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Testimony
At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices -- those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal -- that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.
Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in Testimony a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellingly explores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.
Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in Testimony a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellingly explores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
767 people are currently reading
13410 people want to read
About the author
Anita Shreve
108 books4,569 followersAnita Hale Shreve was an American writer, chiefly known for her novels. One of her first published stories, Past the Island, Drifting (published 1975), was awarded an O. Henry Prize in 1976.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,635 reviews
May 28, 2017
Such a sad but compelling story beautifully told. The first chapter is very confronting as the scene is set for what is to come. Then the author presents the sorry tale bit by bit, using each chapter for a different point of view. I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the final horrible thing that I knew must happen but when it did, the reason for it was not what I expected.
I thought it was all very thought provoking and very cleverly done. So sad that a few short, ill judged minutes could ruin so many lives yet it was also very realistic, very possible.
This was a fascinating read and I shall be looking out for more books by Anita Shreve
I thought it was all very thought provoking and very cleverly done. So sad that a few short, ill judged minutes could ruin so many lives yet it was also very realistic, very possible.
This was a fascinating read and I shall be looking out for more books by Anita Shreve
November 25, 2008
I had trouble rating this book; it is definetly a page-turner, so why only two stars? I found the storyline riveting, but the writing style took me many pages to get used to - overly simplistic at times. I also felt that it had too many frivolous descriptions; I found myself skimming to find actions, feelings, and more dialogue. During the first half of the book, I was saying, "I do not like this book at all," but as I read further, I discovered the value of it as a lesson to be learned about how one poor decision can be tremendously devastating to so many lives, and what a snowballing effect each action and reaction has. Perhaps the reality of the choices (of both the adults and the teenagers) as a sign of the times was too depressing for me! As another reviewer mentioned, I agree that this could be a useful book for a high school class discussion, but some teachers may have trouble getting through the first few pages in a classroom setting. I am usually a Shreve fan, but this one gets a three for plot; a one for style; hence, an average of two.
July 22, 2016
This was a bookclub read and would not be my usual choice in a book as I am not a fan of Anita Shreve and having read the blurb on this book thought the story sounded different and interesting.
The story is about a sex scandal involving 3 boys and one 14yr old girl and is told from the prospective of all those involved and affected by this scandal. The opening few pages shocked me and I wondered how Shreve would handle the rest of the story how in depth she would go with her characters and their reasons for their actions. But unforunatly that is about as much impact this book had on me and I was so disappointed with the developments of this story.
The story is told from several characters points of view and while I loved this idea I felt it did not work as Shreve's characters were never fully developed and as I thought I was getting to know one a little better it was on the next chapter and the next character and I was left feeling I needed more information. I think to be honest I never really cared about any of the characters to make me have any great love for the story.
I wanted answers and never seemed to get them and felt the book fell short especially on the characters of Sienna and Mikes wife.
On the plus side this novel really makes you think What If...... it was my daughter, my son, my neighbour how would I feel, how would I deal or cope with the situation, I kept thinking the whole way through the story that every action has a consequence and how you deal with the consequences can change the rest of you life and there is no going back. A very thought provoking novel and a great round the table bookclub discussion book but for me not a page turner and not enough character development and therefore a 3 star read.
The story is about a sex scandal involving 3 boys and one 14yr old girl and is told from the prospective of all those involved and affected by this scandal. The opening few pages shocked me and I wondered how Shreve would handle the rest of the story how in depth she would go with her characters and their reasons for their actions. But unforunatly that is about as much impact this book had on me and I was so disappointed with the developments of this story.
The story is told from several characters points of view and while I loved this idea I felt it did not work as Shreve's characters were never fully developed and as I thought I was getting to know one a little better it was on the next chapter and the next character and I was left feeling I needed more information. I think to be honest I never really cared about any of the characters to make me have any great love for the story.
I wanted answers and never seemed to get them and felt the book fell short especially on the characters of Sienna and Mikes wife.
On the plus side this novel really makes you think What If...... it was my daughter, my son, my neighbour how would I feel, how would I deal or cope with the situation, I kept thinking the whole way through the story that every action has a consequence and how you deal with the consequences can change the rest of you life and there is no going back. A very thought provoking novel and a great round the table bookclub discussion book but for me not a page turner and not enough character development and therefore a 3 star read.
June 7, 2015
I really enjoyed the book Testimony by Anita Shreve. Once I started reading I found it very hard to put down and finished it within 2 days.
The story revolves around Avery Academy, a small private High School where a sex scandal involving the students was captured on video tape and has shocked the small community. A retelling of the events leading up to the tragic night told by many of those directly and indirectly involved.
I was quite drawn in to the characters sadness and pain. I felt for them as their mistakes and poor decisions drastically affected them and many others.
A very well written and well paced book. I found it easy to keep up even though there were many characters with a variety of personalities. I found the characters very well developed and their voices added quite a lot to the book.
This book shows how sometimes the decisions we make can alter and impact our lives as well as many others lives forever. Anita Shreve tells a truly interesting and compelling story that has stayed with me long since I finished the book.
The story revolves around Avery Academy, a small private High School where a sex scandal involving the students was captured on video tape and has shocked the small community. A retelling of the events leading up to the tragic night told by many of those directly and indirectly involved.
I was quite drawn in to the characters sadness and pain. I felt for them as their mistakes and poor decisions drastically affected them and many others.
