Caitlin O’Koren lives in the shadow of her older sister, Cass, whose sudden disappearance to run away with a boyfriend leaves their family fractured. Seeking her own identity, Caitlin begins a relationship with Rogerson Biscoe, a wealthy boy who introduces her to a lifestyle of drug use and escalating physical violence. The narrative follows Caitlin as she retreats into a detached mental state to cope with Rogerson’s volatile temper and the bruises she hides under long sleeves. She abandons her extracurricular activities and retreats from her friends, losing herself in a cycle of isolation while trying to maintain the facade of a normal suburban teenager.
This book is intended for teenage readers looking for a depiction of how domestic abuse begins and sustains itself through manipulation. Readers see the specific warning signs of a controlling partner and the difficulty of asking for help when family dynamics are already strained. The story provides a perspective on how trauma can lead to a loss of self-confidence. Readers walk away with an understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind the cycle of violence and the reality of the recovery process.
Inward-looking; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2000
- Language
- EN
