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Against Her Will
Donna, a beautiful young woman, scarred by an unhappy childhood is brutally attacked on her way home from work. As Donna struggles to recover, her life spirals out of control, bringing back demons from the past. A complete mental and physical breakdown causes her to attempt suicide, and culminates in her spending a lengthy spell in hospital. There her recovery is slow, but when another suicide attempt fails, she is befriended by Evan, a male nurse, and a relationship ensues. Once she leaves hospital, the relationship develops further, and she meets Evan’s family. But it is his brother, Cole, who she seems unable to fathom. The difficulty arises when he subtly claims that Evan has ‘a darker side’. Then on her honeymoon, at the eleventh hour, Donna makes a devastating discovery that brings all her worst fears to the fore. Placing her in a situation that may well cost her, her life.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2013
932 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Peter Martin
236 books29 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 18, 2014
I would give this 0 cups if I could. I hate to say it but it's true.
This book was awful. I don’t say that about many books but this book is in that category. I’m not even sure what genre this was in, was it suspense, mystery, I just wasn’t sure. Rape is a very tough subject to talk about let alone include in a fictional story. I found it very difficult to get through for a number of reasons.
Donna is a successful business woman and who is also nearly engaged to be married. As she’s walking to the subway at night, she is accosted by a masked man, beaten and raped. This book is the story of her journey to overcome this horrible situation. The book was written in the British dialect so it was difficult to understand some of the things going on. I found there wasn’t much flexibility in the characters and the dialog between characters was often choppy and didn’t flow well.
We don’t meet the male nurse who’s supposed to save her until 50 percent into the book. The first part of the book was very detailed but after we get past the halfway point, the scenes were being fast-forward into increments of months. I couldn’t keep track of time. At times I was lost; I didn’t know how much time was passing. The premise of the book was what kept me reading but the execution of the story was poor.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
This book was awful. I don’t say that about many books but this book is in that category. I’m not even sure what genre this was in, was it suspense, mystery, I just wasn’t sure. Rape is a very tough subject to talk about let alone include in a fictional story. I found it very difficult to get through for a number of reasons.
Donna is a successful business woman and who is also nearly engaged to be married. As she’s walking to the subway at night, she is accosted by a masked man, beaten and raped. This book is the story of her journey to overcome this horrible situation. The book was written in the British dialect so it was difficult to understand some of the things going on. I found there wasn’t much flexibility in the characters and the dialog between characters was often choppy and didn’t flow well.
We don’t meet the male nurse who’s supposed to save her until 50 percent into the book. The first part of the book was very detailed but after we get past the halfway point, the scenes were being fast-forward into increments of months. I couldn’t keep track of time. At times I was lost; I didn’t know how much time was passing. The premise of the book was what kept me reading but the execution of the story was poor.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
July 30, 2014
I’d this fortune of coming across, Against Her Will, by Peter Martin. I’ll start by praising the author for handling a sensitive subject with immense maturity. The book deals with the aftermath of rape and how a girl struggles to recover from it.
The story starts with beautiful Donna, returning to her home after late office hours, when she was attacked, traumatised and left for dead by a masked brute. She tried her best but found it nearly impossible to recover from the shock and repercussions. What I found interesting is how her relations changes with people around her- her parents, her boyfriend and office colleagues. It’s true that sad times show who is our real friend, the point being effectively illustrated in the story as Donna’s perception about her acquaintances began to alter. At times, Donna was portrayed a little mean and bitchy, but her reactions were indeed practical and you can’t help but sympathising her throughout. Her every mood swing, anger, irritation, fear, nightmares has been handled with perfection and illustrated fairly. I’d a hard time leaving this book until I reached the last of it and now it’s still playing in my mind as if I’m a character around her to heed her, counsel her and motivate her.
The book has a rather odd concluding, the one you can guess, reaching around 80% mark. I found the ending, a bit rushed but gratifying. I’d recommend this book to mature readers, especially the ones who like to get in depth of characters and see them growing and responding to the circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will surely track the next titles of the author.
My rating: 4.5/5
The story starts with beautiful Donna, returning to her home after late office hours, when she was attacked, traumatised and left for dead by a masked brute. She tried her best but found it nearly impossible to recover from the shock and repercussions. What I found interesting is how her relations changes with people around her- her parents, her boyfriend and office colleagues. It’s true that sad times show who is our real friend, the point being effectively illustrated in the story as Donna’s perception about her acquaintances began to alter. At times, Donna was portrayed a little mean and bitchy, but her reactions were indeed practical and you can’t help but sympathising her throughout. Her every mood swing, anger, irritation, fear, nightmares has been handled with perfection and illustrated fairly. I’d a hard time leaving this book until I reached the last of it and now it’s still playing in my mind as if I’m a character around her to heed her, counsel her and motivate her.
The book has a rather odd concluding, the one you can guess, reaching around 80% mark. I found the ending, a bit rushed but gratifying. I’d recommend this book to mature readers, especially the ones who like to get in depth of characters and see them growing and responding to the circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will surely track the next titles of the author.
My rating: 4.5/5
August 7, 2014
Donna is walking to the train station when she is grabbed and violently raped. This novel follows her recovery from rape trauma.
Against Her Will is not a survivor tale told in the first person but a suspense thriller in which you wonder what may happen next. There is a lot of tension in this novel and Peter has made a creepy story as Donna tries to move on from her attack. This is a powerful story that fully describes the fear that Donna holds as she tries to rebuild her life. She views every man with suspicion and finds everyday living a great challenge. You pick up on her fear that lurking around the corner, her attacker may be watching her and ready to strike again. This fear and suspense continues until the very end of this novel.
