These Violent Delights

Though this is a novel, thus fiction, the subject matter that's dealt with by the main characters couldn't be more timely. A depiction of what happens when a female high school student comes forward years after being preyed upon by a male teacher, and how she is viewed by different groups of people from her professional peers, to the prestigious school's parent advisory board, and the world at large. A sadly realistic telling of how sexual abuse affects three different women in similar but also very different ways. Filled with beautifully written prose, Namkung's sophomore novel contains a divserse and interesting cast. The main character is a woman of mixed Korean ethnicity. Her race is a well drawn detail and it's refreshing to see it as a part of her identity but not the focus of the story.

Incredibly timely and eye-opening. Don't assume this book is just for women only, it rings true and makes you feel uncomfortable, but in a good way. Highly recommended.

What a great read.