A very well written and well paced book. I found it easy to keep up even though there were many characters with a variety of personalities. I found the characters very well developed and their voices added quite a lot to the book.
This book shows how sometimes the decisions we make can alter and impact our lives as well as many others lives forever. Anita Shreve tells a truly interesting and compelling story that has stayed with me long since I finished the book.
December 4, 2013
I made it to page 83 and in the middle of a random paragraph asked myself "Why am I reading this?"
The writing style... flipping between characters and times... is a tad confusing. There are too many people involved, which meant I didn't give a flying leap about any of them. I suppose we're meant to feel sorry for some, but I didn't...
There are too many GREAT books out there waiting for me to read them, so I'm not going to force myself to finish this one.
The writing style... flipping between characters and times... is a tad confusing. There are too many people involved, which meant I didn't give a flying leap about any of them. I suppose we're meant to feel sorry for some, but I didn't...
There are too many GREAT books out there waiting for me to read them, so I'm not going to force myself to finish this one.
January 18, 2009
I really looked forward to reading this book, but ended up being disappointed.
I liked the plot, and I liked the idea of hearing the story from different characters' points of view, but ultimately I feel that the format caused a breakdown in the action and prevented the plot from clearly being executed. There were too many characters and descriptions that didn't do anything for the story, and too many parts that didn't fit. Two big points of contention for me were Mike and Anna's relationship, and the mystery of the cameraman. The affair between Mike and Anna felt out of place, and I think the format of the book is responsible. The individual testimonies didn't allow for the reader to sense that a relationship between Mike and Anna was developing, and for me it seemed kind of rushed and poorly explained. This was especially disappointing since the affair was the catalyst for Silas's actions. I also was disappointed because I felt that by the way characters kept wondering who the cameraman was, the identity of the cameraman was actually significant.
Overall, I liked the story but I feel it would have been better served to be told in a traditional format. The separation of all the testimonies weakened the storyline and prevented me from really caring about the characters and what happened to them.
I liked the plot, and I liked the idea of hearing the story from different characters' points of view, but ultimately I feel that the format caused a breakdown in the action and prevented the plot from clearly being executed. There were too many characters and descriptions that didn't do anything for the story, and too many parts that didn't fit. Two big points of contention for me were Mike and Anna's relationship, and the mystery of the cameraman. The affair between Mike and Anna felt out of place, and I think the format of the book is responsible. The individual testimonies didn't allow for the reader to sense that a relationship between Mike and Anna was developing, and for me it seemed kind of rushed and poorly explained. This was especially disappointing since the affair was the catalyst for Silas's actions. I also was disappointed because I felt that by the way characters kept wondering who the cameraman was, the identity of the cameraman was actually significant.
Overall, I liked the story but I feel it would have been better served to be told in a traditional format. The separation of all the testimonies weakened the storyline and prevented me from really caring about the characters and what happened to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2013
I haven't read anything by Anita Shreve before, so I didn't really know what to expect. Her writing style is pleasant enough, so it's a shame her book has me so angry that I don't want to read anything else she's written.
You know what the world really needed? Another story about how girls 'ask for it' and cause the downfall of those poor beloved student-athletes. Because there isn't enough stigma around rape victims and whether they 'cry rape' and those poor manipulated rapists.
This kind of BS is already fed to us on the regular by media, girls and women are frequently accused of making these stories of sexual assault up to... what? Ruin a guy's life? Or maybe excuse her own deviant behavior? Well, how about we acknowledge that teenage sex happens, that girls should be able to be sexual beings just like the boys, and maybe that whole shame thing can be taken out of the equation. But more importantly, why don't we acknowledge that the REAL problems here are the ACTUAL RAPES that occur far more regularly than these 'made up' rapes, and that we should maybe give the victim the benefit of the doubt since it's statistically a LOT more likely that she ISN'T LYING.
Yes, in this book, the girl is lying. The girl is also a stereotype of a nymphette and a blond bimbo gold-digging and manipulating her parents and anyone else she can get her hands on. But every other woman portrayed is a pathetic stereotype, to the point where I find it difficult to believe that Anita Shreve IS a woman and has any female friends.
Sure, it's fiction, every story gets told. But I think we hear this story all too often when a woman is assaulted - and we don't usually have 20 perspectives all clarifying just what a manipulative slut the girl was, including video to prove it! It's more often the athlete, the coach, the team, the school, the community that have all decided that he couldn't POSSIBLY have done wrong because they have a GAME to win, and a lone voice saying otherwise.
Maybe this book would have had some merit if there had been ANY indication that the author knows that she's telling the story of the anomaly and not the more common reality. A note at the end about sexual assault and date rape and an acknowledgement that rape is really the one crime we always find the VICTIM at fault for one reason or another. Even in the 'book club notes' there were no questions about this issue, no comment made in the author interview.
This book was disgusting and perpetuates the idea that rape victims are lying, were asking for it, and cannot be trusted. Fuck that, and fuck this book.
You know what the world really needed? Another story about how girls 'ask for it' and cause the downfall of those poor beloved student-athletes. Because there isn't enough stigma around rape victims and whether they 'cry rape' and those poor manipulated rapists.
This kind of BS is already fed to us on the regular by media, girls and women are frequently accused of making these stories of sexual assault up to... what? Ruin a guy's life? Or maybe excuse her own deviant behavior? Well, how about we acknowledge that teenage sex happens, that girls should be able to be sexual beings just like the boys, and maybe that whole shame thing can be taken out of the equation. But more importantly, why don't we acknowledge that the REAL problems here are the ACTUAL RAPES that occur far more regularly than these 'made up' rapes, and that we should maybe give the victim the benefit of the doubt since it's statistically a LOT more likely that she ISN'T LYING.
