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Girl Detached
Aleksandra has issues with her voice. Stress makes her stutter, and her life is one of stress. She can only speak clearly on stage, freed by the words of the character she plays. Then, when Aleksandra befriends her new neighbour Megan, and through her meets charming, handsome Ruben, it seems she has discovered a doorway into a different world, and a different Alek. But Ruben wants Aleksandra to play a particular role for him, and it is one that will come close to destroying her.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
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916 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 4, 2016
5 Words: Manipulation, poisonous-relationship, family, judgement, friendship.
I found this book very difficult to read. And even harder to review.
Because it is important.
I hate using that word. Every book is important. But with the challenging and controversial content, the morally questionable actions of the characters, and ultimately devastating plot, how could it not be especially important?
This is a book about manipulation and vulnerable people, about first love and sex for sale. It was banned in Italy, pulled from the shelves because of its content... And the content isn't graphic. It's harsh and real and scary. And it needs to be read.
I absolutely LOVED the style of writing. All at once I was reminded of Melvin Burgess, Kevin Brooks and Louise O'Neill. It's haunting and descriptive but at the same time it's in your face with how brutal it can be.
I found this book very difficult to read. And even harder to review.
Because it is important.
I hate using that word. Every book is important. But with the challenging and controversial content, the morally questionable actions of the characters, and ultimately devastating plot, how could it not be especially important?
This is a book about manipulation and vulnerable people, about first love and sex for sale. It was banned in Italy, pulled from the shelves because of its content... And the content isn't graphic. It's harsh and real and scary. And it needs to be read.
I absolutely LOVED the style of writing. All at once I was reminded of Melvin Burgess, Kevin Brooks and Louise O'Neill. It's haunting and descriptive but at the same time it's in your face with how brutal it can be.
March 28, 2018
This was such a quick but dark read. Things got serious so quickly, but I loved the pace and think it reflected the situation really well. The acting subplot wasn't as strong as it could have been, and I don't think I got enough sense of Alek's character - especially how young she was to prostituted. The emotions came second to the horror, and I wanted them simultaneously for impact.
This is all in all a scary book to think that things like this happen in real life. I'm happy that The Bucket List gave this book a space to be read rather than censored!
This is all in all a scary book to think that things like this happen in real life. I'm happy that The Bucket List gave this book a space to be read rather than censored!
March 1, 2018
3.5*
I'm not 100% sure how I felt about this. On the one hand, I thought it was an incredibly important and enlightening discussion surrounding trafficking but on the other hand, it featured a lot of ableism and I felt the relationship/romance at the end and the way the guy talked to the main character felt somewhat contradictory to the message of the story? I wouldn't say this was an enjoyable read, it was extremely uncomfortable at times but I would expect nothing less from the subject matter that is undoubtedly an important one to explore in YA.
TW:
• sexual harassment & abuse
• rape
• child sex trafficking
• ableism
• substance abuse
• domestic abuse
I'm not 100% sure how I felt about this. On the one hand, I thought it was an incredibly important and enlightening discussion surrounding trafficking but on the other hand, it featured a lot of ableism and I felt the relationship/romance at the end and the way the guy talked to the main character felt somewhat contradictory to the message of the story? I wouldn't say this was an enjoyable read, it was extremely uncomfortable at times but I would expect nothing less from the subject matter that is undoubtedly an important one to explore in YA.
TW:
• sexual harassment & abuse
• rape
• child sex trafficking
• ableism
• substance abuse
• domestic abuse
Want to read
July 17, 2016This book is so controversial that it was actually banned and removed from the shelves in Italy (Manuela Salvi actually had her microphone removed in the middle of a panel at Bologna earlier this year & she wasn't allowed to answer questions because someone disagreed with her experience and the way she was telling it!). So she decided to have her story translated into English and it's now been picked up by UK publisher, The Bucket List.
Of course that means I NEED to see what all the fuss is about!
Here is some info from the press release for anyone who is interested and obviously I'll update this review with my thoughts when I've had time to read the book:
Why was this book banned in Italy?
An Italian politician recently banned We're Going on a Bear Hunt, saying it was "dangerous to children." The censors evidently believed the same of Girl Detatched, because it was also banned and ultimately withdrawn from the Italian market.
Perhaps the issue was that it is not squeamish about bodies or sex. Perhaps the censors do not believe that young people have the capacity to consider serious issues affecting themselves or other young people - even those they hear about nightly on the news or read about online, from sources ranging from the responsible to the utterly flawed. Or perhaps they were uncomfortable with the book's excoriating portrayal of Society's attitudes to these issues. While Ruben's victims struggle to rebuild their lives, his parents - wealthy, privileged people - buy him a new motorbike to show their support.
Why are we publishing it in the UK?
When this book, and subsequently one of her picture books were banned, Manuela Salvi decided that her future as a writer required her to leave Italy. She says:
I consider myself a cultural refugee. A refugee is usually someone who has escaped war or threats to their life. Of course, nobody in Italy is aiming a gun at me or threatening to put me in prison. But I do strongly believe that Italian politicians and institutions are slowly trampling over our constitutional rights and fostering inequality, discrimination, homophobia, and anti-feminism. It's happening to Italian writers and readers. I know, because I've been on the receiving end. But I have a voice and I need to make it heard.
Manuela is now studying censorship in children's books in the UK and we are proud to give her a voice in our market, in a powerful translation by Denise Muir. We believe that Girl Detatched has much to say to us here too. Our society has been rocked by a string of cases of the very type of exploitation the book portrays, at the heart of a great cultural institution, within care scenarios and within our national sport. We believe in talking openly to young people about these issues. We believe that silencing a thoughtful and powerful voice like Manuela's through prurience, squeamishness or shame is to perpetuate a culture in which young people feel less able to speak out and are potentially more vulnerable to abuse.
Of course that means I NEED to see what all the fuss is about!
Here is some info from the press release for anyone who is interested and obviously I'll update this review with my thoughts when I've had time to read the book:
Why was this book banned in Italy?
An Italian politician recently banned We're Going on a Bear Hunt, saying it was "dangerous to children." The censors evidently believed the same of Girl Detatched, because it was also banned and ultimately withdrawn from the Italian market.
Perhaps the issue was that it is not squeamish about bodies or sex. Perhaps the censors do not believe that young people have the capacity to consider serious issues affecting themselves or other young people - even those they hear about nightly on the news or read about online, from sources ranging from the responsible to the utterly flawed. Or perhaps they were uncomfortable with the book's excoriating portrayal of Society's attitudes to these issues. While Ruben's victims struggle to rebuild their lives, his parents - wealthy, privileged people - buy him a new motorbike to show their support.
