just a number and doesn't necessarily mean maturity.

Perhaps if Mom had been less involved with herself and her future plans she might have been able to help Nina sooner. In fact she should have asked more questions and been more concerned the day Nina came home in that state in the taxi.

Khorsandi's story is bold. Unfortunately it is a vivid and true image of our society at the moment. One would think that in the 21st century sexual assault would finally be perceived differently, and the reactions to it should be more about victim support and less about victim blaming. Unfortunately that still isn't the case. Something which is painfully clear in this book.

Zoe's reaction is shameful, deplorable and all too common. Instead of questioning the actions of her boyfriend, she sets out to shame her friend. There really is no excuse for putting images and videos of sexual assaults or indecent images of victims online. It should be punished by law and that includes sharing them. If Nina had been under 16 years of age it would be considered to be an illegal offence.

The most interesting part of the story is Nina's reaction to the events. She is quite willing to accept the global view that as a girl she is just out of control. She is easy, she's a slut, she's a whore and hey she is totally up for it. Oh wait I forgot, it is her fault because she had a drink.

Not once does any man/boy say let's not, because you have had a little too much to drink. No one questions why she is clearly out of control or losing the plot. The combination of a genetic disposition, her family history and the events in the alley are all contributing factors in her downwards spiral.

It takes Nina a long time to comprehend what happened to her. To acknowledge the ugly truth about the events in the alley. To take the blame placed firmly upon her shoulders by others and putting it where it belongs, on the shoulders of the abusers.

I wish I could say Nina's situation is just fiction and a great idea for a book. It isn't, this is the reality of sexual assault, rape and abuse in our day and age. A society of people who have no idea what No means, and certainly have no clue that if the woman/man you're with has not given their consent then you're committing rape. Unconscious does not mean yes. Being so drunk you have no idea what is going on does not mean yes.

Be prepared for bare truths and no attempt at candy floss cover-ups. It is a book I will be recommending because of the way Khorsandi doesn't gloss over the truth.

Buy Nina is Not Ok at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

*Thank you to Ebury Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Nina is Not Ok.*

Kill the Silence by Monika Kørra

Kørra probably won't win any awards for her literary style, prose or writing in general, however she certainly deserves recognition for being brave enough to face her demons and put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

For having the strength to lay bare her experiences and emotions, so others can see that there is a life beyond rape. Learning how to cope is a day by day and hour by hour uphill battle.

Her story is an autobiographical account of the horrific kidnap and gang rape ordeal she went through, as a college student.

Not only was she literally grabbed from the streets right in front of her friends, she was a student in a foreign country at the time. No family or childhood friends to support her during the aftermath of her ordeal.

Monika was lucky enough to have made a close-knit group of college friends, who were there to support her. In fact the details of the kidnap bound them together in a way I think outsiders might have trouble understanding.

I think one of the things that stood out for me the most was the treatment Monika received, specifically the way the police and hospital handled her. Lacking in sensitivity, in training, in understanding and in empathy.

The other thing was. and this is in no way a criticism, far from it, was the complete detachment from an emotional point of view.

Completely normal in her situation and certainly a coping technique. Keeping a wall between the flood of emotions and the memories isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as a support system is in place.
Kudos to her for surviving, being strong and sharing her story.

Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for my copy of Kill the Silence.
Buy Kill the Silence at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch

It takes a while to get where it is headed, but when the story actually gets to the point it is well worth the wait.

Sort of like drinking an old single malt scotch, you can feel it wandering down your throat and when it hits the right place the burn shoots a rocket of signals into your taste buds.

Marc is the main character and the narrator of the story. He isn't very likeable at all. In fact his view on being a general practitioner, how he secures his income and patients, what he actually really thinks about his job, well it is enough to put anyone off going to see their GP ever again.

He is quick to judge others, especially Ralph, which is completely ironic when you consider his own actions during the story. Glass houses and all that jazz.

The reader is led into the story with the accusation of medical malpractice on Marc's part. It is however something far more sinister. Marc seeks vengeance for an unforgivable deed. A deed he believes was perpetrated by Ralph.

That moment between Marc and Ralph in the sitting room, after the event, when they both stop being just men and slide into the role of protective parents instead. That is when Ralph makes the mistake of victim blaming. You've seen your daughter you know what she is like. If she didn't like it why didn't she say so? The usual rubbish akin to it is her fault because she wore  a short skirt.

I also have to say I was surprised, dismayed and just could not understand how both Marc and Caroline decided to deal with their daughters ordeal. Ignore, deny and sweep under the rug in the hope it will one day fade from memory. Regardless of what actually happened, this type of reaction only places a bigger burden on the victim. A blanket of silence, as a coping mechanism. Not really something anyone should teach their children.

The conversation between Marc an his old teacher was an eye opener from a purely moral point of view. Depending on the reasons he will condone the actions, which of course brings vigilantism into the picture. Do people with the power over life and death have a get out of jail free card when it comes to the medical boys club, especially if the error or the deed was committed, due to specific circumstances?

Koch certainly knows how to mix base emotion with controversial subjects. I enjoyed the way he does that.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Atlantic Books and Edelweiss.

Don't Stand So Close by Luana Lewis

One of the most poignant sub-plots in the book is the ethics, trust and morality upon which a therapeutic relationship depends. Therapists must abide by certain rules and regulations. Always. No deviation from them.The client is vulnerable and that vulnerability can not and should not under any circumstance be exploited.

When the client accuses the therapist of breaching that trust, it can be a career breaker. Then again who is going to believe a quite obviously disturbed individual.

Unfortunately Blue decides to stalk and share her stories with Stella, a therapist unable to carry out her job anymore because she is suffering from agoraphobia.

Her phobia is caused by post traumatic stress, her fear of the outside and confronting the world has become all-consuming. Days spent in a haze of drugs and alcohol to forget and hide from her past.

I have to say I was really angry the way the traumatic event was handled by Stella, Max and Peter. Like so many other victims it is just swept under the rug and the sweeping ultimately leads to the agoraphobia. Such an hypocritical reaction for someone in her profession and at the same time so very human.

The traumatic event was done very well. It is disturbing, uncomfortable and very realistic. The perpetrator is very experienced.
The author has created an extremely tense psychological game of cat and mouse between Stella and Blue with the looming presence of accused hanging over them both like a dark cloud.
An extremely good read.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.