Yes, in this book, the girl is lying. The girl is also a stereotype of a nymphette and a blond bimbo gold-digging and manipulating her parents and anyone else she can get her hands on. But every other woman portrayed is a pathetic stereotype, to the point where I find it difficult to believe that Anita Shreve IS a woman and has any female friends.
Sure, it's fiction, every story gets told. But I think we hear this story all too often when a woman is assaulted - and we don't usually have 20 perspectives all clarifying just what a manipulative slut the girl was, including video to prove it! It's more often the athlete, the coach, the team, the school, the community that have all decided that he couldn't POSSIBLY have done wrong because they have a GAME to win, and a lone voice saying otherwise.
Maybe this book would have had some merit if there had been ANY indication that the author knows that she's telling the story of the anomaly and not the more common reality. A note at the end about sexual assault and date rape and an acknowledgement that rape is really the one crime we always find the VICTIM at fault for one reason or another. Even in the 'book club notes' there were no questions about this issue, no comment made in the author interview.
This book was disgusting and perpetuates the idea that rape victims are lying, were asking for it, and cannot be trusted. Fuck that, and fuck this book.
June 27, 2015
Although I've read many books that alternate between narrators, I found this one a little confusing at first. The first few chapters seem to jump around a lot, but it doesn't take too long to get used to the style.
This was a very interesting book and I liked how it showed the event from so many different angles. However, at the same time I also found that with so many voices involved, some of the characters got a little lost in the shuffle. It would have been nice to hear more from certain key people (Sienna, for example. In fact, it was a bit disappointing how little Sienna was in the book, as her view of the event would have been one of the most interesting). At times, it felt like there were too many characters that were unnecessary and that overshadowed some of the main players.
What I actually found most interesting was that the book didn't really focus on the event itself. Instead, it focused entirely on the aftermath and how that was experienced by everyone. Through all the shifting narration, the reader is essentially left to work through what happened in the same confused manner as the characters, and decide which "side" to take.
The book brought up some very important issues about teenage relationships, consent, etc. There seemed to be a few plot threads that were emphasized and then given little attention, which was a bit confusing. Ultimately though, it is a story about actions and their consequences and how even one event can alter people's lives. If nothing else, the story really shows how a life can be defined by one poor decision and how the consequences of it can radiate and affect so many others.
This was a very interesting book and I liked how it showed the event from so many different angles. However, at the same time I also found that with so many voices involved, some of the characters got a little lost in the shuffle. It would have been nice to hear more from certain key people (Sienna, for example. In fact, it was a bit disappointing how little Sienna was in the book, as her view of the event would have been one of the most interesting). At times, it felt like there were too many characters that were unnecessary and that overshadowed some of the main players.
What I actually found most interesting was that the book didn't really focus on the event itself. Instead, it focused entirely on the aftermath and how that was experienced by everyone. Through all the shifting narration, the reader is essentially left to work through what happened in the same confused manner as the characters, and decide which "side" to take.
The book brought up some very important issues about teenage relationships, consent, etc. There seemed to be a few plot threads that were emphasized and then given little attention, which was a bit confusing. Ultimately though, it is a story about actions and their consequences and how even one event can alter people's lives. If nothing else, the story really shows how a life can be defined by one poor decision and how the consequences of it can radiate and affect so many others.
March 30, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Sexting...this story is taken right from today's headlines...
This review is from: Testimony: A Novel (Hardcover)
This was a sad but interesting novel about 3 boys who were caught on videotape committing various activities that were labeled a sex crime because the girl involved was only 14 and the boys were 18 and 19 years old. The scandal and resultant fallout from the event affects the young female victim, the boys, their families and friends, the students, as well as the entire community of Avery where the private school is located.
The disconcerting thing about the book was that it was told from many different points of view and sometimes was confusing as it went back and forth in time. Those changing voices also reflect the fact that perspective is everything when looking back at an event or situation. The characters in the story all suffer in various ways as the boys face the consequences of their drunken night of debauchery.
No matter how you feel about teens, alcohol, and sexual activity - it becomes clear that when those three exist in combination there will be tragedy and innocent victims resulting from those poor choices.
UPDATE -- I have used this book for my upper level high school book club that had both female and male members. It was so interesting to hear their thoughts about everything that happened in the book and which characters they identified with, the ones they hated -- and why, and how they felt about the consequences and conclusions.
RIP Anita Shreve 3-29-18
This review is from: Testimony: A Novel (Hardcover)
This was a sad but interesting novel about 3 boys who were caught on videotape committing various activities that were labeled a sex crime because the girl involved was only 14 and the boys were 18 and 19 years old. The scandal and resultant fallout from the event affects the young female victim, the boys, their families and friends, the students, as well as the entire community of Avery where the private school is located.
The disconcerting thing about the book was that it was told from many different points of view and sometimes was confusing as it went back and forth in time. Those changing voices also reflect the fact that perspective is everything when looking back at an event or situation. The characters in the story all suffer in various ways as the boys face the consequences of their drunken night of debauchery.
No matter how you feel about teens, alcohol, and sexual activity - it becomes clear that when those three exist in combination there will be tragedy and innocent victims resulting from those poor choices.