Why are we publishing it in the UK?
When this book, and subsequently one of her picture books were banned, Manuela Salvi decided that her future as a writer required her to leave Italy. She says:
I consider myself a cultural refugee. A refugee is usually someone who has escaped war or threats to their life. Of course, nobody in Italy is aiming a gun at me or threatening to put me in prison. But I do strongly believe that Italian politicians and institutions are slowly trampling over our constitutional rights and fostering inequality, discrimination, homophobia, and anti-feminism. It's happening to Italian writers and readers. I know, because I've been on the receiving end. But I have a voice and I need to make it heard.
Manuela is now studying censorship in children's books in the UK and we are proud to give her a voice in our market, in a powerful translation by Denise Muir. We believe that Girl Detatched has much to say to us here too. Our society has been rocked by a string of cases of the very type of exploitation the book portrays, at the heart of a great cultural institution, within care scenarios and within our national sport. We believe in talking openly to young people about these issues. We believe that silencing a thoughtful and powerful voice like Manuela's through prurience, squeamishness or shame is to perpetuate a culture in which young people feel less able to speak out and are potentially more vulnerable to abuse.
September 4, 2016
Oh wow, I loved this. So spectacularly uncensored.
Aleksandra is a shy girl, who is only free of her stammer when she performs on stage, embracing a different character. When she moves in with her mother, next to the charismatic and confident Megan, she is welcomed into Megan's friendship group and begins to take on a new persona. At one party, she meets Ruben, and gradually they begin a relationship. However, her new group isn't what it seems and things begin to spiral massively out of control.
I don't want to give too much away about the plot. Frankly, I think that way it gradually unraveled was pure genius, so I want you to experience that for yourselves. What I can tell you is that this is an unfalteringly truthful novel about sex. Interlinking themes include mental health, familial difficulties, grief and confidence. Together they merge to create a story that feels true to teenage life, if more tragic than what many of us will experience. I love this, as a contemporary novel needs to feel true to please me, otherwise I feel it falls a little flat. This did not, and had a profound impact upon me, remaining in my mind for a long time.
What I especially loved about this was Manuela's clear determination to avoid censorship of her work. In fact, that is how the book made its way to England, having been banned in Italy. However, this is all worthwhile, because while it is brutal and difficult to read, it is honest and true to reality. When stories like this are truly happening in our world, why should we censor them? Instead we should place them straight in the public eye, then we might stand a chance of ending or at least reducing this sexual abuse.
Of course there is a large trigger warning that follows this novel, but I urge you, if you feel comfortable doing so, to read this book. And if you've read it, take it one step further and act upon it. Then you will do this novel, this unfortunately true commentary on society, real justice.
I received a proof from The Bucket List at YALC 2016
Aleksandra is a shy girl, who is only free of her stammer when she performs on stage, embracing a different character. When she moves in with her mother, next to the charismatic and confident Megan, she is welcomed into Megan's friendship group and begins to take on a new persona. At one party, she meets Ruben, and gradually they begin a relationship. However, her new group isn't what it seems and things begin to spiral massively out of control.
I don't want to give too much away about the plot. Frankly, I think that way it gradually unraveled was pure genius, so I want you to experience that for yourselves. What I can tell you is that this is an unfalteringly truthful novel about sex. Interlinking themes include mental health, familial difficulties, grief and confidence. Together they merge to create a story that feels true to teenage life, if more tragic than what many of us will experience. I love this, as a contemporary novel needs to feel true to please me, otherwise I feel it falls a little flat. This did not, and had a profound impact upon me, remaining in my mind for a long time.
What I especially loved about this was Manuela's clear determination to avoid censorship of her work. In fact, that is how the book made its way to England, having been banned in Italy. However, this is all worthwhile, because while it is brutal and difficult to read, it is honest and true to reality. When stories like this are truly happening in our world, why should we censor them? Instead we should place them straight in the public eye, then we might stand a chance of ending or at least reducing this sexual abuse.
Of course there is a large trigger warning that follows this novel, but I urge you, if you feel comfortable doing so, to read this book. And if you've read it, take it one step further and act upon it. Then you will do this novel, this unfortunately true commentary on society, real justice.
I received a proof from The Bucket List at YALC 2016
February 6, 2017
This is a strong story with a powerful message. I think every generation should have their own version of this story to read. I would recommend it not only to teenagers, but to parents and teachers as well.
Sixteen year-old Aleksandra is a wallflower, an insecure girl that stutters when she tries to speak. The only friends she has are the other ‘misfits’ at Ship of Fools, the theatre group where she performs. On stage is the only place she feels confident and speaks fluently. However, the theatre’s funding is in danger, and this performance may very well be their last. On top of all this, Aleksandra is forced to live with her estranged mother, after her grandmother, who raised her, unexpectedly passes away.
There she befriends the girl next door, Megan, an eccentric girl who has a passion for costume-designing and Aleksandra is quickly drawn in by her and her friends. Through Megan, she meets Ruben, an older boy that sweeps her off her feet in love in no time and showers her with gifts and compliments. With Megan, Ruben and their friends, it’s all about parties, and having fun. Letting go is just what Aleksandra needed and she slowly loses herself in a world of partying, drugs and abuse.
Possible (trigger) warning
After reading the book I found Manuela's blog, where she wrote that her editor at the time kept urging her to write about sex without actually writing about it. She didn't give in and thus the story contains many graphic sexual scenes. Even though they made me feel horrified and uncomfortable, I am glad that they are included, because this is reality. If you are triggered by (sexual) abuse, proceed with caution.
I received an ARC at YALC 2016.
Sixteen year-old Aleksandra is a wallflower, an insecure girl that stutters when she tries to speak. The only friends she has are the other ‘misfits’ at Ship of Fools, the theatre group where she performs. On stage is the only place she feels confident and speaks fluently. However, the theatre’s funding is in danger, and this performance may very well be their last. On top of all this, Aleksandra is forced to live with her estranged mother, after her grandmother, who raised her, unexpectedly passes away.
There she befriends the girl next door, Megan, an eccentric girl who has a passion for costume-designing and Aleksandra is quickly drawn in by her and her friends. Through Megan, she meets Ruben, an older boy that sweeps her off her feet in love in no time and showers her with gifts and compliments. With Megan, Ruben and their friends, it’s all about parties, and having fun. Letting go is just what Aleksandra needed and she slowly loses herself in a world of partying, drugs and abuse.
Possible (trigger) warning
After reading the book I found Manuela's blog, where she wrote that her editor at the time kept urging her to write about sex without actually writing about it. She didn't give in and thus the story contains many graphic sexual scenes. Even though they made me feel horrified and uncomfortable, I am glad that they are included, because this is reality. If you are triggered by (sexual) abuse, proceed with caution.
