Is there any questionable content in this book? And would it be appropriate for a 13-year-old?

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5 years ago
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Lynn Yes, there is questionable content and no I would not let a 13 year old read it. There's a scene early in the book where an actress is sexually assaulted which in my opinion was a bit too graphic. In addition I don't think this book would hold the attention of a young teen. The pace is very slow and the content is just more geared to adults. As Ramona noted in her comments below, there are so many good books out there to read.

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Ilana (illi69) I think it’s fine. The attentions of an “older man” in his 40s to a woman in her 20s are not at all unwanted and only a terrible prude would find a relationship between two consenting adults inappropriate.

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Ramona If you are a mom, and you don't want your child exposed to profanity, and the horrible unwanted attentions of an older man to a young woman, which both were not necessary for the story, at all- then don't let them read it. There are so many good books out there to read. Sadly we are all exposed to this and much more on TV unless you keep an eye on that too.

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Ellen The scene is more graphic than it needed to be, and doesn't mesh with the tone of the rest of the book, so that's a fail in an otherwise excellent book. Still, every 13 year old girl ought to understand the possibilities of unwanted sexual assault and have discussions about it with her parents. So, as a parent, I'd use this scene as a springboard for discussing how we protect ourselves. The same character has to recognize the difference between a man who loves her and one who wants to use her. Another good conversation starter. Do we marry for fancy jewelry or for the love and respect that we share with another soul? Other issues (gay men finding love, drug abuse, extramarital affairs) are more subtle and natural--like the real life people around us, and an adolescent will notice what she is mature enough to see.
My actual reservation about recommending this book to a 13 year old is that I think she'd find most of the characters "old" and perhaps not very relatable. Kids can't imagine people 50 years old falling in love and marrying. It just really isn't juvenile literature. And much of the richness of the book comes from the way it builds on our prior familiarity with Austen's characters, which most 13 year-olds won't have.

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Maura It's totally fine for age 13, IMO. My 7 year old son "read" the second half with me on audiobook on a long drive, and there was definitely nothing questionable in the 2nd half. The only scene that would be confusing or upsetting (for readers of any age) was one scene early in the book with a film director assaulting an actress, but it was not graphic, and presumably a 13 year old knows such things happen. On a positive note, the survivor was believed.

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Shara-Rae Jansen I personally would wait until my child was in high school before allowing them to read this book. Ramona gives examples of questionable content below.

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Eileen Timm I'm afraid that I don't ban any book as I was reading adult books as an 11 and 12 year old. But if you are concerned why don't you read it first or better yet together. I have many fond memories of being on the couch with my children and taking turns reading and discussing books. And now do the same with my grandchildren.

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Bri

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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Shiva In addition to what is already said, there is the attention/attraction of the female high school teacher towards her male student and her thoughts. Not sure how this goes for a younger audience.

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Esther I think the sexual assault scene is not very suitable, but then most 13 year olds would know about it anyway. Other than that and a mention by subtle mention by a character, it’s alright. I think I would really like that book as a teen. It is not juvenile literature, but teens can imagine life of 50-year old people. I suppose if they have already read a lot of Austen before reading this, they would have better capacity for imagination. Overall, semi-suitable. Anyway, kids would be exposed to profanity anyway.

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Yesenia it's not what a 13 year old would enjoy, i don't think... it's nowhere near as good or fun or entertaining or thought-provoking as any jane austen, charlotte bronte, or anthony trollope book...

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