This novel seems to be am example of Y\A fiction done well, and. I would expect nothing less from Anne Cassidy. Thanks to the first person narration the reader is presented with Stacey a character, who even in the first three chapters in the book, is presented as three dimensional character. Stacey is a seventeen year old rape victim. She blames herself for the ordeal and refuses to go to the police, whilst her best friend Patrice tries to persuade her that going to police is exactly what she should do. Stacey (on Patrice's advice) decides to write her story down and it is here we learn more about her life.
Social issue novels aimed at young people sometimes have a tendency to be quite clichéd as the author is more concerned about getting a particular message across to the reader, rather than creating an engaging plot. This can make it hard for adults to read the novel. No Virgin seems to have no such issue. The writing style is very chatty and could easily be the words of a teenage girl however, this does not detract from the brutal subject matter of the book. In fact, this helps the reader feel more connected with Stacey and become more invested in her plight. In presenting the rape victim as a typical teenage girl Cassidy is showing the devastating effects of rape on a figure relatable to her Y\A audience. This is particularly important given some of the damaging and sickening attitudes which rape victims sadly still face today,namely the question of blame and whether a victim could have done something to prevent their attack.
A gripping read even for those who are not typical fans of Y\A fiction. This is a steady drama which addresses lot's of current and social issues without being ovely clichéd, patronising or preachy to it's target audience.
Social issue novels aimed at young people sometimes have a tendency to be quite clichéd as the author is more concerned about getting a particular message across to the reader, rather than creating an engaging plot. This can make it hard for adults to read the novel. No Virgin seems to have no such issue. The writing style is very chatty and could easily be the words of a teenage girl however, this does not detract from the brutal subject matter of the book. In fact, this helps the reader feel more connected with Stacey and become more invested in her plight. In presenting the rape victim as a typical teenage girl Cassidy is showing the devastating effects of rape on a figure relatable to her Y\A audience. This is particularly important given some of the damaging and sickening attitudes which rape victims sadly still face today,namely the question of blame and whether a victim could have done something to prevent their attack.
A gripping read even for those who are not typical fans of Y\A fiction. This is a steady drama which addresses lot's of current and social issues without being ovely clichéd, patronising or preachy to it's target audience.