Testimony by Anita Shreve Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Testimony
Book Review: Something Very Different, But Moving, from Shreve
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm a big fan of Anita Shreve, and I've read all of her books. When I saw her newest novel, Testimony, in stores I picked it up immediately. What I discovered was that Testimony is a story different from Shreve's other novels. Most of her novels deal with a woman who falls in love in some life altering way--but Testimony is definitely different.
Testimony still deals with a life changing event--but instead of love its a sex scandal at a tony private school. The book uses short passages from about a dozen characters connected to the scandal in different ways to reveal how it happened and its repercussions. Even though the scandal seems pretty straightforward from the start, there are some twists that happen through the course of the narrative that make the story much deeper than a ripped-from-the-headlines teen sex scandal story. In Shreve's usual style, Testimony keeps you turning the pages--I didn't want to put this book down.
I will warn readers that there are some graphic scenes in this novel--it does deal with a sex scandal. If this review system allowed half stars, I would give the novel 3 and a half stars--I enjoyed the book overall, but I was a little disappointed since I had enjoyed Shreve's earlier novels so much and was hoping for more of the same. But overall I think this book is worth reading--its a good story about the consequences of seemingly harmless actions.
Book Review: Testimony
Summary: 5 Stars
I cannot speak highly enough of this book. It is based on a very disturbing subject - a high school sexual encounter with one 14-year-old girl and three 18-year-old boys winds up on tape and destroys a number of lives.
The story is told in a very unusual format... there are about 15 different narrators. It is told this way because what you are reading are interviews conducted by a researcher from a local university on the effect alcohol has on male students. The interviews come from the Prep School Headmaster to the cafeteria cook. Every interview is a puzzle piece to the final concluding moment where all the pieces come together to reveal a very compelling, can't put down, stay up late to finish the book type of story.
This was my first Anita Shreve novel and I was highly impressed. I recommend it 100%.
Book Review: Testimony
Summary: 4 Stars
Have you ever wondered how far-reaching one action can be? Have you ever considered how many lives might be impacted by something you do? Testimony is a wonderful novel by Anita Shreve that explores these questions. A scandal at the prestigious Avery Academy, a New England high school boarding school, is revealed. But is everything as it seems? Ms Shreve discloses the secrets little by little, showing us the impact one action can have on so many. Shreve does this in an unusual way. Each chapter is narrated by a different person touched by the event. The shocking ending has a memorable impact on the reader.
Although this story is an interesting read, it is also somewhat predictable and very disturbing. To me, it seemed that the cascade of events was a bit exaggerated, bordering on the unrealistic. In addition, there were not many likable characters. Many seemed one-dimensional and empty.
Book Review: Testimony
Summary: 5 Stars
An excellent,compelling novel. Good for book club discussions regarding how one event can affect so many.Book Review: Testimony
Summary: 5 Stars
Another winner from Anita Shreve. I have followed her for years, reading all of her novels. This one is a great and timely story. I highly recommend this book.