Do not let the initial violent rape scenario put you off this novel. The rape just sets the atmosphere of mistrust that is crucial to the suspense of the book. Peter has taken a risk by using a taboo subject and including such a violent start to his novel. But this is a good suspense thriller that will not let you down. Peter has the knack of telling a creepy tale where you mistrust the central characters so much.
How can a book with such a violent start be such a good read? It is all down to the storytelling and the timing of those little clues. This is a suspense thriller that is gripping and therefore does it's job. Against Her Will is a thrilling read and makes for a good book that I will vote 4 stars.
Against Her Will is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2013.
Against Her Will is not a survivor tale told in the first person but a suspense thriller in which you wonder what may happen next. There is a lot of tension in this novel and Peter has made a creepy story as Donna tries to move on from her attack. This is a powerful story that fully describes the fear that Donna holds as she tries to rebuild her life. She views every man with suspicion and finds everyday living a great challenge. You pick up on her fear that lurking around the corner, her attacker may be watching her and ready to strike again. This fear and suspense continues until the very end of this novel.
Do not let the initial violent rape scenario put you off this novel. The rape just sets the atmosphere of mistrust that is crucial to the suspense of the book. Peter has taken a risk by using a taboo subject and including such a violent start to his novel. But this is a good suspense thriller that will not let you down. Peter has the knack of telling a creepy tale where you mistrust the central characters so much.
How can a book with such a violent start be such a good read? It is all down to the storytelling and the timing of those little clues. This is a suspense thriller that is gripping and therefore does it's job. Against Her Will is a thrilling read and makes for a good book that I will vote 4 stars.
Against Her Will is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook and was written in 2013.
March 23, 2016
Have you ever read a book that you weren't sure how you felt about it? I thought this book was something completely different than what it was. I was all excited that it was a full novel with great ratings.
I admit I had to go read through the reviews several times throughout the story to make sure I was reading the same book as the reviewers.
I don't know if I really liked this tale or not. I appreciate that it was written by a man. Romance written into stories by men seems to always intrigue me.
This story was messed up! Rape and not the kind of rape fiction I like, mental illness with multiple suicide attempts, a plethora of strange coincidences, and quite a bit of stupid going on. It was weird because I couldn't stop reading it even though some of it in the middle was a tad boring.
Donna, the heroine made me want to slap some sense into her, but I just gave up on her after a while.
1 star for Evan the hero. He was great.
1 star because some of the books dialect reminded me of one of my sisters from Yorkshire.
1 star because I couldn't put this book down even though I don't think I enjoyed it.
000.7 of a star because I loved the writing about the amazing piano playing. However, that's not enough to take my rating up a full star.
I admit I had to go read through the reviews several times throughout the story to make sure I was reading the same book as the reviewers.
I don't know if I really liked this tale or not. I appreciate that it was written by a man. Romance written into stories by men seems to always intrigue me.
This story was messed up! Rape and not the kind of rape fiction I like, mental illness with multiple suicide attempts, a plethora of strange coincidences, and quite a bit of stupid going on. It was weird because I couldn't stop reading it even though some of it in the middle was a tad boring.
Donna, the heroine made me want to slap some sense into her, but I just gave up on her after a while.
1 star for Evan the hero. He was great.
1 star because some of the books dialect reminded me of one of my sisters from Yorkshire.
1 star because I couldn't put this book down even though I don't think I enjoyed it.
000.7 of a star because I loved the writing about the amazing piano playing. However, that's not enough to take my rating up a full star.
December 4, 2015
This is a story with many elements. Donna the main character is attacked and raped. The story leads you through the aftermath from her point of view as she unravels. The author held my attention, building suspense with the question, what will become of Donna? Her depression is overwhelming but I think realistic, and her actions that of someone at their limits. As the story continues I was desperate to see how it ended and Peter Martin had me guessing to the last page! His subtle hints and red herrings made the twist at the end a surprise. Would definitely read more from this author!
January 17, 2017
I very rarely give up on a book but I made an exception for this one.
I couldn't warm to the main character and despite her ordeal found it hard to have any empathy towards her. possibly partly down the frequent - un necessary - references to how beautiful she was.
Gave up as I ended up really not caring what happened. very disappointing especially after all the great reviews
I couldn't warm to the main character and despite her ordeal found it hard to have any empathy towards her. possibly partly down the frequent - un necessary - references to how beautiful she was.
Gave up as I ended up really not caring what happened. very disappointing especially after all the great reviews
November 20, 2018
Ever wondered what a book about a woman's rape would look like if not one, but two men wrote it?
Yeah, me either.
Yeah, me either.
September 5, 2022
When Donna is attacked, she loses all faith in men and her mental health declies severely. Meeting Evan feels like a huge ray of light for Donna, but following a trigger she starts to wonder if she can really trust him at all.
I really wanted to like this book, but there was just so much I didn't. The stressing of how beautiful Donna is, the doctor basically saying she needs to move on because she's beautiful. It seemed very unnecessary and just very repetitive. It's not many pages at all, but felt so much more when reading it. Unfortunately this was definitely not a book for me.
I really wanted to like this book, but there was just so much I didn't. The stressing of how beautiful Donna is, the doctor basically saying she needs to move on because she's beautiful. It seemed very unnecessary and just very repetitive. It's not many pages at all, but felt so much more when reading it. Unfortunately this was definitely not a book for me.
