Wow, this one is so good and so relevant. Holly returns home to Liverpool in 1993 after a term at Oxford, where she was raped. She tells only one friend about the rape, and feels a failure “for being unable to communicate something so crucial-the fact she did not want her body to be invaded by another-adequately.” Twenty three years later, Holly’s rapist is a government minister accused of rape by a woman he was having an affair with, and she is the only one who knows how utterly capable of it he is. The subsequent trial highlights just how nigh impossible it is for a jury to believe a rape allegation in the context of a broken relationship and a charming defendant who has, and has always had, the establishment on his side. There is so much in this book about sexual politics, power, entitlement, messy relationships and the vulnerability and strength of women that rings true. Every woman will be able to relate to some aspect of it. It’s also an excellent courtroom drama. Put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and read it, now. Time’s up, people.
