Sunday, May 03, 2009

The Tale of One Bad Rat...random thoughts

The Tale of One Bad Rat by Bryan Talbot.

There are times when I am rendered speechless by an author's ability to tell a tale so effectively. And there are times when I am rendered speechless by the sheer magnitude of the tale being told. This book hit me on both accounts. It is the story of a teenage girl. A girl who has suffered abuse at the hands of her father for years. A girl who runs away from home to escape the abuse. Helen's story, while fictional, plays itself out countless times in the real world. I sometimes felt nearly suffocated by the pain...because I knew that as I read this story there were thousands upon thousands upon thousands of flesh-and-blood Helens hurting at that very moment. Having said that, it may now seem odd to say, but this book was truly a book of hope. Of healing. Helen's abuse was shown in flashbacks during her journey forward to a new life. This journey forward wasn't an easy one for Helen, as I imagine no journey out of pain ever is.

Since I am so inadequate in my ability to share my thoughts, let me just share some words of others...

"This book is a gift to humanity." (Chris at Stuff As Dreams Are Made On)

"There are many ways to fight child abuse and incest. The important thing is not how you do it, but that you do it, and The Tale of One Bad Rat does it." (Andrew Vachss, from the book cover)

"What Helen went through is expressed in a subtle but absolutely clear way. Most of all, it’s her emotions that are addressed. This is not a book that tries to simplify things. We get the whole thing – all the difficult and contradictory feelings..." (Nymeth at Things Mean A Lot)

"...the book is one that stays with you..." (Dewey at The Hidden Side of a Leaf

"So, yes, there's more than one layer to appreciate..." (Valentina at Valentina's Room

"The more child abuse is discussed in society or fiction in whatever medium, the more likely it is that the victims will realise that it is something that happens all the time, that they can speak out, be believed, and get it stopped." (Bryan Talbot)

7 comments:

Ana S. said...

I knew you'd love it. This truly is a book that leaves you speechless.

chrisa511 said...

Oh I'm so glad you read this Debi! Wasn't it a great book. He really does handle this topic SO well. I was super impressed. And your review of it is just perfect...I may point people here for now on when they ask for GN suggestions and I want to recommend this book :)

Susan said...

Well, that is another for my TBR shelves, and a point for you Debi! I enjoyed your review, and you review just fine!

Staci said...

Absolutely excellent review. I have not read this but I will now!!

Melody said...

Added onto my wishlist!!! I can't help it since you all raved about it though! ;P

Stephanie said...

I've heard great things about this book....but it's one I'm not so sure about.

Kailana said...

It's really too funny we posted this review at pretty much the same time! And, yes, this is a late response to that!