November 26, 2014
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Donna is a successful Statistical Analyst, she was a hard worker and didn't let anything stand in her way. What should have been a night to remember ended up being a nightmare and one she would never forget. Leaving work late she hurries out to catch a train to meet up with her fiance, Blake. They were going out to celebrate their anniversary, while waiting she was brutally raped and attacked. This is where Donna's life starts spiraling out of control. Being unable to cope with her daily struggles, she soon moves back in with her parents. Donna did not have a easy childhood. They controlled every move she made, wanting her to model and be something she had no desire to become. Still unable to cope she feels suicide is her best escape. . .. .
As Donna struggles to cope in the hospital she become friends with a male nurse, Evan. Evan becomes the friend she needs and feels she can trust. Their friendship grows as their love for each other. While on their honeymoon Donna yet again will need to reach down in and find the courage she needs to cope once again.
Peter Martin knocked this one out of the park! This is one book that will make you cry, mad and just wanting to rip into someone. Peter takes the sensitive subject of rape and makes you understand what they go thru on a daily basis. At times I found myself upset with Donna, but I had to step back and remember she is a victim, one that changed her whole world changed in a matter of minutes. Peter did a wonderful job with all the characters and the twist and turns was beyond awesome ! ! ! !
5 bright shiny stars
Wende
Donna is a successful Statistical Analyst, she was a hard worker and didn't let anything stand in her way. What should have been a night to remember ended up being a nightmare and one she would never forget. Leaving work late she hurries out to catch a train to meet up with her fiance, Blake. They were going out to celebrate their anniversary, while waiting she was brutally raped and attacked. This is where Donna's life starts spiraling out of control. Being unable to cope with her daily struggles, she soon moves back in with her parents. Donna did not have a easy childhood. They controlled every move she made, wanting her to model and be something she had no desire to become. Still unable to cope she feels suicide is her best escape. . .. .
As Donna struggles to cope in the hospital she become friends with a male nurse, Evan. Evan becomes the friend she needs and feels she can trust. Their friendship grows as their love for each other. While on their honeymoon Donna yet again will need to reach down in and find the courage she needs to cope once again.
Peter Martin knocked this one out of the park! This is one book that will make you cry, mad and just wanting to rip into someone. Peter takes the sensitive subject of rape and makes you understand what they go thru on a daily basis. At times I found myself upset with Donna, but I had to step back and remember she is a victim, one that changed her whole world changed in a matter of minutes. Peter did a wonderful job with all the characters and the twist and turns was beyond awesome ! ! ! !
5 bright shiny stars
Wende
March 20, 2016
Peter Martin has done a marvelous job of crafting Donna, an incredibly complex character who has endured the trauma of a vicious sexual assault. Compounding the trauma of the attack is the aftermath. Donna's world has been shattered. She is plagued with deep psychological wounds that refuse to heal. A major component in Donna's inability to heal is her seeming refusal to allow herself to heal. She shuts out her fiance, her parents and her doctors in favor of a life of seclusion and self-torment. She refuses the help of anyone and everyone who might help her on the long road to recovery.
The long road to recovery is nearly as dark as the attack itself. Martin does a masterful job of bringing the reader down the road with Donna. It is a very nuanced story, told in the third-person but from the perspective of the victim. Donna's roller coaster ride of emotions is detailed thoroughly, giving the reader a clear picture of the difficulty she has in recovering from her ordeal.
This is a very intense story! It doesn't hold anything back. The darkest moments of Donna's ordeal and recovery are presented in very explicit detail.
The story is very well-written. I highly recommend it!
The long road to recovery is nearly as dark as the attack itself. Martin does a masterful job of bringing the reader down the road with Donna. It is a very nuanced story, told in the third-person but from the perspective of the victim. Donna's roller coaster ride of emotions is detailed thoroughly, giving the reader a clear picture of the difficulty she has in recovering from her ordeal.
This is a very intense story! It doesn't hold anything back. The darkest moments of Donna's ordeal and recovery are presented in very explicit detail.
The story is very well-written. I highly recommend it!
May 27, 2018
I cannot give this more than two stars because of the way mental health was dealt with. It seems that everyone was telling Donna to just get over it and then she did because she realized there was someone worse off than herself. Depression and PTSD do not just magically disappear after a sudden realization. They are complex disorders that require extensive treatment. Being told that Donna was just too beautiful on every page was a little over the top. And rape is not about someone's attractiveness, it is about power and control. The ending was completely unbelievable. I had hoped that how Donna's mental health was being portrayed would be improved in the end, but the book ended the way it began.
January 16, 2016
Against Her Will by Peter Martin I received a free Advanced Reading e-Copy of Against Her Will by Peter Martin in a goodreads promotion.
I gave it three stars. Donna was not a likable protagonist. She'd had a horrible experience but seemed determined to make everyone around her as miserable as she was. She had no interest in getting better or moving forward.
After Donna's attack, this conversation took place: ‘I think about what happened to me all the time. I can’t get it out of my head.’
‘Wish there was some way I could help, but I can’t do anything – can I?’
‘Just stop losing your temper, Blake, and try to be patient with me for once in your life.’
‘I know,’ he sighed, shaking his head.
She was disappointed over Blake's lack of understanding & after he returned home drunk, she moved back to live with her parents. It was a difficult choice to make.
