Testimony:
A Novel
, by Anita Shreve (A Multicast Production)
Place this book on your "must read"
list. It is a very absorbing story told in an unusual
manner. Each character describes his or her role in
the scandal that rocked Avery Academy, a private school
in Vermont. This one incident ruins so many lives and
ultimately takes the life of one individual. The headmaster
of the school begins Chapter One -- titled "Mike"
-- with his reaction to a video tape that is sent to
him. Upon viewing the video, the headmaster is shocked
to see three of his top students, 18-year-old seniors
Silas and Rob, and J-Dot, a post graduate, drunkenly
involved in sex acts with a young female. Mike observes
that the girl is not only a willing participant, but
seems to be the leader. However, the boys are the ones
who are going to be in the most trouble, because the
girl is a 14-year-old freshman. Mike is especially shocked
that Silas, a local student, is involved. Everyone knows
that he and Noelle, a gifted musician, are a devoted
couple with plans for a future together. Then Mike remembers
that the day before the incident, Silas had returned
home from school an hour earlier than usual. He must
have known something was wrong when he saw Mike's car
in the driveway, and, on entering the house, saw neither
his mother nor Mike. Could Silas' deviant behavior be
a reaction to a situation Mike had caused?
As noted, each chapter is a named for a
character and that person tells of his or her involvement
in and the after effects of the incident. Their stories
interrelate and dovetail, leading to an conclusion which
shows how the consequences of one act can affect so
many others and can ruin so many lives. This book is
a departure for Anita Shreve, whose main characters
are usually women who interact with a limited number
of other characters. In addition to the unique approach
of being told from multiple points of view, this audio
book is narrated by a cast of more than a dozen readers.
It makes the turmoil each character experiences as a
result of the incident even more convincing.
The story is heartrending and conveys a
message about the dangers of the use of alcohol in secondary
schools, both private and public. It also explores the
concept of privilege, whether due to wealth, ability
or birth. Anita Shreve has once more created a touching
account of real people in ordinary circumstances, reminding
us that no one is immune to unexpected tragedy and that
seemingly innocent actions can have devastating consequences
for a wide circle of people.
John
Mormon
12/22/09
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