Book Review: Notes on a Silencing: A Memoir by Lacy Crawford (audiobook)

In high school, at a prestigious boarding school, Lacy was sexually assaulted by two older male students. This memoir tells the story of the event and its aftermath. And also addresses the problem more generally--of this school in particular covering up multiple issues of sexual assault, and our society that often looks the other way or blames the girl in the situation. In fact, it was only as an adult, as a decades-long period of actively hiding these problems came to light, that Lacy stepped forward to finally deal with something she thought she'd been able to put behind her.

I wouldn't have picked this book right now as during this weird year, I'm actively avoiding traumatic books, but someone had recommended it much earlier in the year, and when the audio came up in the queue for me, it was the week I was moving which meant it was a great week for listening to an audiobook, and I'm glad I did. Yes, it was harrowing. But also important. And crazy frustrating--as a result of her assault, she developed an STD incredibly deep in her throat in a way that only could imply force, and multiple adults (administration, doctors) knew about this, and were mandatory reporters, and not only didn't report, but did basically the opposite--accusing her of promiscuity, once loudly to her father's face no less. 

A powerful and important book, now an addition to the #metoo conversation.

I borrowed this digital audiobook from my local library via Libby/Overdrive.