Donna's mother attempted to comfort her. "Bad things happen to everyone at some time in their lives. Although we never forget them, we have to carry on, and learn from our experiences, don’t you think?’"
"Donna felt like screaming, but instead she sulked and smouldered with anger."
Her mother took charge & after giving Donna a stinging slap they took her clothes shopping. "They stopped outside every clothes shop they came across, pointing to this and that in the window, hoping to encourage Donna to go inside. But she just pulled a face, or shook her head as if she wasn’t interested."
Donna met Evan's sister Theresa. "‘Oh I don’t mind people looking at me,’ Theresa smiled. ‘I bet you never thought you’d hear me say that, what with my face, eh. In fact, I find it so amusing. Out of the corner of my eye, I see them staring and trying not to look but it’s so obvious. But if I let it get to me I’ll never go out of the house, and in a way, it’s given me strength of character not to let other people bring me down.’
Donna smiled and listened intently to her."
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D50BFGK/
I gave it three stars. Donna was not a likable protagonist. She'd had a horrible experience but seemed determined to make everyone around her as miserable as she was. She had no interest in getting better or moving forward.
After Donna's attack, this conversation took place: ‘I think about what happened to me all the time. I can’t get it out of my head.’
‘Wish there was some way I could help, but I can’t do anything – can I?’
‘Just stop losing your temper, Blake, and try to be patient with me for once in your life.’
‘I know,’ he sighed, shaking his head.
She was disappointed over Blake's lack of understanding & after he returned home drunk, she moved back to live with her parents. It was a difficult choice to make.
Donna's mother attempted to comfort her. "Bad things happen to everyone at some time in their lives. Although we never forget them, we have to carry on, and learn from our experiences, don’t you think?’"
"Donna felt like screaming, but instead she sulked and smouldered with anger."
Her mother took charge & after giving Donna a stinging slap they took her clothes shopping. "They stopped outside every clothes shop they came across, pointing to this and that in the window, hoping to encourage Donna to go inside. But she just pulled a face, or shook her head as if she wasn’t interested."
Donna met Evan's sister Theresa. "‘Oh I don’t mind people looking at me,’ Theresa smiled. ‘I bet you never thought you’d hear me say that, what with my face, eh. In fact, I find it so amusing. Out of the corner of my eye, I see them staring and trying not to look but it’s so obvious. But if I let it get to me I’ll never go out of the house, and in a way, it’s given me strength of character not to let other people bring me down.’
Donna smiled and listened intently to her."
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D50BFGK/
April 25, 2014
This book is about the effects rape has on a young woman's life. It is a difficult subject and I found parts of the book made uncomfortable reading. The rape itself at the beginning of the book was a good piece of dramatic writing. However, I did struggle at times reading about her subsequent descent into terrible depression, which leads to her feeling suicidal. She breaks off the engagement with her boyfriend, finds she can't handle going back to work and her parents are not supportive, so for about half the book I found myself hoping for something positive to happen! I began to worry that it was going to be just a dark story with an unhappy ending.
Donna ends up in hospital and is slowly befriended by a male nurse. From this point, the story is more uplifting. In particular, I enjoyed her friendship with the sister of the nurse who has had to face something worse even than rape.
In truth, I didn't really like the character of Donna because I would have liked her to be stronger after her rape ordeal and not let it so ruin her life, but the author has probably done a good job of realistically presenting the more normal response to being raped, rather than my wished for scenario, born out of my desire for an easier read.
As the relationship between Donna and the nurse flourishes, she is faced with further emotional challenges and it is never certain how their relationship will end up.
The thriller element of the book comes to the fore over the last third of the book and the author has included a clever twist at the end.
In summary, the book held my attention to the end and left me thoughtful about what I had read. It is not an easy subject but the author has done a good job in describing the possible effects of rape on the victim and those around her. You can only feel sad that there are people in the world suffering this terrible crime.
Donna ends up in hospital and is slowly befriended by a male nurse. From this point, the story is more uplifting. In particular, I enjoyed her friendship with the sister of the nurse who has had to face something worse even than rape.
In truth, I didn't really like the character of Donna because I would have liked her to be stronger after her rape ordeal and not let it so ruin her life, but the author has probably done a good job of realistically presenting the more normal response to being raped, rather than my wished for scenario, born out of my desire for an easier read.
As the relationship between Donna and the nurse flourishes, she is faced with further emotional challenges and it is never certain how their relationship will end up.
The thriller element of the book comes to the fore over the last third of the book and the author has included a clever twist at the end.
In summary, the book held my attention to the end and left me thoughtful about what I had read. It is not an easy subject but the author has done a good job in describing the possible effects of rape on the victim and those around her. You can only feel sad that there are people in the world suffering this terrible crime.
December 23, 2015
Against Her Will by Peter Martin is one of the best books I've read in a long, long time. This story is so powerful emotionally, it's an absolute rollercoaster! The book mostly follows the main character, a 22 year-old woman named Donna, who is viciously attacked and sexually assaulted after leaving work late one evening. Donna then goes to experience post traumatic stress as her once put-together life begins to crumble around her. Relationships with her boyfriend and parents begin to sour as Donna begins to feel that nobody truly understands what it is she's going through. Eventually, even those who she leans on most seem to just want to force her to stop taking pity upon herself, and at times they even seem like they have their own selfish agenda for her. As the story progresses, Donna finds herself committed to a mental hospital after a failed suicide attempt, but eventually meets Evan at the facility. Evan and Donna hit it off and she eventually meets Evan's family, including his sick but extremely talented sister. Not wanting to give too much of the story away, I'll just say that Donna has to learn how to grow and get past the assault that has taken so much from her if she ever wants to move on with her life.
