The timeliness of my reading this book is interesting. When boys/men continue to minimize crimes against women, society as a whole suffers. This novel by Julie Berry is set in a different time, but could be today. A time when women are vilified and belittled and held accountable for actions they have no control over. Judith was taken. Along with her friend Lottie, she disappears from society for two years. Lottie is found dead, but Judith walks out of the woods and back into her family. But she is different. Her tongue has been partially cut out and she is afraid to speak of what has been done to her. So society decides for themselves what they think must have happened to her. And her silence does nothing to dispel their thoughts. They think she is slow. They think she is not virtuous. They think they can do what they want to her. She doesn't disagree with them. Even her mother has forbidden her from trying to speak. The boy she has loved all her life is about to marry another. Her brother must have his foot amputated. The school master makes inappropriate gestures towards her. And still she won't use her voice. But unlikely allies help her realize if she doesn't speak up, all will be lost. I really loved this book. It was so different from other books I've read. It is much like Speak, where until you find your voice, people will find a way to put words in your mouth, even if they are not accurate. Girls need to understand their worth and power, and it has to start with speaking up for ourselves and not being afraid of the repercussions. We have to show people how to treat us and not stand silently when they do us wrong. What a thought provoking book! I would recommend it to better readers only because the story plays with time as the story of her kidnapping is told. Don't let that scare you away. Happy reading my friends!
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