Marion Marshall answers “What do you think of Ray and his...”

Dua asked this question about White Oleander:

What do you think of Ray and his relationship with Astrid?

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. Fitc…moreI 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.(less)

flag

View all 4 comments

Liana To be fair, the story is told through Astrid's eyes. She did not see her relationship with Ray as being wrong, so that's how the relationship was port ...more
May 28, 2017 06:33AM

Bonor Ayambem I agree with this but I do wonder how possible that could have been considering that the story is told from Astrid's perspective. The author never exp ...more
Jun 24, 2021 11:24AM

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more