Question G

[Jonetta]

Detective Tommy Pakula seemed reluctant to consider that the molestation allegations by the priests were true. Why do you think so many shared his skepticism? How well did the author portray real life community attitudes about the situation? Why do you think it was so hard for people to understand why a child wouldn't speak up?

[Charlene]

I don't remember his particular reluctance in general; rather, I thought his reluctance was to the idea that teens or older males who were abused might be committing these crimes.

I can't imagine parents allowing their priest (or pastor, rabbi, etc.) tucking a child into bed, much less on a regular basis.

[Jonetta]

Tommy found it hard to believe if a child was molested they wouldn't tell anyone and let it happen repeatedly. It's the whole reason Christine set up the meeting with him and Maggie to meet one of the men (Mark), along with his mother, Brenda, who'd been abused as a child. Tommy even asked him why he didn't say anything. Mark had to remind him he was only ten.

Clearer?

[Charlene]

Ah, thanks. I had a mental *oops* there.

[Robin]

I don't know why Pakula would think most children would speak up. The police would have training about these things. They'd learn that most children are intimidated by their abuser and don't think anyone would believe them.

As far as community attitudes, I think many believe this is something that happens in other towns but not in their community.

[Jonetta]

I liked Pakula, thought he was a good investigator. His attitude here was perplexing. Maybe Kava was using him as an example of law enforcement attitudes but the way she crafted this character made it difficult for me to believe he'd feel this way.