What a whirlwind of a book! My thinking was challenged, my heart pulled, and my brain tested. All the makings of a fine piece of literature!When Daphne was but a young teenager, her family friend Ralph fell in love with her. Ralph is portrayed as very dapper, innocent, and caring. He was 27 years older than 13 year old Daphne. She became very attached to him, his gifts, even after he married and had children of his own. Their encounters tapered off, but they never lost touch. Years later, Daphne returns home after a sad marriage, and tumultuous life. Her close friend Jane convinces her to press charges, all these years later, against Ralph for rape. There is more to that story as well!
Meanwhile, Ralph is dying of cancer and while he continued having extra marital adventures, including with teenage men, he comes across as very relatable and "real" which makes this whole dilemma very hard! My brain wants to hate him for all he's done, but he is just a likable guy! Turns out, Jane also had a sexual relationship with Ralph when she was a teen- could this be her fuel for pushing Daphne to press charges?? Daphne ultimately drops her charges as she comes to term with loving Ralph for who he is - no matter what. Jane picks up the torch and files charges now!
This story is woven so intimately, delicately, and well it was hard to put down, even when I found myself a little disturbed. It handles a subject few tackle and handles it with real human emotion. I won't reveal the end of the book - just know that I left satisfied, albeit still torn at the end.
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