UPDATE -- I have used this book for my upper level high school book club that had both female and male members. It was so interesting to hear their thoughts about everything that happened in the book and which characters they identified with, the ones they hated -- and why, and how they felt about the consequences and conclusions.
RIP Anita Shreve 3-29-18
January 2, 2009
I wasn't at all sure I was going to finish reading this book when I first started it. The idea of a graphic sex scandal involving a very young teen did not appeal to me. I hate reading about that stuff. I ordered it just because it was a new Anita Shreve, not even really paying attention or caring about the premise. This author always manages to draw me in with her writing, however, and this book was no exception. Within the first few chapters I was hooked and stayed that way. The graphic stuff is dealt with in the beginning and the rest of the book deals with the fallout. This isn't just a book about a boarding school sex scandal. It's a book which shows just how far-reaching the acts of an individual or individuals can be. Instead of one narrator, there is a myriad of them. Though that might seem confusing, it isn't. It is a brilliant way to get the point across that life's ripple effect is broad and repercussions may be incalcuable. It is a sad, sad book and not for what may seem the obvious reasons. Well worth the read.
November 15, 2021
2,5 / 5
Klişe ama gideri olan konusu, orta karar kurgusu olan bir kitaptı. Ancak çok fazla karakterin ağzından, geçmiş şimdiki zaman karışık kullanıldığı ve biraz da uzatıldığı için çoğunlukla sıkıldım okurken.
Klişe ama gideri olan konusu, orta karar kurgusu olan bir kitaptı. Ancak çok fazla karakterin ağzından, geçmiş şimdiki zaman karışık kullanıldığı ve biraz da uzatıldığı için çoğunlukla sıkıldım okurken.
November 17, 2008
This one's a definite sleep stealer. I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. to finish it, then couldn't get to sleep for thinking about it! It's quite a departure from Shreve's usual style and content, so give it a try even if you think you don't care for her work.
The story revolves around some drunken sexual antics in a boarding school dorm room that are caught on video tape.
Shreve uses a large number of voices or points of view, which has the potential to be cumbersome. I thought she handled it very deftly, and the style works for this story.
Taken as a whole, the book explores how different people view the same shameful event. Some are cavalier, some blame themselves, some want to blame others, and some just want to use scandal to further their own goals. Some people are able to pay for their mistakes and then move on with their lives, whereas others use this one misfortune to define the rest of their lives with regret and inaction.
I found the conclusion very satisfying and plausible.
The story revolves around some drunken sexual antics in a boarding school dorm room that are caught on video tape.
Shreve uses a large number of voices or points of view, which has the potential to be cumbersome. I thought she handled it very deftly, and the style works for this story.
Taken as a whole, the book explores how different people view the same shameful event. Some are cavalier, some blame themselves, some want to blame others, and some just want to use scandal to further their own goals. Some people are able to pay for their mistakes and then move on with their lives, whereas others use this one misfortune to define the rest of their lives with regret and inaction.
I found the conclusion very satisfying and plausible.
March 24, 2011
Finished a while ago. I liked it. Very good, very readable, inherently depressing, ultimately satisfying.
December 2, 2008
I had high hopes for such a compelling plot, but I was ultimately disappointed. The structure was appealing: chapters are the voices of alternating characters and members of the community touched by this prestigious high school sex scandal. This structure also created a building momentum, and I was waiting and waiting for bigger revelations, but the twists and turns were obvious, and in the places where the author had room to startle the reader, she just seemed to fall flat.
March 15, 2020
Three older star basketball players at a fancy private high school have sex with a drunken 14-year-old girl. A video recording surfaces. Lives are destroyed. The book sucked me in and held my attention. But two major problems made me dislike it. The event that triggered the “good” boy to participate in the gang rape certainly could have been believable, but the author never established why it would send him off the deep end. More problematic was the victim. Having her be a shallow “slut” — there’s no better way to describe how she’s portrayed — could've been an interesting jumping off point for discussions of consent, pressures on girls to be sexy but virginal, etc. But the author does nothing with the character except, from the very beginning, make the reader hate her for destroying the lives of these boys who had so much potential. (The author seems to be channeling a misogynist here. Another female character also gives into her lust and destroys everyone around her, too. And a third main female character is a ball-busting nag.) Perhaps I could've lived with the victim being stupid and materialistic but then when the plot needed her to be, she was cunning and manipulative. The book did help me understand why schools rally around rapists, though. It’s all about protecting tuition fees and alumni donations. Bechdel test: fail.
November 28, 2010
The first chapter is pretty graphic but you have to get through it to understand the rest of the book. The chapters are told from the perspective of different people involved in a sex scandal at a prep school in Vermont. You learn how this scandal affects people in different ways, and in the end you wonder how it could have been prevented. I think this would make parents think twice about shipping off their teenagers to a high school many miles away from home -- who's really watching them and are they really mature enough to be on their own at ages 14-19? But then one of the students was not a "boarder," he lived right there in town with his parents, yet that did not help him at all, as the story evolves. Very thought-provoking book and another winner by Shreve!
September 30, 2025
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qg72...
Uma surpresa das boas. Narrado a várias vozes, cada capítulo mostra como um único momento pode rebentar a vida de tanta gente. Passado num colégio americano, com o escândalo de uma cassete que muda tudo, o livro expõe fraquezas, hipocrisia e arrependimentos que duram décadas.