I received an ARC at YALC 2016.
September 3, 2016
I'm still trying to gather my thoughts on this book but I think it'll take a few days so full thoughts to come (it's my 50th book of the year so I wanted to shelve it!), but I will say this is an extremely important read.
September 5, 2016
I would recommend 'Girl Detached' for the upper end of YA because of the nature of its content.
I first heard about 'Girl Detached' at this year's YALC (the Young Adult Literature Convention) and I received a proof copy of the book there. 'Girl Detached' was censored and banned from sale in Italy, but has been translated into English by Denise Muir (and I must say her translation is brilliant - it flows very well) and it is being published in the UK this year. The UK publishers believe that this is a story the world needs to hear and I completely agree with them. In three words, 'Girl Detached' is honest, powerful and heartbreaking.
'Girl Detached' tells the story of Aleksandra, a keen amateur actress who has lived with her gran for her whole life. After her gran's death, she has to move back in with the mother who abandoned her and her new family, which includes a younger brother. Moving back into this house introduces Aleksandra to Megan, the pretty girl who lives next door and is always sneaking out of her window. Through Megan, Aleksandra is introduced to the charming, good-looking and influential Ruben, and her life begins to spiral out of control.
One of the things that really struck me about 'Girl Detached' was the skill of the character portrayals. Each character is very vivid and distinctive, from Megan, so eager to take Alek under her wing and to transform her and who seems outwardly very confident but can be bitter and lacks self-belief underneath, and her friends, who act hostile and competitively towards Alek, to Jonah, a fellow member of Alek's theatre company who can be snide and irritating, and all the other members of the 'Ship of Fools' company. The scenes in the theatre company were probably my favourite - I loved it when Alek finally got her own back on Jonah for continually irritating her and sabotaging her performances, and I also loved the scene where Alek and Elektra were practising improvising because it was a time when she could really let loose and be completely free. The way that her fellow members of the theatre group reacted to the transformation Alek' undergoes after meeting Megan really moved me. They are like a family to Alek.
Aleksandra herself was a protagonist to whom I was immediately attached. I loved her enthusiasm for Oscar Wilde and actually I felt that gave me something in common with her - like Alek, I acted in an Oscar Wilde play and really love his writing style. I found Alek's ability to assume characters when acting to the extent that she lost her stammer fascinating. Her story is one that will tear at your heart strings because you are so attached to her.
'Girl Detached' is very hard-hitting and deeply moving. Parts of it will make you very sad and parts very angry; parts are very difficult to read because they are so horrifying and unsettling and that is why I would recommend it to the upper end of YA. The fact that it was censored in Italy probably serves to show just how well written it is - how impactful, thought-provoking and enlightening Aleksandra's story is. Overall, 'Girl Detached' is a defiant, eye-opening and unforgettable novel that will stay in your mind long after you have finished reading. I predict that in a few decades' time, it will become a classic.
I first heard about 'Girl Detached' at this year's YALC (the Young Adult Literature Convention) and I received a proof copy of the book there. 'Girl Detached' was censored and banned from sale in Italy, but has been translated into English by Denise Muir (and I must say her translation is brilliant - it flows very well) and it is being published in the UK this year. The UK publishers believe that this is a story the world needs to hear and I completely agree with them. In three words, 'Girl Detached' is honest, powerful and heartbreaking.
'Girl Detached' tells the story of Aleksandra, a keen amateur actress who has lived with her gran for her whole life. After her gran's death, she has to move back in with the mother who abandoned her and her new family, which includes a younger brother. Moving back into this house introduces Aleksandra to Megan, the pretty girl who lives next door and is always sneaking out of her window. Through Megan, Aleksandra is introduced to the charming, good-looking and influential Ruben, and her life begins to spiral out of control.
One of the things that really struck me about 'Girl Detached' was the skill of the character portrayals. Each character is very vivid and distinctive, from Megan, so eager to take Alek under her wing and to transform her and who seems outwardly very confident but can be bitter and lacks self-belief underneath, and her friends, who act hostile and competitively towards Alek, to Jonah, a fellow member of Alek's theatre company who can be snide and irritating, and all the other members of the 'Ship of Fools' company. The scenes in the theatre company were probably my favourite - I loved it when Alek finally got her own back on Jonah for continually irritating her and sabotaging her performances, and I also loved the scene where Alek and Elektra were practising improvising because it was a time when she could really let loose and be completely free. The way that her fellow members of the theatre group reacted to the transformation Alek' undergoes after meeting Megan really moved me. They are like a family to Alek.
Aleksandra herself was a protagonist to whom I was immediately attached. I loved her enthusiasm for Oscar Wilde and actually I felt that gave me something in common with her - like Alek, I acted in an Oscar Wilde play and really love his writing style. I found Alek's ability to assume characters when acting to the extent that she lost her stammer fascinating. Her story is one that will tear at your heart strings because you are so attached to her.
'Girl Detached' is very hard-hitting and deeply moving. Parts of it will make you very sad and parts very angry; parts are very difficult to read because they are so horrifying and unsettling and that is why I would recommend it to the upper end of YA. The fact that it was censored in Italy probably serves to show just how well written it is - how impactful, thought-provoking and enlightening Aleksandra's story is. Overall, 'Girl Detached' is a defiant, eye-opening and unforgettable novel that will stay in your mind long after you have finished reading. I predict that in a few decades' time, it will become a classic.
August 19, 2016
A book that had me unable to stop turning the pages despite an ever increasing unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. Wonderfully written and translated - so lucid, varied and interesting, and fully fleshed characterization that brings in many different perspectives. Terrifying in an unputdownable way. A book that will likely make many parents feel uncomfortable (though I felt it was actually something that might help me navigate my own daughter's teenageer years, if not -hopefully - in the precise details - but in the understanding of some of the issues surrounding identity, exploring one's sexuality and growing a sense of self worth without being defined by others). The interweaving of a secondary plot in a theatre is very clever, and adds another dimension - showing how the issues raised by Salvi's harrowing, moving book won't go away (and aren't restricted to 21st century life), even if we wish such horrible things never took place. Thought provoking, challenging, engaging.
April 12, 2017
Girl Detached was banned in the author's home country (Italy) because she wrote honestly about sex, bodies and the wealthy, privileged men that can silence those without power. They labelled this book as "dangerous" for the content it discussed but the author moved countries and this was translated and published in Britain instead. This book follows a young girl, Aleksandra, as her whole life is turned over and she ends up falling into a terrible group of people that will use and abuse her for their own gain.