Peter Martin masterfully takes you through a whole gauntlet of emotions in this tale, and at times you'll even feel that you're even right there with Donna in the story as she goes through her ups and downs. Martin wonderfully manages to keep the story flowing and is able to pack a ton of substance into each and every paragraph. All of the characters in this story are well-developed and unique and Martin's writing style is easy to follow which made this book very enjoyable. I'm not a fan when authors try to get too brainy so as to try to come off as complex. I highly recommend "Against Her Will" you will love it! A++
Peter Martin masterfully takes you through a whole gauntlet of emotions in this tale, and at times you'll even feel that you're even right there with Donna in the story as she goes through her ups and downs. Martin wonderfully manages to keep the story flowing and is able to pack a ton of substance into each and every paragraph. All of the characters in this story are well-developed and unique and Martin's writing style is easy to follow which made this book very enjoyable. I'm not a fan when authors try to get too brainy so as to try to come off as complex. I highly recommend "Against Her Will" you will love it! A++
October 11, 2015
As someone with reading difficulty, I am always very careful at picking what I read and decide whether I'd want to review. It is not easy writing a book about this extremely sensitive matter, but Martin Perks did it eloquently. He uses simple language so nicely that before I realise it, I was done reading the whole book.
Everything he describes of the incident aftermath and beyond, seems very accurate, the details and the characters building are done perfectly, not every writer could do that on this subject. And the story, such unexpected turns of twists. The ending, in fact, the middle onwards, truly blew my mind and I just had to keep on reading until the end. (sitting on my hands now trying not to provide spoilers here)
I also know the reason why this book harvests controversial Reviews, is because the topic itself is THAT complicated and controversial, again, it is not easy writing this, but he did write it well enough. His knowledge on this subject is very in depth, it surprises me to learn that a man could write about a raped victim so perfectly well with so much light to every perspectives. And the plot, oh I gotta stop myself here again before I blurt out spoilers, it definitely drove me up my couch and finish the whole book instantly.
Apart from the crime perspective, there is also another moral of story to the readers, it teaches you to understand, and open up your mind and heart to many other perspectives. That not everything is as it seems, and that we have to remain vigilant, no matter how open our hearts must be. Of course there are other messages in this book, but I am sure you'd want to dig it yourself, readers ;)
This is definitely the best book I've read on the matter.
Everything he describes of the incident aftermath and beyond, seems very accurate, the details and the characters building are done perfectly, not every writer could do that on this subject. And the story, such unexpected turns of twists. The ending, in fact, the middle onwards, truly blew my mind and I just had to keep on reading until the end. (sitting on my hands now trying not to provide spoilers here)
I also know the reason why this book harvests controversial Reviews, is because the topic itself is THAT complicated and controversial, again, it is not easy writing this, but he did write it well enough. His knowledge on this subject is very in depth, it surprises me to learn that a man could write about a raped victim so perfectly well with so much light to every perspectives. And the plot, oh I gotta stop myself here again before I blurt out spoilers, it definitely drove me up my couch and finish the whole book instantly.
Apart from the crime perspective, there is also another moral of story to the readers, it teaches you to understand, and open up your mind and heart to many other perspectives. That not everything is as it seems, and that we have to remain vigilant, no matter how open our hearts must be. Of course there are other messages in this book, but I am sure you'd want to dig it yourself, readers ;)
This is definitely the best book I've read on the matter.
May 19, 2016
First off, my hats off to Martin for tackling such a sensitive, traumatic and life altering issue as rape in his novel "Against Her Will." I love psychological thrillers and this also suspenseful story runs directly into the traumatic and heart wrenching events of this young woman, Donna's life.
The way the author shows the contrast and comparison between Donna's very controlled and very meticulous job as an analyst with the traumatic events of her brutal attack ( which is something beyond any control and beyond any statistical reasoning and or comprehension) sets this on the level of a character study particularly where the author has broken down in very fine detail the human/female psyche exposing the barest essence of the torture of the human spirit, body and soul into the smallest of molecules to reveal something more deeply poignant and powerful.
This makes the character much more intimate and relatable which is a brilliant accomplishment on the author's part. I also liked the way he showed how distant maybe even indifferent, possibly a little cold her fiancé Blake is being through her ordeal making this character more realistic. Because sometimes even those closest to you when you're going through a trauma can be quite insensitive whether intentional or unintentional.
To triumph over adversity is easier said than done and this extraordinary author as crafted that aspect of it perfectly and honestly
The way the author shows the contrast and comparison between Donna's very controlled and very meticulous job as an analyst with the traumatic events of her brutal attack ( which is something beyond any control and beyond any statistical reasoning and or comprehension) sets this on the level of a character study particularly where the author has broken down in very fine detail the human/female psyche exposing the barest essence of the torture of the human spirit, body and soul into the smallest of molecules to reveal something more deeply poignant and powerful.
This makes the character much more intimate and relatable which is a brilliant accomplishment on the author's part. I also liked the way he showed how distant maybe even indifferent, possibly a little cold her fiancé Blake is being through her ordeal making this character more realistic. Because sometimes even those closest to you when you're going through a trauma can be quite insensitive whether intentional or unintentional.