Fez-me lembrar a Jodi Picoult pela forma como equilibra drama humano e dilemas morais.
Uma surpresa das boas. Narrado a várias vozes, cada capítulo mostra como um único momento pode rebentar a vida de tanta gente. Passado num colégio americano, com o escândalo de uma cassete que muda tudo, o livro expõe fraquezas, hipocrisia e arrependimentos que duram décadas.
Fez-me lembrar a Jodi Picoult pela forma como equilibra drama humano e dilemas morais.
October 24, 2008
I've read a few of Anita Shreve's novels and liked them. Testimony was no different. It's a very powerful story that grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you hooked to the end.
The beginning of the novel introduces us to a devastating videotape that involves two boys 18 years old, one boy 19 years old and a very young girl, aged 14. The tape shows them involved in very explicit sexual acts. They are all very clearly drunk. This tape ends up falling into the headmaster's hands and he scrambles to keep it contained within the Academy's walls. However, this doesn't happen and from that point on everything spirals out of control.
The story is told in the form of testimony, hence the title of the book. This testimony comes from several different people from the man who sold alcohol to teens to the cafeteria staff and to those more intimately involved and finally on to those who committed the offense.
The boys involved all played on the school basketball team and were all very talented. They were to go on to college. They all came from decent enough homes. So this brings us to the question of how does this kind of thing happen? Is it something inherently wrong with the boys? Is it their upbringing? Or, was it instigated by the young girl as there will always be people who question this?
I felt of all the characters Silas truly felt disgusted with himself over what had happened. He couldn't come to terms with it. His mother Anna and something she does is really a catalyst for all that happens. Not that anything could justify these horrendous acts but it really goes to show us how one act in a person's life can have devastating effects on others and spiral into one disaster after another for so many others including themselves.
I found one section in the book that has stayed with me so I'd like to share it...
"A single action can cause a life to veer off in a direction it was never meant to go. Falling in love can do that, you think. And so can a wild party. You marvel at the way each has the power to forever alter an individual's compass. And it is the knowing that such a thing can so easily happen, as you did not know before, not really, that has fundamentally changed you..." ---page 277
The only complaint I would have with this novel is the way it was written in testimony. I didn't feel as if I really got to connect with anyone enough. That being said it is a gripping story and I read it quickly. Again, the story does contain sexual content and difficult subject matter so for some that may not be appealing.
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspo...
The beginning of the novel introduces us to a devastating videotape that involves two boys 18 years old, one boy 19 years old and a very young girl, aged 14. The tape shows them involved in very explicit sexual acts. They are all very clearly drunk. This tape ends up falling into the headmaster's hands and he scrambles to keep it contained within the Academy's walls. However, this doesn't happen and from that point on everything spirals out of control.
The story is told in the form of testimony, hence the title of the book. This testimony comes from several different people from the man who sold alcohol to teens to the cafeteria staff and to those more intimately involved and finally on to those who committed the offense.
The boys involved all played on the school basketball team and were all very talented. They were to go on to college. They all came from decent enough homes. So this brings us to the question of how does this kind of thing happen? Is it something inherently wrong with the boys? Is it their upbringing? Or, was it instigated by the young girl as there will always be people who question this?
I felt of all the characters Silas truly felt disgusted with himself over what had happened. He couldn't come to terms with it. His mother Anna and something she does is really a catalyst for all that happens. Not that anything could justify these horrendous acts but it really goes to show us how one act in a person's life can have devastating effects on others and spiral into one disaster after another for so many others including themselves.
I found one section in the book that has stayed with me so I'd like to share it...
"A single action can cause a life to veer off in a direction it was never meant to go. Falling in love can do that, you think. And so can a wild party. You marvel at the way each has the power to forever alter an individual's compass. And it is the knowing that such a thing can so easily happen, as you did not know before, not really, that has fundamentally changed you..." ---page 277
The only complaint I would have with this novel is the way it was written in testimony. I didn't feel as if I really got to connect with anyone enough. That being said it is a gripping story and I read it quickly. Again, the story does contain sexual content and difficult subject matter so for some that may not be appealing.
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspo...
June 14, 2017
Anita Shreve has done it again. Each time I pick up one of her books it's a brand new experience; a completely unpredictable and entertaining experience. It feels as though she's reinvented her style with each book. Testimony was no exception. Told through the voices of 23 different characters - yes 23 - with snippets of information delivered in seemingly random order, and primarily in the third person I can't believe how well it worked. Somehow she gave distinctive voices to each character, the story was compelling and it became so personal I felt tearful on a couple of occasions.
The story revolved around the discovery of a sex tape made by students at a private school in Vermont. Each of the 23 characters were involved in some way whether the headmaster of the school, the parents of the students involved in the incident, the students themselves, journalists, police, the lady in the dining room at the school and so forth. I especially liked the way Shreve focussed on how one incident could have such significant repercussions and as she wrote "...you wonder how the events of one night ....can change the lives of so many people forever"......"A single action can cause a life to veer off in a direction it was never meant to go. Falling in love can do that, you think. And so can a wild party. You marvel at the way each has the power to forever alter an individual's compass." Instead of trying to make a moralistic judgement call on the incident itself she showed the ways people were affected, the way some people rightly or wrongly carried the burden of guilt whilst others were easily able to cast their guilt aside.
Earlier I commented that Testimony was not one of my favourite Anita Shreve titles but I'm retracting that statement. This thought provoking novel was right up there with the best and I'm sure I'll continue to consider it one of her more memorable titles.
