I stormed through this book in one sitting, unable to look away. The skill of the book is that it examines, almost unflinchingly, what happens to a young girl and those close to her after she is raped. You may imagine that this would be an uncomfortable read, and you would be correct. O’Neill takes her time in building up to the tragedy which dominates the novel, which is sensible as we become entrenched in the caustic and pressurised world of the rural Irish secondary school, so much so that the ensuing assault and its aftermath grabs us that much more. It is important to … Continue reading Book Review: Asking For It by Louise O’ Neill