The Pain Eater by Beth Goobie

The Pain Eater

by Beth Goobie

Not one word about that night and what had been done to her had ever passed Maddy Malone's lips. She'd been frantic to tell at first. But then had come the shame, and the intimidation from the boys who raped her. Now it's a new school year, and Maddy hopes she can continue to hide, keeping the memories at bay through self-inflicted small cuts and cigarette burns.

Reviewed by Bianca on

4 of 5 stars

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So this was how he was presenting what had happened to other people. This was how he was describing the gang rape – as something she’d initiated, group sex she’d wanted because she was “that type of girl.” It was all something she was “asking for,” probably begging for. And the four boys? she wondered. Were the three rapists and their accomplice in his version all shocked innocents who ended up giving in to their “wiring”?


— As affecting and powerful as [b:Speak|439288|Speak|Laurie Halse Anderson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1310121762s/439288.jpg|118521], this book similarly takes a look at rape culture and victim blaming. Timely and relevant.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 22 February, 2017: Finished reading
  • 22 February, 2017: Reviewed