To triumph over adversity is easier said than done and this extraordinary author as crafted that aspect of it perfectly and honestly
May 17, 2015
Poignant tale of a woman's recovery from a brutal rape and battery. The psychological and emotional wounds are always the last to heal.
The lovely Donna, a former model and extremely brainy as well, struggles against the sheer despair of coping with the awful results of her attack. Her parents rally around her, but they only seem to make things worse. Other folks also offer support, colleagues at work for example do their best to help, but in doing so merely wind up pushing her farther away.
It is only after a failed suicide attempt that lands Donna in a psychiatric hospital that she finally meets a true friend. Evan is a male nurse there, appears very kind and gentle, and gradually manages to draw Donna out of her painful shell. Evan's family, people who have also suffered losses in recent years, invite Donna into their home.
It's all quite a positive experience for Donna, and eventually leads to her and Evan getting married. But just when you think all is going to turn out happily a shocking turn of events proves otherwise.
“Against Her Will” addresses a difficult subject. The author has taken on the task of getting inside the female victim's head quite convincingly. Not at all easy for a male author.
Heartily recommended for those readers who appreciate this type of book.
The lovely Donna, a former model and extremely brainy as well, struggles against the sheer despair of coping with the awful results of her attack. Her parents rally around her, but they only seem to make things worse. Other folks also offer support, colleagues at work for example do their best to help, but in doing so merely wind up pushing her farther away.
It is only after a failed suicide attempt that lands Donna in a psychiatric hospital that she finally meets a true friend. Evan is a male nurse there, appears very kind and gentle, and gradually manages to draw Donna out of her painful shell. Evan's family, people who have also suffered losses in recent years, invite Donna into their home.
It's all quite a positive experience for Donna, and eventually leads to her and Evan getting married. But just when you think all is going to turn out happily a shocking turn of events proves otherwise.
“Against Her Will” addresses a difficult subject. The author has taken on the task of getting inside the female victim's head quite convincingly. Not at all easy for a male author.
Heartily recommended for those readers who appreciate this type of book.
February 2, 2016
This book has an appropriately dark mood throughout. The language and style reinforce the devastating nature of the subject. As a result, the plot is engaging, but heavy. The struggle of the main character to rebuild her life after her attack and subsequent physiological breakdown is sensitively drawn. The story has trigger warnings for abuse, sexual assault, and self-harm. Martin did a good job of keeping the tension high while exploring the nature of anxiety, victimization, and recovery. The pacing was slow in some places, but overall the transitions were smooth.
I found the level of pet naming irksome because it read as very condescending. Perhaps that was the point, to suggest that the other characters do dehumanize her unintentionally, but it worked against the characters that were supposed to be portrayed as sincere. My favorite aspect of the story was the character’s dismay at constantly being complimented and valued for her beauty. This aspect is exacerbated by the fact that she blames her looks as the reason she was attacked. I would read more by this author in the future. I received a review copy of this book, but was in no way compensated for this commentary.
I found the level of pet naming irksome because it read as very condescending. Perhaps that was the point, to suggest that the other characters do dehumanize her unintentionally, but it worked against the characters that were supposed to be portrayed as sincere. My favorite aspect of the story was the character’s dismay at constantly being complimented and valued for her beauty. This aspect is exacerbated by the fact that she blames her looks as the reason she was attacked. I would read more by this author in the future. I received a review copy of this book, but was in no way compensated for this commentary.
July 28, 2016
Absolutely brilliant story. I put off on reading this because I thought it was going to be one of those stories where the heroine was going to spend the entire book trying to escape captivity from a rapist. This was nothing like those stories. It's much better and thoughtfully written.
The characters are real and make you care about them. The heroine is great. You can't help but feel her torment as she tries to escape the hell she finds herself in. This book does a great job of showing how traumatic rape is and the toll it takes on the victim. But there's a dash of humor and lighter moments in the story to help balance things out as we experience the heroine's struggle to recover from her harrowing experience.
At first I thought this story was miscategorized as a suspense novel due to the emphasis on its dramatic elements. But things play out over the course of the story to intensify the situation with an omnipresent danger.
The best part was the twist at the end of the story. Just when you think you have things figured out, a curve ball is thrown into the story making you wonder what's going to happen next. One of the better books I've read in a long time. Loved it.
The characters are real and make you care about them. The heroine is great. You can't help but feel her torment as she tries to escape the hell she finds herself in. This book does a great job of showing how traumatic rape is and the toll it takes on the victim. But there's a dash of humor and lighter moments in the story to help balance things out as we experience the heroine's struggle to recover from her harrowing experience.
At first I thought this story was miscategorized as a suspense novel due to the emphasis on its dramatic elements. But things play out over the course of the story to intensify the situation with an omnipresent danger.
The best part was the twist at the end of the story. Just when you think you have things figured out, a curve ball is thrown into the story making you wonder what's going to happen next. One of the better books I've read in a long time. Loved it.
January 6, 2016
I finished this novel with a breathless "Whoa."
Whoa is right. Whoa is a great way. You'll see..
Life can seem so unfair, and yet sometimes.. things happen the way they're supposed to .. despite the horrible things we experience and Donna was certainly not spared in this book.
“Against Her Will” by Peter Martin really left me speechless, angry and sympathetic all at once. I felt so angry for the character Donna, who endured all that she did, from being brutally attacked and raped, to the trials and tribulations she faces afterwards. I felt sympathetic for her in the pain and sadness, and the way her life changed after such horrifying events. Everything felt real - the world of the novel was built very well, and the characters were developed so much so that I felt I could be friends with them (mostly Donna.) This novel offered a lot of great things, and provided a lot to think about too. I can't wait to see what else Peter has up his sleeve in other novels to come. This was great!