This book begins just as Aleksandra's grandmother and guardian has recently passed away so Aleksandra is left to move in with the mother that gave her up to move away and enjoy her life when she had her in their teenage years. Aleksandra also has a stutter, doesn't have any close friends and she isn't particularly self-confident. It all changes when she meets Megan, a neighbour and family acquaintance, and she's glad to have a friend so she quickly goes along with her without another thought as she dresses her, makes her up and takes her to parties where she meets many new people. Aleksandra starts to open up and even sees that she's a beautiful young girl who should have more confidence in herself but then at Megan's birthday, Aleksandra meets Ruben.
Ruben is charming, gorgeous and oozes power. He instantly takes a liking to Aleksandra and asks her out on a date. This sounds perfectly normal in most ways but the way he talks to her from the start is a huge warning sign to me. He tells her what he wants her to say and wants to be her first for everything, to claim her. Before their first date, Megan warns her to play her cards right and keep him happy because of his wealth and good traits so after their very first date, when he takes her back to his dorm, even though she wants to go home and she's scared she lets him take her clothes off and touch her.
The terrible world is brought to life to the readers when Megan, Anna and Kayley take Aleksandra to the shopping mall and disappear with three men (not particularly attractive or young) into the toilets and come out with cash to spend. The message is clear here that these girls are trading sexual favours for money from older men but it's also clear that they expect Aleksandra to do the same next time so she's being groomed not only by her new "boyfriend" but by the girls she thinks are friends as well. It's a terrible breaking of trust she put into these girls she thought were her friends.
Later on, Ruben takes Aleksandra to a salon and gets her a more permanent makeover by getting her hair dyed and chemically straightened as well as a more permanent look to her face and a lesson on how to apply makeup by the salon employee. All of this is clearly changing her look and making her into a more mature looking girl that will have confidence but still feel indebted enough to follow what he wants her to do. He also showers her with gifts and clearly strings her along with a romantic relationship so she's clinging to him wanting more while he holds off until she does what he wants.
Aleksandra's descent into this dark world happens so quickly and turns ugly just as fast. Ruben's true colours show clearly when he blackmails her, threatens her and shatters the illusion she was under about them. I really like that you can see what is going on around Aleksandra before she even notices a thing amiss. You see as the girls dress her up in a proactive way and you see when they are clearly trading sexual favours to strangers for money. Then you see as Megan introduces Ruben to Aleksandra and watch and she encourages her to do as he says. After that, it's so clear that Ruben is giving her this makeover inside and out so he can mould her into something he can sell all while working under the false pretence that they have a relationship. He uses her innocence and infatuation against her to send her down a path into sexual, physical and mental abuse.
He uses her innocence and infatuation against her to send her down a path into sexual, physical and mental abuse. As a more mature reader, I can see these signs from a million miles but the thing is I can totally see younger readers reading this book and seeing nothing wrong with what they're doing because they may be just as innocent and naive as Aleksandra. I know her naivety is frustrating for readers but I think it's important because it shows how easily manipulated young people can be but horrible, twisted people they may think are their friends, their role models or their boyfriends.
This book is confronting and while it's not graphic explaining sexual scenes it is definitely giving you enough information to form a clear picture in your mind so I'm not encouraging young readers to go into this book when they're too young to read about such dark, sad themes but I think it's something they should have the opportunity and right to read if they choose to. I'm very thankful the author pushed to write this and publish it after the Italian censors sought to ban it.
"Sometimes it's better that way; when you come down you've got the money but zero memories."
This book begins just as Aleksandra's grandmother and guardian has recently passed away so Aleksandra is left to move in with the mother that gave her up to move away and enjoy her life when she had her in their teenage years. Aleksandra also has a stutter, doesn't have any close friends and she isn't particularly self-confident. It all changes when she meets Megan, a neighbour and family acquaintance, and she's glad to have a friend so she quickly goes along with her without another thought as she dresses her, makes her up and takes her to parties where she meets many new people. Aleksandra starts to open up and even sees that she's a beautiful young girl who should have more confidence in herself but then at Megan's birthday, Aleksandra meets Ruben.
Ruben is charming, gorgeous and oozes power. He instantly takes a liking to Aleksandra and asks her out on a date. This sounds perfectly normal in most ways but the way he talks to her from the start is a huge warning sign to me. He tells her what he wants her to say and wants to be her first for everything, to claim her. Before their first date, Megan warns her to play her cards right and keep him happy because of his wealth and good traits so after their very first date, when he takes her back to his dorm, even though she wants to go home and she's scared she lets him take her clothes off and touch her.
"Sooner or later you'll have to return the favours, that's the way it works with us."
The terrible world is brought to life to the readers when Megan, Anna and Kayley take Aleksandra to the shopping mall and disappear with three men (not particularly attractive or young) into the toilets and come out with cash to spend. The message is clear here that these girls are trading sexual favours for money from older men but it's also clear that they expect Aleksandra to do the same next time so she's being groomed not only by her new "boyfriend" but by the girls she thinks are friends as well. It's a terrible breaking of trust she put into these girls she thought were her friends.
Later on, Ruben takes Aleksandra to a salon and gets her a more permanent makeover by getting her hair dyed and chemically straightened as well as a more permanent look to her face and a lesson on how to apply makeup by the salon employee. All of this is clearly changing her look and making her into a more mature looking girl that will have confidence but still feel indebted enough to follow what he wants her to do. He also showers her with gifts and clearly strings her along with a romantic relationship so she's clinging to him wanting more while he holds off until she does what he wants.
"He tells me not to worry, that it's a present, and maybe one day I'll give him a present too. That's the way it works between boys and girls, isn't it?"
Aleksandra's descent into this dark world happens so quickly and turns ugly just as fast. Ruben's true colours show clearly when he blackmails her, threatens her and shatters the illusion she was under about them. I really like that you can see what is going on around Aleksandra before she even notices a thing amiss. You see as the girls dress her up in a proactive way and you see when they are clearly trading sexual favours to strangers for money. Then you see as Megan introduces Ruben to Aleksandra and watch and she encourages her to do as he says. After that, it's so clear that Ruben is giving her this makeover inside and out so he can mould her into something he can sell all while working under the false pretence that they have a relationship. He uses her innocence and infatuation against her to send her down a path into sexual, physical and mental abuse.
He uses her innocence and infatuation against her to send her down a path into sexual, physical and mental abuse. As a more mature reader, I can see these signs from a million miles but the thing is I can totally see younger readers reading this book and seeing nothing wrong with what they're doing because they may be just as innocent and naive as Aleksandra. I know her naivety is frustrating for readers but I think it's important because it shows how easily manipulated young people can be but horrible, twisted people they may think are their friends, their role models or their boyfriends.
