The Damages by Genevieve Scott discusses sex and consent in the 90s compared to now.
Synopsis
1997/98: Ros attempts to settle into her first year of university. She sees this as an opportunity to become who she always thought she was supposed to be and join the popular crowd. In Ros’ view, her new roommate, Megan, is decidedly uncool, so she makes sure everyone knows the two are not close in her effort to befriend the cool kids.
But when a winter storm hits; and Megan goes missing, everyone blames Ros.
2020: Ros’s ex, the father of her child, Lukas, is accused of sexual assault. This accusation forces Ros to confront her past and consider whether the allegations are true.
Review of The Damages by Genevieve Scott
I’m of two minds with this book. Sex and consent are important discussions to have. But I felt that they sometimes overpowered the plot, and diverted my attention from the story. There could have been a better balance between the two, especially in the second part.
Readers that need to relate to characters or require them to be likeable might struggle with teenage Ros (and her crew). She is self-absorbed and obsessed with maintaining her social status at all costs. Although, I found this section more engaging than her adult years.
It examines gender dynamics, consent, rape and SA. Also, since some of the plot takes place during early Covid, it discusses the pandemic alongside the #MeToo movement. I also appreciated that it brought up men that claim to be feminists but use it as a shield to cover for themselves.
But it does end on a realistic note.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
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Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending over a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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