
Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to navigate adult-dominated spaces, competitive environments, or mentorships where the lines of authority might feel blurred. It is a vital resource for discussing consent, the subtle nature of grooming, and the importance of trusting one's own instincts when a person in power behaves inappropriately. Set against the beautiful backdrop of a summer writing program in Venice, the story follows Charlotte as she uncovers a centuries-old mystery while grappling with the predatory behavior of a famous author. It addresses heavy themes of sexual harassment and the silencing of women with sophistication and nuance. Parents of older teens will find this an excellent gateway to discussing systemic power imbalances and the courage it takes to speak out in professional or creative circles.
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Sign in to write a reviewOccasional strong language consistent with YA contemporary fiction.
Themes of historical erasure of women and the trauma of sexual harassment.
Explores the conflict between career success and doing the right thing.
The book deals directly and realistically with sexual harassment, grooming, and the 'Me Too' movement. It is a secular approach that focuses on institutional protection of powerful men. The resolution is realistic and empowering, focusing on collective action and the validation of victims.
A high school junior or senior who is passionate about writing or the arts and is preparing to enter college or professional environments where they will encounter powerful mentors.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving an attempted sexual assault and the heavy psychological weight of grooming. Previewing the later chapters where Bruni's behavior escalates is recommended. A parent might see their teen becoming overly obsessed with pleasing a specific teacher or mentor, or conversely, notice their teen withdrawing from a passion project after an uncomfortable interaction with an adult in charge.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the mystery and the lush Venetian setting. Older teens (17-18) will better grasp the nuance of the power dynamics and the historical parallels of women being erased from history.
Unlike many 'Me Too' stories that focus on the aftermath, this book masterfully builds the 'before,' showing exactly how a predator uses charm and prestige to isolate a victim.
Charlotte is an aspiring writer who wins a coveted spot in a summer workshop in Venice led by the charismatic and legendary Luca Bruni. While researching a historical mystery regarding a 16th-century female poet, Isabella Di Leon, Charlotte begins to realize that Bruni's 'special' attention toward her is part of a calculated pattern of predatory behavior and grooming. She must decide whether to stay silent for the sake of her career or expose the truth.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.