Whoa is right. Whoa is a great way. You'll see..
Life can seem so unfair, and yet sometimes.. things happen the way they're supposed to .. despite the horrible things we experience and Donna was certainly not spared in this book.
“Against Her Will” by Peter Martin really left me speechless, angry and sympathetic all at once. I felt so angry for the character Donna, who endured all that she did, from being brutally attacked and raped, to the trials and tribulations she faces afterwards. I felt sympathetic for her in the pain and sadness, and the way her life changed after such horrifying events. Everything felt real - the world of the novel was built very well, and the characters were developed so much so that I felt I could be friends with them (mostly Donna.) This novel offered a lot of great things, and provided a lot to think about too. I can't wait to see what else Peter has up his sleeve in other novels to come. This was great!
January 31, 2016
Against Her Wi
This intriguing story tells of the anguish journey of one girl , Donna, who has always battled with issues of self esteem. She is a beauty since birth and early on her mother pushed her into beauty contests and modeling, which she was quite good at, but hated intensely. As she grows up she find the strength to break from that life and attains success in college and lands a great job and meets a man whom she plans a life with. Plans crash when on the way to a dinner date with him , she is attacked by a stranger. Beaten, raped and traumatize she is unable to deal with relationships of any kind , and she finds herself hospitalized after attempting to end her life. She makes another attempt but is saved by Evan , a male nurse, who friends her and gives her a new look at a normal life. But nothing is easy and she continues her struggles.This Thread is going to touch on many subjects be prepared to enjoy the highs and lows of the happenings. I RECOMMEND !
This intriguing story tells of the anguish journey of one girl , Donna, who has always battled with issues of self esteem. She is a beauty since birth and early on her mother pushed her into beauty contests and modeling, which she was quite good at, but hated intensely. As she grows up she find the strength to break from that life and attains success in college and lands a great job and meets a man whom she plans a life with. Plans crash when on the way to a dinner date with him , she is attacked by a stranger. Beaten, raped and traumatize she is unable to deal with relationships of any kind , and she finds herself hospitalized after attempting to end her life. She makes another attempt but is saved by Evan , a male nurse, who friends her and gives her a new look at a normal life. But nothing is easy and she continues her struggles.This Thread is going to touch on many subjects be prepared to enjoy the highs and lows of the happenings. I RECOMMEND !
October 28, 2014
Real suspense, mystery, and a Hitchcock-like tension throughout the book draws you in, grabs you and makes you want to know the truth. This book has one of the most vividly drawn and fleshed out main characters of any book I’ve ever read. As character study alone, the novel lead me to reconsider some of my own beliefs and it definitely shined a light on the dark side of beauty. The book is compelling, well paced and has a climax that delivers the goods. Also, I enjoyed the many UK English expressions; things like “molly coddling”. Though some will find the subject matter challenging, I highly recommend this novel.
March 10, 2017
This was not gripping or suspenseful.
October 12, 2018
If I could have taken back the hours I spent reading this poorly written book I would. That's what I get for buying a $1.44 book! The number of times I nearly gave up is incalculable - it droned on and on and would occasionally skip a year or a few months with "A year later....." The dialogue was simply not the way people converse, it was stilted. It badly needs editing. I felt as though I was reading a book from the 1950s: it felt like a different generation (or two)
We are reminded so often of her beauty and that she got a top degree in Mathematics and yet she seems quite content to marry someone she didn't love instead of trying to get on her feet, back to her career and find a place of her own. All of a sudden she's off on honeymoon and in love with him. There was a ridiculous coincidence here too, honestly, out of millions of people in the UK she comes across the one person who made such an impact on her life. I also couldn't understand why she had no friends she could have stayed with (she worked for years, for example, at one place). What happened with her fiancé and the flat they owned together? He could have sent a message via her parents, even if it was to say he was selling the flat and did she want to buy him out?
She was a professional, intelligent, woman but she had a long stay at a mental hospital and turned in to a spoiled teenager, behaving far younger than her age. She wouldn't cooperate yet all of a sudden she was fine. Also a mental health doctor would never tell her to pull herself together. I know. Also depression and anxiety do not just go as hers did.
The ending was beyond belief (talk about a cheap thriller) and I could not understand the perpetrator's motive.
If you are wondering why I stayed with the book and gritted my teeth through each read - well I needed to know the perpetrator, the one who caused all her problems.
Do yourself a favour, unless you are easily pleased literature wise, do not bother reading this book.
We are reminded so often of her beauty and that she got a top degree in Mathematics and yet she seems quite content to marry someone she didn't love instead of trying to get on her feet, back to her career and find a place of her own. All of a sudden she's off on honeymoon and in love with him. There was a ridiculous coincidence here too, honestly, out of millions of people in the UK she comes across the one person who made such an impact on her life. I also couldn't understand why she had no friends she could have stayed with (she worked for years, for example, at one place). What happened with her fiancé and the flat they owned together? He could have sent a message via her parents, even if it was to say he was selling the flat and did she want to buy him out?
She was a professional, intelligent, woman but she had a long stay at a mental hospital and turned in to a spoiled teenager, behaving far younger than her age. She wouldn't cooperate yet all of a sudden she was fine. Also a mental health doctor would never tell her to pull herself together. I know. Also depression and anxiety do not just go as hers did.