The story revolved around the discovery of a sex tape made by students at a private school in Vermont. Each of the 23 characters were involved in some way whether the headmaster of the school, the parents of the students involved in the incident, the students themselves, journalists, police, the lady in the dining room at the school and so forth. I especially liked the way Shreve focussed on how one incident could have such significant repercussions and as she wrote "...you wonder how the events of one night ....can change the lives of so many people forever"......"A single action can cause a life to veer off in a direction it was never meant to go. Falling in love can do that, you think. And so can a wild party. You marvel at the way each has the power to forever alter an individual's compass." Instead of trying to make a moralistic judgement call on the incident itself she showed the ways people were affected, the way some people rightly or wrongly carried the burden of guilt whilst others were easily able to cast their guilt aside.
Earlier I commented that Testimony was not one of my favourite Anita Shreve titles but I'm retracting that statement. This thought provoking novel was right up there with the best and I'm sure I'll continue to consider it one of her more memorable titles.
August 7, 2013
What a page-turner! This whole story is told from multiple perspectives and each chapter is a different voice in this story. I loved how the chapters represented different emotions and told the story one step at a time using multiple voices. It was a great way to develop the characters. I was attached to many of them and deeply rooting for them, all the while knowing that it wasn't going to wrap up with a happy ending.
Avery Academy is a private school in the outskirts of Vermont, gearing students up for Ivy league colleges, and getting envy worthy careers in the world. One night, one decision changes the fate of every character and every student at Avery. Controversial subject: a sex tape is found on campus with multiple students from the basketball team, and a fourteen year old girl. The headmaster makes a quick decision on how to deal with this and the aftermath plays out in this novel. Marriages end, relationships sever, futures destroyed.
Couldn't put this one down.
Avery Academy is a private school in the outskirts of Vermont, gearing students up for Ivy league colleges, and getting envy worthy careers in the world. One night, one decision changes the fate of every character and every student at Avery. Controversial subject: a sex tape is found on campus with multiple students from the basketball team, and a fourteen year old girl. The headmaster makes a quick decision on how to deal with this and the aftermath plays out in this novel. Marriages end, relationships sever, futures destroyed.
Couldn't put this one down.
August 5, 2008
I was lucky enough to get a galley of this book, and I zipped right through it. It's likely inspired by the Duke Lacrosse scandal, as it revolves around a similar scandal at an upscale New Hampshire prep school. The chapters are told from the various points of view of the people involved, from the basketball players, parents, alleged victim, friends, and school administrators. The story moves very quickly and definitely makes the point that every story has multiple interpretations and how the actions of the few can impact the many. I generally like Shreve's historical stories better than the contemporary ones, but I really did like this one.
May 25, 2008
I am a sucker for a boarding school book. And this one has it all. Scandal, scandal, scandal. Great for a plane or a beach or anyone who can't resist snowy high school drama.
March 12, 2013
It is the first Anita Shreve I read and it was a book that travels. It landed at our place, left by a guest. So it was not a book I would normally buy and did not know what to expect. The private school sex scandal, starting the book in graphic detail almost had me put it down. It was not my kind of book at all. But then the story pulled me in. The different characters relate their involvement one by one in each chapter and although it was annoying in the beginning, it soon made sense.
Although the taped sex scandal was the main issue in the book - who should be blamed, who was really guilty or innocent, it soon becomes clear that it was only the trigger that set off a multitude of 'endings' to pre-existing problems swirling around below the surface which ultimately results in death, divorce, and lost opportunities.
It is really a remarkable book because at the end nobody could be found not-guilty. It is a brilliant constructed book about the effect one instant in time can destroy a lifetime afterwards and shook an entire community - not only one person.
The reader is left with the question 'What would have happened if the egocentric J Dot did not want a tape of himself to upload to YouTube?' What a huge difference it would have made in so many lives! And Silas: how different would the outcome for him would have been if he responded differently to betrayal in his life. It counts for everyone involved.
In the end I wanted to cry for them all. This book should change the mindset about prejudice, ignorance, and whatever inspires gossip to focus on one culprit instead of considering the complete picture. 'It doesn't matter how flat a pancake is, there's always two sides to it' - Dr. Phil. And the myth that there is always a good guy and a bad guy in a story is blown to pieces. You just won't find those goodies and baddies in this book however hard you try to succeed. Excellent book!
Although the taped sex scandal was the main issue in the book - who should be blamed, who was really guilty or innocent, it soon becomes clear that it was only the trigger that set off a multitude of 'endings' to pre-existing problems swirling around below the surface which ultimately results in death, divorce, and lost opportunities.
It is really a remarkable book because at the end nobody could be found not-guilty. It is a brilliant constructed book about the effect one instant in time can destroy a lifetime afterwards and shook an entire community - not only one person.
The reader is left with the question 'What would have happened if the egocentric J Dot did not want a tape of himself to upload to YouTube?' What a huge difference it would have made in so many lives! And Silas: how different would the outcome for him would have been if he responded differently to betrayal in his life. It counts for everyone involved.
In the end I wanted to cry for them all. This book should change the mindset about prejudice, ignorance, and whatever inspires gossip to focus on one culprit instead of considering the complete picture. 'It doesn't matter how flat a pancake is, there's always two sides to it' - Dr. Phil. And the myth that there is always a good guy and a bad guy in a story is blown to pieces. You just won't find those goodies and baddies in this book however hard you try to succeed. Excellent book!