This book is confronting and while it's not graphic explaining sexual scenes it is definitely giving you enough information to form a clear picture in your mind so I'm not encouraging young readers to go into this book when they're too young to read about such dark, sad themes but I think it's something they should have the opportunity and right to read if they choose to. I'm very thankful the author pushed to write this and publish it after the Italian censors sought to ban it.
June 9, 2017
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 because this book is so important.
Being a woman in 2017 is still not simple. This book shows it, explains it, with a matter-of-fact tone which makes it even worse and so real. Teen girls are forced to prostitution and everyone seems to find it completely normal. I don't wanna live on this planet anymore, especially after reading this book, which, oh-so-surprisingly, got BANNED in Italy. Because showing young girls' misery and the cruelty of men is not okay, apparently, because, you know, men are such delicate snowflakes and that could hurt their sensibility. Seriously.
I felt helpless during the whole book, which thankfully I read quite fast because I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how Aleksandra would survive in this disgusting man's world. But letting it happen right under my nose (quite literally) was an awful experience, and I think this book is meant to be awful, so even though it was hard to read and it made me angry, it's still worth these 4 disturbing stars.
This is not a me book at all. This is not a feel-good book. But it is necessary. Girls need to read it, whether they are in a better or worse situation than Aleksandra, men have too much power on teen girls (and on women in general) and we need to do something about it. This book tackles maybe one of the worst aspects of prostitution. So yes, it was a hell of a ride, a book I won't forget anytime soon. I'm thankful that a friend gave this book to me. Women matter. Let's not forget it.
Being a woman in 2017 is still not simple. This book shows it, explains it, with a matter-of-fact tone which makes it even worse and so real. Teen girls are forced to prostitution and everyone seems to find it completely normal. I don't wanna live on this planet anymore, especially after reading this book, which, oh-so-surprisingly, got BANNED in Italy. Because showing young girls' misery and the cruelty of men is not okay, apparently, because, you know, men are such delicate snowflakes and that could hurt their sensibility. Seriously.
I felt helpless during the whole book, which thankfully I read quite fast because I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how Aleksandra would survive in this disgusting man's world. But letting it happen right under my nose (quite literally) was an awful experience, and I think this book is meant to be awful, so even though it was hard to read and it made me angry, it's still worth these 4 disturbing stars.
This is not a me book at all. This is not a feel-good book. But it is necessary. Girls need to read it, whether they are in a better or worse situation than Aleksandra, men have too much power on teen girls (and on women in general) and we need to do something about it. This book tackles maybe one of the worst aspects of prostitution. So yes, it was a hell of a ride, a book I won't forget anytime soon. I'm thankful that a friend gave this book to me. Women matter. Let's not forget it.
January 3, 2021
3.5/4*
Manuela Salvi è stata selezionata con questo romanzo per il "Warwick Prize for Women in Translation" insieme a nomi più di spicco, come Natalia Ginzburg; l'alternativa che avevo trovato era L'Arminuta, ma "Nemmeno un bacio" era gratis su Kindle unlimited e quindi mi sembrava che il fato avesse deciso per me :D
Sono contenta di questa congiunzione astrale perché Manuela Salvi ha proprio una bella penna e merita di essere esplorata.
Certo il romanzo è improbabile e semplicistico, sono impazzita per la mancanza di referenze spaziali in cui inquadrare la storia (ma è un problema mia, mi rendo conto) ed è un po' troppo alla volemose bene, ma mi è piaciuto!
Around the year in 52 books: A book eligible for the Warwick Prize for Women in translation
Manuela Salvi è stata selezionata con questo romanzo per il "Warwick Prize for Women in Translation" insieme a nomi più di spicco, come Natalia Ginzburg; l'alternativa che avevo trovato era L'Arminuta, ma "Nemmeno un bacio" era gratis su Kindle unlimited e quindi mi sembrava che il fato avesse deciso per me :D
Sono contenta di questa congiunzione astrale perché Manuela Salvi ha proprio una bella penna e merita di essere esplorata.
Certo il romanzo è improbabile e semplicistico, sono impazzita per la mancanza di referenze spaziali in cui inquadrare la storia (ma è un problema mia, mi rendo conto) ed è un po' troppo alla volemose bene, ma mi è piaciuto!
Around the year in 52 books: A book eligible for the Warwick Prize for Women in translation
September 11, 2016
With Girl Detached, Salvi seeks to amplify the voices of young women who have been exploited and traditionally kept silent. Her voice is strong, uncompromising and powerful.
Girl Detached gives a bluntly honest account of a vulnerable girl, Alek, being purposefully targeted by her peer, next door neighbour Megan, and indoctrinated into a ring of underage sex work. Megan seems to be the popular girl who has no remorse, however she is equally desperate to please her abusive older boyfriend – whatever the consequences. It’s a cycle of violence and manipulation which spirals out of control, resulting in exploitation, victim blaming and a fight for the truth.
Girl Detached is a compelling read: defiant, powerful and blood-boiling. Like Louise O’Neill’s Asking For It and Courtney Summers’ All The Rage, it is easy to see why some might think it unsuitable for young adults. However this is arguably exactly why young women should be able to read stories such as these: to rip away sheltered, uninformed and unsafe naivety and face the world with knowledge. Society tries to silence the voice of the abused; Salvi’s book is all about being present and being heard. This brave, important text not only confronts you, it demands you listen.
Full review at https://www.thefword.org.uk/2016/09/g...
Girl Detached gives a bluntly honest account of a vulnerable girl, Alek, being purposefully targeted by her peer, next door neighbour Megan, and indoctrinated into a ring of underage sex work. Megan seems to be the popular girl who has no remorse, however she is equally desperate to please her abusive older boyfriend – whatever the consequences. It’s a cycle of violence and manipulation which spirals out of control, resulting in exploitation, victim blaming and a fight for the truth.
Girl Detached is a compelling read: defiant, powerful and blood-boiling. Like Louise O’Neill’s Asking For It and Courtney Summers’ All The Rage, it is easy to see why some might think it unsuitable for young adults. However this is arguably exactly why young women should be able to read stories such as these: to rip away sheltered, uninformed and unsafe naivety and face the world with knowledge. Society tries to silence the voice of the abused; Salvi’s book is all about being present and being heard. This brave, important text not only confronts you, it demands you listen.
Full review at https://www.thefword.org.uk/2016/09/g...
September 10, 2016
Sexual grooming of teenagers is a worldwide plague. It is a problem that remains difficult to irradicate to this day. Now why this book has been banned in Italy I will never understand, unless there is a need there to bury ones head in the sand.
This book is unfortunately a truth for to many teens out there, so this story actually need to be told.
Full review up soon.
