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Marion Marshall
I think Ray's "relationship" (PEDOPHILIA) with Astrid would have made a much better addition to the novel if it had been handled more skillfully. Fitch seemed to excuse Ray's actions because Astrid was ~~more mature~~ than the average child (WHICH IS AN EXCUSE PEDOPHILES USE) but at no point in the novel did she ever offer an opinion or reflection that countered that notion. It would have been fine if Astrid had gone on believing that the relationship was sweet and loving even though it was irresponsible on Ray's part (and yes, entirely his fault). All Fitch needed to do was provide a nod to the reader that, "Hey, Astrid thinks one thing, but here's REALITY"; the reality is that pedophilia is never excusable. The power imbalance between a child and an adult means that the relationship can never be consensual.
Fuck anyone who says otherwise.
Fuck anyone who says otherwise.
Kathy Prendergast
I would have found it unforgivable. Foster kids are the most vulnerable of all children. He is just another character who uses and damages her, and then when she gets shot by Starr he just disappears. He's a cowardly bastard.
Bailey
It's troubling to me because it is such an unequal relationship in age and experience. It is abuse and inexcusable on Ray's part but I see the value in exploring this as part of the story.
I think a huge part of the book is about Astrid trying to find her identity without her mother. She needs a coping mechanisms and she's flying around the place trying to anchor onto something. First it's Starr and the church, then Ray and sex and after him it becomes Olivia and so on. In all of this flitting around, Astrid has no compass to gauge whether the people she attaches herself to are worthy or it, she just likes the attention she never got from her mother.
As a reader, I didn't like or approve of the idea of an innocent Astrid suddenly asking for sex from this older man. I also didn't like that he wasn't a good enough man to refuse her but I believe that is the dirty reality Fitch is trying to portray.
I think a huge part of the book is about Astrid trying to find her identity without her mother. She needs a coping mechanisms and she's flying around the place trying to anchor onto something. First it's Starr and the church, then Ray and sex and after him it becomes Olivia and so on. In all of this flitting around, Astrid has no compass to gauge whether the people she attaches herself to are worthy or it, she just likes the attention she never got from her mother.
As a reader, I didn't like or approve of the idea of an innocent Astrid suddenly asking for sex from this older man. I also didn't like that he wasn't a good enough man to refuse her but I believe that is the dirty reality Fitch is trying to portray.
Maxine Hawker
I found this character very difficult to deal with. I can't recall his exact words but he told Astrid he didn't want this to happen. Are we to believe that Astrid started the relationship and kept it going when she was a child? Paedophiles spruik that rhetoric and these relationships do exist. The perpetrator is not all evil, he is a weak man dominated and controlled so much so that he is able to resist sexual advances albeit from a minor. Astrid is desperate for affection and love and affection. Her upbringing was not permeated with Judeo-Christian moral codes so Astrid's attitude to sex was very free and uninhibited. (I am not saying by any means I condoned her having to sit up and wait for her mother to finish having sex with a lover).
αleх
Many are saying Fitch needed to "nod" at the reader by giving us some kind of resolution or allusion to deal with the evident abuse and somehow condemn it. Reality does not work that way, and this is a novel, not a reflective essay. It is perfect the way it is.
Lillian
I would have liked if Astrid thought about the events in her older life. She never seems to question what had happen and it does not seem to effect her like normal sexual abuse. She never seems to have any symptoms of trauma making the relationship seem fine.
Geoff Hart
It was quite simply child sexual abuse
Jean Cole
This was a case of Ray letting his "other brain" do the thinking. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He was the adult. He knew that he was risking Astrid's living situation. I believe he cared for her but when he weighed what he wanted against what was best for her, what he wanted won.
Allison
I think you misspelled "rape".
Renee
I think Ray should be ashamed of the relationship he had with Astrid. He tainted her mind and used all shes been through against her. Even though Astrid was more mature in the book it never excused her age and his urges and needs for her. Totally no excuse on both parts. He came on to her then wanted it to end but not really. its also mind boggling how he put all these things in her head and once she got shot he disappears. Horrible
Michele
I didn't like this relationship at all. Obviously, Ray had very weak moral character. I think he knowingly took advantage of a vulnerable, young girl without a solid male figure (father) ever in her life. Did she initiate it; yes. But if it was just about sex, she could have found that elsewhere. Ray became disgusting to me.
Melissa B
This answer contains spoilers…
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Taylor Laws
I loved there relationship and I really wish Ray would have stayed with Astrid after she was shot. I thought he loved her
Tawnie
Personally I think they both took advantage of the other. She longed for love and someone who she saw as a father figure. He saw her as someone to desire and I am sure he longed for her in his own little way (some people saw it as child abuse but, I have been abused multiple times and I disagree with that statement.)
Tarryn
Yes, age difference, situation (foster), absolutely abhorrent. But I’ve always found myself captivated by this relationship (for lack of a better word), removing the surface labels, I feel there’s far more to it. I feel it represents so much. At such a young age, idolising her mother, this is her version of mimicking her mother.
Stephen Miletus
One issue that needs to be remembered is that Astrid confuses intimacy with sex. This is a more common issue than might be thought.
Felica Chapman
I don't like seeing this side of Astrid, I did not think she would have the courage or risk even losing her foster home if she loved it so much there. She definitely seduced him on his job site. (pages 96, 97)
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May 28, 2017 06:33AM
Jun 24, 2021 11:24AM