June 10, 2017
Had high hopes, but was left incredibly disappointed. Ultimately, the message that this book promotes is that the girl was at fault for her statutory rape. From one chapter detailing the victim's apparent "promiscuous" nature to multiple chapters devoted to describing one of the perpetrator's earnestness and Catholic beliefs, the author does a stellar job of shifting the blame to the victim. Many of Shreve's characters share this view; their sexism is apparent in the way they manage to effectively slut-shame the victim while simultaneously glorifying the rapists as dedicated students or basketball stars -- which, I should mention, has nothing to do with one's ability to rape another person.
I couldn't even get through the book; it was so ridiculous. Even if all participants are consensual, statutory rape is STILL RAPE.
Furthermore, as someone who's attended a private boarding school with its fair share of drug and sex scandals, this book relies heavily on stereotypes and buys into the stigma associated with such events. The format and writing style also aren't my favorite. Perspectives jump around too much and without context of the character's role in the story. The slang and changing timeline of each chapter also make it difficult for the reader to keep track of the narrative.
Overall, do not recommend. There are better books out there that actually address the issue of rape culture on campus and take the time to make a meaningful observation about it, instead of sacrificing rape victims for a story.
I couldn't even get through the book; it was so ridiculous. Even if all participants are consensual, statutory rape is STILL RAPE.
Furthermore, as someone who's attended a private boarding school with its fair share of drug and sex scandals, this book relies heavily on stereotypes and buys into the stigma associated with such events. The format and writing style also aren't my favorite. Perspectives jump around too much and without context of the character's role in the story. The slang and changing timeline of each chapter also make it difficult for the reader to keep track of the narrative.
Overall, do not recommend. There are better books out there that actually address the issue of rape culture on campus and take the time to make a meaningful observation about it, instead of sacrificing rape victims for a story.
October 18, 2012
Definitely just an ok read. It was quick. Margins were wide and lots of space between the lines. Some reviewer of a different book saw this as a sign that a book of little substance was somehow being made to appear larger. Surely applies to this book. The chapter format was annoying; too many changes from first person to narrator to whatever. The entire premise was bogus: two years after a some kids at a private school are caught up in a sex scandal, a researcher contacts various individuals who had knowledge of the event and chronicals their take on the events leading up to and following the scandal. The only redeeming part of the book was the sobering message that your life, your future can turn on a dime, sometimes because of events that aren't even your fault and sometimes because they are your fault.
August 11, 2017
UGH UGH UGH
The female characters in this book are weak, mean, vindictive, and/or manipulative (sometimes all of the aforementioned) the male characters are mostly all stoic and well-meaning, despite some of them being rapists. Overly preachy, blames the victim, and is the epitome of "boys will be boys". Ewwww.
The female characters in this book are weak, mean, vindictive, and/or manipulative (sometimes all of the aforementioned) the male characters are mostly all stoic and well-meaning, despite some of them being rapists. Overly preachy, blames the victim, and is the epitome of "boys will be boys". Ewwww.
November 18, 2021
This is an extremely disappointing book in everyway. Shreve, whose books I normally enjoy, stereotypes a 14-year-old girl as a slutty bimbo who ruins the lives of three high school boys by seducing them and lying about it. It looks at all of the lives that are ruined by this incident, where seemingly most everyone is innocent or fairly innocent except this despicable 14 year old. Seriously? WTAF??
In the world in which we live, when a young lady has the courage to turn in a guy for date rape, college dorm rape, drugged rape, etc., they experience the most abusive and shameful treatment and victimization. They young man often makes up stories about how she seduced him, how she was willing, how it was all her fault. So she wrote a story with this as the truth situation? This really really makes me lose respect for her. Does she hate women? Why would you write a story like this, to portray the exception to the rule in the most hurtful possible way? You can write a story about how making a mistake can really hurt other people. I refer back to the case of Brock Turner Stanford University. Turner, age 20 was caught in the act of raping an intoxicated young woman. His father said his son should not be punished harshly for just 20 minutes of action. Again completely disgusting and despicable attitude yet that is what is mirrored here by Anita Shreve. So completely disappointing. From learning about rape cases, we know that it is rarely 20 minutes of action or a one time. When people turn these rapists in, many other people come forward and we find out it is a pattern of behavior.
I sincerely hope that Shreve donated any monies she received in royalties from this disgusting book to a women's shelter. Please don't try to set women back another 50 years. I am so sad after reading this book that you took this position of turning this 14 year old girl into an unredeemable seductress who ruined countless lives, and seemed to learn little from it. Shame on you, Ms. Shreve.
In the world in which we live, when a young lady has the courage to turn in a guy for date rape, college dorm rape, drugged rape, etc., they experience the most abusive and shameful treatment and victimization. They young man often makes up stories about how she seduced him, how she was willing, how it was all her fault. So she wrote a story with this as the truth situation? This really really makes me lose respect for her. Does she hate women? Why would you write a story like this, to portray the exception to the rule in the most hurtful possible way? You can write a story about how making a mistake can really hurt other people. I refer back to the case of Brock Turner Stanford University. Turner, age 20 was caught in the act of raping an intoxicated young woman. His father said his son should not be punished harshly for just 20 minutes of action. Again completely disgusting and despicable attitude yet that is what is mirrored here by Anita Shreve. So completely disappointing. From learning about rape cases, we know that it is rarely 20 minutes of action or a one time. When people turn these rapists in, many other people come forward and we find out it is a pattern of behavior.