This book is unfortunately a truth for to many teens out there, so this story actually need to be told.
Full review up soon.
November 17, 2016
Girl Detached is a book that will stay with you, which is brilliant but I didn’t know how to review it. There was so much I wanted to talk about, much more than could be contained in the normal review format I use.
Read the full review here: https://lunaslittlelibrary.wordpress....
Read the full review here: https://lunaslittlelibrary.wordpress....
February 20, 2018
Well I've given this book 3 stars which is supposed to mean that I " liked it" but you can't really like a book that deals with the exploitation and the "falling from grace" of girls and young women. It is also fairly sexually explicit for a YA novel which makes it difficult to recommend widely in a school library. The protagonist, Alek, is a teenaged girl who has grown up in the care of her overbearing Grandmother and has led a very sheltered life. The only time she feels good about herself is when she is playing the part of someone else up on the stage. When grandma dies Alek has to start a new life with her estranged mother. She makes an unlikely "friendship" with her new nextdoor neighbour and is unwittingly drawn into a world of sexual favours for money. She is "groomed" in more ways than one and with the aid of her new "friends", and mood altering substances, she becomes something she could never have imagined. The author does a pretty good job making the reader believe the downhill spiral that Alek is on given the book is not lengthy. There are elements in the story that I didn't find all that convincing but that was mainly to do with some of the other characters' choices and behaviours rather than Alek's. If it wasn't for these elements which detracted from the believability of the story, I probably would have rated it 4 starts. The book has a powerful message and it could be argued that teenagers should be exposed to it.
February 25, 2018
4.5 stars
August 21, 2016
A powerful novel which really makes you think.
I received a free proof copy of the book at YALC 2016.
Review
Banned books often involve fairly contentious or difficult themes. Girl Detached is no different. Banned in its native Italy and withdrawn from sale, it explores teenage grooming and prostitution. Now brought to the UK where it has been translated and published by The Bucket List (a new imprint of Barrington Stoke), Girl Detached can finally audience and reveal the disturbing truths hidden within its pages.
Summary
Girl Detached follows a teenaged girl called Alek whose life it suddenly turned upside down after her grandmother, who she lives with, dies and her theatre group receives word that it is having to close. Forced to return to the mother who left her as a baby, Alek befriends her new neighbour Megan, is introduced through Megan to the handsome Ruben and finds herself being pulled into a world she never knew existed.
Plot
In Girl Detached, Silva does a brilliant job of showing the gradual progression of Alek’s introduction into Megan’s world. The reader is introduced to the seedy underground in short bursts, each one developing in intensity as the book goes on. This is shown in parallel to other parts of Alek’s life – her insecurities, her work at the theatre and her trying to settle into her new home; all of which only adds more depth to the novel.
Characters
Alek is heart-breakingly naïve as a character and it is this that makes this book work so brilliantly The only time Alek feels self-confident is when she is on stage, pretending to be someone else. She is relatable and comes across as someone you could easily know in real life. As a reader, you easily see the danger she is in, but her insecurities blind her and her obliviousness makes the message all the more powerful.
The other characters are equally well-defined. Ruben works as the antagonist of the novel – he is charming, but there is also a slightly sinister quality behind him. Megan was one of the few characters which did not feel quite real, however that fits her character quite well. Helena, however, was particular favourite, and I do wish more had been made of her character.
World/Setting
The world that this is set in is not pretty. It is dark and disturbing and it is very real. Girl Detached takes place in this world, or at least the underbelly of it. While we don’t see it all at first, bits are gradually revealed as the novel progresses until the big picture is revealed at the end. It is a disturbing picture and one which stays with you long after the book has come to an end. This is effective as by balancing the reveal with glimpses of a non-descript neighbourhood and school, Silva shows that this can happen anywhere.
Final thoughts
Girl Detached is a book which really stays with you and makes you think. It is gritty and disturbing but the wording makes it a quick and easy read. While the content is difficult, you are pulled into Alek’s story which makes it all the more frustrating to see what she is put through. The only reason this book doesn’t get 5 stars is the ending. I did not feel like it fit the rest of the book and thought it could have been done a little bit better. It is bittersweet though, and does conclude the novel fairly well.
I received a free proof copy of the book at YALC 2016.
Review
Banned books often involve fairly contentious or difficult themes. Girl Detached is no different. Banned in its native Italy and withdrawn from sale, it explores teenage grooming and prostitution. Now brought to the UK where it has been translated and published by The Bucket List (a new imprint of Barrington Stoke), Girl Detached can finally audience and reveal the disturbing truths hidden within its pages.
Summary
Girl Detached follows a teenaged girl called Alek whose life it suddenly turned upside down after her grandmother, who she lives with, dies and her theatre group receives word that it is having to close. Forced to return to the mother who left her as a baby, Alek befriends her new neighbour Megan, is introduced through Megan to the handsome Ruben and finds herself being pulled into a world she never knew existed.
Plot
In Girl Detached, Silva does a brilliant job of showing the gradual progression of Alek’s introduction into Megan’s world. The reader is introduced to the seedy underground in short bursts, each one developing in intensity as the book goes on. This is shown in parallel to other parts of Alek’s life – her insecurities, her work at the theatre and her trying to settle into her new home; all of which only adds more depth to the novel.
Characters
Alek is heart-breakingly naïve as a character and it is this that makes this book work so brilliantly The only time Alek feels self-confident is when she is on stage, pretending to be someone else. She is relatable and comes across as someone you could easily know in real life. As a reader, you easily see the danger she is in, but her insecurities blind her and her obliviousness makes the message all the more powerful.
The other characters are equally well-defined. Ruben works as the antagonist of the novel – he is charming, but there is also a slightly sinister quality behind him. Megan was one of the few characters which did not feel quite real, however that fits her character quite well. Helena, however, was particular favourite, and I do wish more had been made of her character.
World/Setting
The world that this is set in is not pretty. It is dark and disturbing and it is very real. Girl Detached takes place in this world, or at least the underbelly of it. While we don’t see it all at first, bits are gradually revealed as the novel progresses until the big picture is revealed at the end. It is a disturbing picture and one which stays with you long after the book has come to an end. This is effective as by balancing the reveal with glimpses of a non-descript neighbourhood and school, Silva shows that this can happen anywhere.
Final thoughts
Girl Detached is a book which really stays with you and makes you think. It is gritty and disturbing but the wording makes it a quick and easy read. While the content is difficult, you are pulled into Alek’s story which makes it all the more frustrating to see what she is put through. The only reason this book doesn’t get 5 stars is the ending. I did not feel like it fit the rest of the book and thought it could have been done a little bit better. It is bittersweet though, and does conclude the novel fairly well.
