Are You in the House Alone?
by Richard Peck
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Book Summary Information
Author: Richard PeckEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2000-04-01
ISBN: 0141306939
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Puffin
Book Reviews of Are You in the House Alone?
Book Review: "There Are More Phils Out There"
Summary: 4 Stars
Yes, the book is dated. It was published in 1976, and it shows. But Richard Peck did a commendable job writing a book aimed at teens dealing with a serious issue, which has sadly become more prevalent in recent years. The fact that the protagonist, Gail, is intimately involved with her boyfriend, Steve (of whom her parents disapprove), is something that, in that day and age, would rank against her after she is raped by Phil Lawver, the boyfriend of her close chum, Alison. Because the boy is the son of the most prominent family in town, Gail and her parents feel that they could never go up against his wealth and influence.
Gail begins receiving threatening and perverted notes at school and anonymous, threatening phone calls whenever she's alone, whether at home or babysitting. Not knowing who turn to, she receives no help from Alison, who chooses to look away. One night she is attacked by Phil, and her attorney, who is clearly on her side, but is fully aware with the law and legal tactics of the time, tells her what she's up against if she should choose to go to trial. The dated material surfaces here, because in this day and age, a victim's sexual history is no longer admissable in court, thanks to rape shield laws. Gail, however, has no such option. It's her word against his. There were no witnesses. She was not a virgin. The attacker did not force his way in. (She let him in because she knew him). However, how she deals with the turmoil as she physically recovers, returns to school and battles to keep control of her life is the real eye-opener. She sees things far more clearly than she did before. And she has an unexpected ally in her drama teacher, Madame Malevich. It also becomes clear that Phil is not going to stop when another teenage girl is assualted and left for dead. Gail helps Alison come to her senses. But still, as far as we know, Phil is not really punished. By the book's conclusion, he is gone from town, but no one knows except for rumors swirling.
Again, the statement the book is bringing up again and again is why the law protects the rapist and not the victim. How is the victim to blame? How is the perpetrator allowed all the rights, while his victims have none? I did find it especially powerful when Gail's lawyer tells her that she did nothing to deserve what happened to her. Although we have come a long way since Are You In The House Alone appeared on the bookshelves, some attitudes toward rape have not changed. Perhaps reading this novel will enlighten some people. Any survivor of sexual assault is to be comforted and commended for their strength and their courage.
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