The ending was beyond belief (talk about a cheap thriller) and I could not understand the perpetrator's motive.
If you are wondering why I stayed with the book and gritted my teeth through each read - well I needed to know the perpetrator, the one who caused all her problems.
Do yourself a favour, unless you are easily pleased literature wise, do not bother reading this book.
February 8, 2018
Ugh, where do I begin. I chose this book because it was described as a "gripping psychological thriller", but it was anything but. The lead character, Donna, gets assaulted and raped one night after leaving work late. The first half of the book describes her feelings after the attack, which was obviously traumatic, but the writing was so repetitive that it was boring. About 50% of the way through we meet the male nurse that helps here through her ordeal, and they develop a friendship. But, once again, the writing is rough, the dialogues are choppy, and the whole thing feels like a chore to read. The only reason I kept going (other than I hate to not finish a book!) is because I was interested in finding out who the attacker was. You sort of get a feeling, and can make a guess as you go, but overall the novel was just not good in my opinion.
January 26, 2023
I really struggledto finish this book but was invested enough that I had to know who the rapist was
Too much dialogue about how beautiful the main character was, it was pages and pages and most of the book. I was like yeah I get it Donna was stunning. It’s always hard to read a rape scene but I thought it was written well it was just the rest of the book itwent on and on I was actually bored and found it hard to pick up to read
I was very happy to have got to the end of it I won’t be recommending this book so sorry
Too much dialogue about how beautiful the main character was, it was pages and pages and most of the book. I was like yeah I get it Donna was stunning. It’s always hard to read a rape scene but I thought it was written well it was just the rest of the book itwent on and on I was actually bored and found it hard to pick up to read
I was very happy to have got to the end of it I won’t be recommending this book so sorry
April 2, 2024
Suspense where
As a first-time reader, I found Peter's writing style to be quite impressive. He managed to create a sense of intrigue and mystery without giving away too much too soon. Although the book falls under the genre of suspense, I didn't feel the typical suspenseful vibe throughout the story. However, the plot was engaging and well-constructed, with Donna facing not only the trauma of rape but also familial issues. The pacing of the book was slow yet steady, with each chapter building upon the previous one, leaving me eager to continue reading until the very end.
As a first-time reader, I found Peter's writing style to be quite impressive. He managed to create a sense of intrigue and mystery without giving away too much too soon. Although the book falls under the genre of suspense, I didn't feel the typical suspenseful vibe throughout the story. However, the plot was engaging and well-constructed, with Donna facing not only the trauma of rape but also familial issues. The pacing of the book was slow yet steady, with each chapter building upon the previous one, leaving me eager to continue reading until the very end.
May 22, 2017
A great idea for a story but very poorly executed. It reads as though it has not been edited and lacks flow and character depth. Unfortunately i was disappointed with this book.
December 28, 2018
Coming
I thought l knew how the story would end. Unfortunately, l was right. Still, it was a good ride, though.
I thought l knew how the story would end. Unfortunately, l was right. Still, it was a good ride, though.
October 6, 2014
"Against Her Will" tackles the difficult topic of rape. The author excels at getting in the psyche of the victim, 22-year-old Donna. The book follows Donna's journey in the aftermath of the horrific attack. The author describes the attack in enough detail to give the reader a clear sense of what happened, but to his credit, it does not devolve into gratuitous violence for the sake of shock value.
The title of the book, "Against Her Will," is of course about the rape being against her will, but it also reflects other aspects of Donna's life. A rare beauty, Donna was forced into modeling and beauty pageants by her parents -- against her will. Feeling used and exploited by them her whole life, she struggles with this into her adulthood and in the aftermath of the brutal attack on her. Another aspect I liked is that although her parents, especially her mom, tried to force Donna into a life she didn't want, they are well-drawn, flawed characters who also have redeeming traits.
While Donna could be petulant and immature, I never lost sight of the fact that this young woman was dealing with the physical, sexual, mental and emotional assault on her, so I never lost sympathy for her. When Donna met Theresa, the younger sister of the male nurse who befriends her, I got deeper insight into Donna and the deep empathy and understanding that she was capable of. I liked that aspect of the book as it showed the growth of her character.
I won't give anything away, but the book's climax is riveting. While the majority of the book is an intense, gripping psychological journey, the climax is a bite your nails, edge of your seat kind of finish.
It's a book that stays with you as I find myself thinking about the book and the characters after I stop reading it.
The title of the book, "Against Her Will," is of course about the rape being against her will, but it also reflects other aspects of Donna's life. A rare beauty, Donna was forced into modeling and beauty pageants by her parents -- against her will. Feeling used and exploited by them her whole life, she struggles with this into her adulthood and in the aftermath of the brutal attack on her. Another aspect I liked is that although her parents, especially her mom, tried to force Donna into a life she didn't want, they are well-drawn, flawed characters who also have redeeming traits.
While Donna could be petulant and immature, I never lost sight of the fact that this young woman was dealing with the physical, sexual, mental and emotional assault on her, so I never lost sympathy for her. When Donna met Theresa, the younger sister of the male nurse who befriends her, I got deeper insight into Donna and the deep empathy and understanding that she was capable of. I liked that aspect of the book as it showed the growth of her character.
I won't give anything away, but the book's climax is riveting. While the majority of the book is an intense, gripping psychological journey, the climax is a bite your nails, edge of your seat kind of finish.
It's a book that stays with you as I find myself thinking about the book and the characters after I stop reading it.
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