September 1, 2016
This review was originally posted on StrupagThe synopsis for Girl Detached drew me in immediately but if I'm honest it was the fact that this book was banned in Italy made me want to read it all the more.
Alek is a 16 year old girl. Until now she has lived with her Grandmother, but following her Gran's death she is forced to move in with her Mum and her new family. Alek was close to her Gran. She appreciated everything that her Gran did for her and gave her - even if those flannel shirts were two sizes too big.
Alek loves to act. She works with a local theatre group and finds that when she gets into character the stammer that affects her speech disappears.
Upon moving in with her Mum she makes friends with the girl next door, Megan. Megan is clearly in with the cool crowd and makes it her mission to makeover Alek. Gone are the flannel shirts and in come heels, skirts and make-up. It's through Megan that Alek meets Reuben, he's studying law, drives a nice car, comes from a family of lawyers and invites her to the theatre. However, Reuben has a role in mind for Alek, a role that she may not realise until it's too late.
This book had me completely gripped. To tell you the truth, it was an uncomfortable read in many places but it was a story I knew I had to read.
Salvi tackles some huge issues and difficult subject matter in this book. She doesn't shy away from detail, delving deeper than I had anticipated, and undoubtedly darker.
I genuinely can't decide how much detail to divulge in this post. I think part of the power of this story was that I didn't know what to expect going in. However I wouldn't feel right if I didn't forewarn you of some of the subject matter addressed in this book. So, if you want know, click that little "spoiler" section below.
While this subject matter was evidently deemed unsuitable for young adults in Salvi's native Italy, I am pleased to see such a brave, unflinching story be published in the UK. After all, the issues discussed are ones faced by young, vulnerable girls in our society. They are issues we see discussed all too frequently in the news. To me, it is right that young adults should be able to read further on the subject, particularly through a character that is relatable to many.
This is a brave, hard-hitting and incredibly important novel. It is not a light, easy read. I've no doubt that as well as raising awareness and opening up discussion on the subject, it will provide a lifeline to those who find themselves in situations similar to that of Alek.
To my mind, this is a book to admire, to provoke discussion and to engage adults young and old alike. While it is a book to be approached with a certain amount of caution, it is not a book that should be banned and hidden away. That said, I can see how the content and detail may have caused controversy in Italy. However, I have a great amount of respect for Salvi and her storytelling.
Alek is a 16 year old girl. Until now she has lived with her Grandmother, but following her Gran's death she is forced to move in with her Mum and her new family. Alek was close to her Gran. She appreciated everything that her Gran did for her and gave her - even if those flannel shirts were two sizes too big.
Alek loves to act. She works with a local theatre group and finds that when she gets into character the stammer that affects her speech disappears.
Upon moving in with her Mum she makes friends with the girl next door, Megan. Megan is clearly in with the cool crowd and makes it her mission to makeover Alek. Gone are the flannel shirts and in come heels, skirts and make-up. It's through Megan that Alek meets Reuben, he's studying law, drives a nice car, comes from a family of lawyers and invites her to the theatre. However, Reuben has a role in mind for Alek, a role that she may not realise until it's too late.
This book had me completely gripped. To tell you the truth, it was an uncomfortable read in many places but it was a story I knew I had to read.
Salvi tackles some huge issues and difficult subject matter in this book. She doesn't shy away from detail, delving deeper than I had anticipated, and undoubtedly darker.
I genuinely can't decide how much detail to divulge in this post. I think part of the power of this story was that I didn't know what to expect going in. However I wouldn't feel right if I didn't forewarn you of some of the subject matter addressed in this book. So, if you want know, click that little "spoiler" section below.
While this subject matter was evidently deemed unsuitable for young adults in Salvi's native Italy, I am pleased to see such a brave, unflinching story be published in the UK. After all, the issues discussed are ones faced by young, vulnerable girls in our society. They are issues we see discussed all too frequently in the news. To me, it is right that young adults should be able to read further on the subject, particularly through a character that is relatable to many.
This is a brave, hard-hitting and incredibly important novel. It is not a light, easy read. I've no doubt that as well as raising awareness and opening up discussion on the subject, it will provide a lifeline to those who find themselves in situations similar to that of Alek.
To my mind, this is a book to admire, to provoke discussion and to engage adults young and old alike. While it is a book to be approached with a certain amount of caution, it is not a book that should be banned and hidden away. That said, I can see how the content and detail may have caused controversy in Italy. However, I have a great amount of respect for Salvi and her storytelling.
September 5, 2016
A brutally honest story that earns every blow to the reader's heart. Salvi's story, and Muir's masterful translation, are stunning from beginning to end. This is the kind of feminist tale that should be put on high school reading lists, if not to force discussion of issues like consent, privilege, and sexual relationships, then at least as a non-condescending, non-preachy reminder that sometimes the only reason we're lonely is that we're too tied up in our own world to look around and see the friends and family in the wings, trying their hardest to help.
May 10, 2018
Aleksandra is a sixteen year old who's just lost her beloved gran and is left to live with her mum, Megan is her neighbour whom helps her by introducing her to Camilla, Dani and Kayley as well as Ruben.
Going from shy stutter sufferer though she doesn't on stage though her beloved theatre is closing down. But through it all Ruben is her new boyfriend whom she adores and as her first, is clueless to see the world she's sinking in to.
While Megan leads her into a dangerous group as girls disappear with the other guys, get bought presents of clothing and make-up and Aleks feels uncomfortable as Ruben makes her take her clothes off by drugging her with ecstasy and giving her alcohol until she can't stay awake.
As she changes her look, is failing school and was raped as she horrifically recalls her theatre friends gather her up and confront and threaten the bullying rapist and friends though they unearth a video, from that night Aleks was with them at a party.
Then they decide to get their own back and revenge on Ruben and his twisted group of so called friends, a court battle ahead with Megan finally an ally, sisters against the cruel monsters.
The book was intense, emotional turmoil for such a young teen to have to face along with so many other life changes that should be happy instead are sour after falling into the wrong crowd. A look into a life we overlook in young adult fiction as I've never read a book about this subject before. Rape and prostitution is a harrowing thing for anyone to face and go through, unimaginable but the author dealt with the subject covering all elements in a hopeful way of justice being served.
Powerful look into a dark hidden world...
Going from shy stutter sufferer though she doesn't on stage though her beloved theatre is closing down. But through it all Ruben is her new boyfriend whom she adores and as her first, is clueless to see the world she's sinking in to.
While Megan leads her into a dangerous group as girls disappear with the other guys, get bought presents of clothing and make-up and Aleks feels uncomfortable as Ruben makes her take her clothes off by drugging her with ecstasy and giving her alcohol until she can't stay awake.