I sincerely hope that Shreve donated any monies she received in royalties from this disgusting book to a women's shelter. Please don't try to set women back another 50 years. I am so sad after reading this book that you took this position of turning this 14 year old girl into an unredeemable seductress who ruined countless lives, and seemed to learn little from it. Shame on you, Ms. Shreve.
November 10, 2008
In a small Vermont village, most-known for its private boarding school for the privileged children of the wealthy, and some who are there on scholarships, a scandal is brewing.
We see the story unveiled, piece by piece, in the voices of the participants. First we learn of a tape, discovered by Mike Bordwin, the headmaster of Avery Academy. It is a sex tape and it reveals the activities of some of the best and brightest – along with the unfortunate appearance on the tape of a fourteen-year-old girl – which makes the action unlawful in the state of Vermont.
Next, we find Ellen, the mother of one of the boys, receiving a disturbing phone call, followed by a headlong rush to Avery, to learn more about her son’s misdeeds.
Over the next several chapters, the voices include the boys, the parents, the girl, the girl friend of one of the boys, the law enforcement officials, and even journalists and researchers – all eager to peek behind the scenes and uncover the antecedents to the behavior of these adolescents on one horrible night in January.
In cleverly paced story-telling, the author peels back the layers until finally, at the very end, we see how the events began – or so it would seem – with one illicit action between two adults, which set a chain of subsequent events into play.
Intriguing, suspenseful and haunting, this tale reveals how simple desire and need can lead to transgressions with consequences that seemingly unfold over the indefinite future.
This book is Anita Shreve at her best.
We see the story unveiled, piece by piece, in the voices of the participants. First we learn of a tape, discovered by Mike Bordwin, the headmaster of Avery Academy. It is a sex tape and it reveals the activities of some of the best and brightest – along with the unfortunate appearance on the tape of a fourteen-year-old girl – which makes the action unlawful in the state of Vermont.
Next, we find Ellen, the mother of one of the boys, receiving a disturbing phone call, followed by a headlong rush to Avery, to learn more about her son’s misdeeds.
Over the next several chapters, the voices include the boys, the parents, the girl, the girl friend of one of the boys, the law enforcement officials, and even journalists and researchers – all eager to peek behind the scenes and uncover the antecedents to the behavior of these adolescents on one horrible night in January.
In cleverly paced story-telling, the author peels back the layers until finally, at the very end, we see how the events began – or so it would seem – with one illicit action between two adults, which set a chain of subsequent events into play.
Intriguing, suspenseful and haunting, this tale reveals how simple desire and need can lead to transgressions with consequences that seemingly unfold over the indefinite future.
This book is Anita Shreve at her best.
November 14, 2017
Wow. If there was ever a book we really, really didn't need, it's one about men's lives being "ruined" by women's sexuality (especially when one of the "women" is a fourteen year old girl!!!).
I'm...shocked by this book, but definitely not in the way the author intended for me to be shocked. I have read several Anita Shreve novels and at least mildly enjoyed all of them (loved some of them), but this was just...awful, well-written, of course, but honestly, damaging.
I think the thing that I hated the absolute most was that so, so many excuses were made for the men's behavior (and I say men, because, although the author argues all along that some of these men are "boys" and even in the interview published at the end of the book lumps 13-20 year olds all in the same category, all of the male participants of both sex scandals are at least 18), but the women are, seemingly, unredeemable. Oh, well, something really bad happened to one of the boys, or they were drunk, or they just couldn't help themselves. The women, however, are portrayed as cold, calculating and single-minded in their desire, and it is that single-minded desire that ruins these "good" men.
Just...gross. We already live in a victim-blaming, sexual assault non-believing world. Don't try to make me feel sorry for smart, rich, white, ADULT sex offenders.
I'm...shocked by this book, but definitely not in the way the author intended for me to be shocked. I have read several Anita Shreve novels and at least mildly enjoyed all of them (loved some of them), but this was just...awful, well-written, of course, but honestly, damaging.
I think the thing that I hated the absolute most was that so, so many excuses were made for the men's behavior (and I say men, because, although the author argues all along that some of these men are "boys" and even in the interview published at the end of the book lumps 13-20 year olds all in the same category, all of the male participants of both sex scandals are at least 18), but the women are, seemingly, unredeemable. Oh, well, something really bad happened to one of the boys, or they were drunk, or they just couldn't help themselves. The women, however, are portrayed as cold, calculating and single-minded in their desire, and it is that single-minded desire that ruins these "good" men.
Just...gross. We already live in a victim-blaming, sexual assault non-believing world. Don't try to make me feel sorry for smart, rich, white, ADULT sex offenders.
May 21, 2020
2012 view: Very good… set in a New England private boarding school… a butterfly effect style tale sees a small incident ultimately lead to the decimation of an entire community. Inventively written with each chapter from the viewpoint of one of the many characters. 8 out of 12
2009 view: On the face of it a 'shock' tale of an orgy at a boarding school involving a minor. The book tells the tale of the video tape(!), and the repercussions and causes, as taken from the viewpoints of over 20 different characters! 6 out of 12.
2009 view: On the face of it a 'shock' tale of an orgy at a boarding school involving a minor. The book tells the tale of the video tape(!), and the repercussions and causes, as taken from the viewpoints of over 20 different characters! 6 out of 12.
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