As she changes her look, is failing school and was raped as she horrifically recalls her theatre friends gather her up and confront and threaten the bullying rapist and friends though they unearth a video, from that night Aleks was with them at a party.
Then they decide to get their own back and revenge on Ruben and his twisted group of so called friends, a court battle ahead with Megan finally an ally, sisters against the cruel monsters.
The book was intense, emotional turmoil for such a young teen to have to face along with so many other life changes that should be happy instead are sour after falling into the wrong crowd. A look into a life we overlook in young adult fiction as I've never read a book about this subject before. Rape and prostitution is a harrowing thing for anyone to face and go through, unimaginable but the author dealt with the subject covering all elements in a hopeful way of justice being served.
Powerful look into a dark hidden world...
February 27, 2022
Okej, wow. Jag vet inte var jag ska börja. Otroligt fångande handling och väldigt väldigt viktigt ämne. Man sympatiserar mycket med huvudkarkatären. Lite förutsägbar men ändå inte.
Spoiler: Stör mig på att man inte fick veta vad som hände med rättegången på samma gång som jag lite gillar att man inte fick veta det. Jag vet inte, jag är kluven.
Spoiler: Stör mig på att man inte fick veta vad som hände med rättegången på samma gång som jag lite gillar att man inte fick veta det. Jag vet inte, jag är kluven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
I don't know how I came to be in possession of this book. I gather its target audience is young adults, which wouldn't be a genre I'd pick up usually.
Despite this, it's a very important read. It talks of issues that are prevalent but kept shushed world-wide.
It is a VERY difficult and uncomfortable read at times, but I think it needs to be.
Despite this, it's a very important read. It talks of issues that are prevalent but kept shushed world-wide.
It is a VERY difficult and uncomfortable read at times, but I think it needs to be.
December 26, 2021
eye-opening and heartbreaking.
December 22, 2016
My interview with the author about censorship, theatre and writing:
http://inkmapsandmacarons.com/en/manu...
http://inkmapsandmacarons.com/en/manu...
September 15, 2016
Brilliantly written (and translated), this book conveys the horrors of grooming/manipulation into sexwork with a subtlety that makes it a suitable read for a YA audience without 'dumbing down' or glossing over the cruelties. It is, despite the topic, not as sexually explicit as I was expecting, although it certainly is shocking - this, I feel, is due to the narrator's innocence (she lacks the language to do this, ultimately, I suppose, and the novel is fully first-person). Ultimately, there are themes of friendship and family as well as the obvious social issues, and it genuinely is a great story that pulls you in - it's not at all a dry or tedious 'issues book'.
I found this to be, at times, a difficult read because it is clear where things are headed (to the reader - not to Aleksandra, of course) and this is upsetting. It would be a great book for a discussion group for this reason; I would have loved to have others to talk to about it while reading. If only I could teach whatever books I like at school! This would be so great for yr10/11 to discuss... Oh well, I will settle for recommending it far and wide, since it really is fantastically well done.
I found this to be, at times, a difficult read because it is clear where things are headed (to the reader - not to Aleksandra, of course) and this is upsetting. It would be a great book for a discussion group for this reason; I would have loved to have others to talk to about it while reading. If only I could teach whatever books I like at school! This would be so great for yr10/11 to discuss... Oh well, I will settle for recommending it far and wide, since it really is fantastically well done.
February 19, 2017
So obviously I am in the minority with my rating. I love the concept but the execution seemed rough. I recognize that this could be due to translation issues as unfortunately I know very little about the Italian language. I did have a hard time with what I thought were several plot holes, but once again maybe the translation got in the way? I'd be interested to know if anyone else read the same translation & if they had the same experience I had.
July 12, 2017
This book was really..... weird. I was excited to read it because it's Italian! And translated! I thought it would be cool to have a look at what Italian young adult books are like, but it was so weird. At no point ever did it describe the city they were living in, or what their day-to-day lives are like, what kind of foods they ate, all the cultural things that would be interesting to know when you're reading a book from another country! Secondly, the language was very... immature? Like very simple, almost like an MG book. I'm h0ping I can just chalk that up to the translation.
Thirdly, all of the characters had terrible parents that were just constantly yelling at each other. Maybe that's what Italian families are like but it was very one-dimensional.
Lastly, I couldn't figure out if Aleksandra was meant to have some sort of mental disorder? She's 16 but she doesn't know what a tampon is. One of her friends goes into the toilets with a boy, comes out with rumpled clothes and money, and she can't figure out what happened. It was more than naive, it was really weird.
For these reasons I just couldn't get into it or find it really believable.
Thirdly, all of the characters had terrible parents that were just constantly yelling at each other. Maybe that's what Italian families are like but it was very one-dimensional.
Lastly, I couldn't figure out if Aleksandra was meant to have some sort of mental disorder? She's 16 but she doesn't know what a tampon is. One of her friends goes into the toilets with a boy, comes out with rumpled clothes and money, and she can't figure out what happened. It was more than naive, it was really weird.
For these reasons I just couldn't get into it or find it really believable.
September 1, 2016
It's a well-written, believable and unsettling account of a vulnerable teenager getting in with the wrong crowd with disastrous consequences. It's easy to believe how quickly and simply things spiral out of control for Alek, all without her parents ever having the slightest inkling what was going on. The book was banned in Italy (it's translated from Italian) and while I think this is ludicrous, because it is an important and valuable cautionary tale for both young adults and their parents, I wouldn't really feel comfortable giving it to my own teen daughter to read because of the subject matter and its fairly graphic sexual content. It certainly shouldn't be banned though.
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
August 27, 2016
SPOILERS.
It took me quite a while to read this book, only because I grew increasingly hateful towards Reuben and knowing what would happen to Aleksandra made my blood boil. Girl Detached is important - the mechanism of child grooming and sexual trafficking, the sad reality around sexual trafficking and assault survivors (the victim is always to blame, eh), the gloomy world of forced teen prostitution, the message to all girls, boys, women and men out there (we believe you, we believe in you); all through the eyes of Aleks, which is one of the strongest young women I have read.
Thanks Manuela, and thank you The Bucket List for putting this story out there.
It took me quite a while to read this book, only because I grew increasingly hateful towards Reuben and knowing what would happen to Aleksandra made my blood boil. Girl Detached is important - the mechanism of child grooming and sexual trafficking, the sad reality around sexual trafficking and assault survivors (the victim is always to blame, eh), the gloomy world of forced teen prostitution, the message to all girls, boys, women and men out there (we believe you, we believe in you); all through the eyes of Aleks, which is one of the strongest young women I have read.
Thanks Manuela, and thank you The Bucket List for putting this story out there.
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