Guilt by Association [Mass Market Paperback]

Susan R. Sloan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1996

A provocative tale that mirrors today's headlines, this page-turning first novel is a gripping, intelligent and totally satisfying account of one woman's brave struggle to triumph over the pain of a vicious rape, her battle to rebuild her life and the ultimate, shocking confrontation with the man who nearly destroyed her.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anticipation of the inevitable provides the compelling hook in Sloan's solidly crafted debut, as readers wait for date-rape victim Karen Kern to turn the tables on her attacker. In 1962, the attractive collegian is brutally assaulted in N.Y.C.'s Central Park by a Harvard Law student she has just met at a Christmas party. Subsequently spurned by her fiance-and in a sense by police and her parents, who assume she provoked the assault-Karen slowly carves a professional niche for herself but shuns any romantic attachments. Sloan juxtaposes Karen's uneasy maturation during the ensuing 30 years with the professional triumphs and behind-the-scenes shenanigans of California political aspirant Robert Willmont, Karen's erstwhile rapist. Both story lines occasionally become weighted down by domestic melodrama, though Sloan's array of colorful and credible supporting characters-and her keen observations of the passing decades-generally overcome any hurdles. And, when her protagonists finally reconnect, any shortcomings are forgiven, as the book's final third rushes headlong towards a taut and thoroughly satisfying finale. 75,000 first printing; major ad/promo.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Just when it was beginning to look impossible, former lawyer Sloan pumps some life into the crowded field of legal thrillers. Not that this is a literary masterpiece: The first-time novelist has an annoying habit of detailing the background of even the most minor characters. But Sloan delivers a satisfyingly tricky plot in a narrative brisk enough to keep readers engaged all the way to the deliberately delayed triumphant courtroom scene. The novel opens in 1962, when Karen Kern has the misfortune to be acquaintance-raped (before the term has even been coined) by a wealthy, good-looking Harvard law student. Kern's uptight mother convinces her to fudge the facts and claim to have been in an automobile accident. She goes against her mother's wishes only once, when she tells her beloved fianc‚; he backs away, and Kern clams up for good. She drops out of college, moves to Manhattan's Greenwich Village, and manages to make it through the '60s without having sex, even though she hangs around with the artistic residents of a communal apartment. Her rapist (a crudely drawn, heartless SOB) is living in San Francisco and entering politics. In the late '70s, Kern and her friends open an uptown shop selling art and accessories; she befriends a photographer who eventually spies some of her secret, sappy poetry (``The death of a dream/is surrounded by pain'') and invites her to collaborate on a book. Several successful projects and one platonic marriage later, Kern is living in San Francisco; her attacker is running for president. The ending, while clever, will have those of all political beliefs cringing for different reasons, Sloan often gets the proportions wrong in her blend of not-so- subtle social commentary and suspense, but there's no denying this novel's lowest-common-denominator appeal: It reads like a house afire. -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446603066
• ISBN-13: 978-0446603065
• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #689,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Three dimensional characters in a three dimensional book, July 1, 2000

By 

Dr. Stephen Cohen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guilt by Association (Mass Market Paperback)

It is always a tribute to the writer when you find yourself thinking about the characters in a book even when you're not reading! Such is the case with "Guilt By Association." The herione is multi-dimensional and flawed, and is both incredibly strong and vulnerable. The story grippingly details the long-term damage of the assault itself, as well as the damage inadvertently done by those who claim to be doing what is best for the victim. It chronicles the change in attitude toward rape and assault in the past 30+ years, as well as women's role in society. Although I could see the "twist" in the plot coming, it didn't dissapoint. "Guilt by Association" is a story you'll think about long after you finish the last page, with characters you'll grow to know and care about. I'm adding Susan Sloan to my list of "automatic reads" whenever she comes out with a new book.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOK RECOMMENDATION, March 31, 2000

By 

Nancy Martin (Pennsylvania (orig. NY)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guilt by Association (Mass Market Paperback)

I once asked an "avid" reader to recommend the best book she had ever read and she told me to read Guilt By Association. She wasn't wrong. It became my favorite recommendation to give to others who just want a "plain great read". If you are the type of reader who likes to read the last page first, don't ever do this with a Susan Sloan book. Recently, on a trip to the Carribean, my daughter asked me what book she should read on the beach. Of course I gave her Guilt. I sat next to her as she was finishing it and her first response was, "Oh, My God". She, along with everyone else who has read this book, read the last page over and over again in disbelief. Sloan is a masterful writer who keeps you guessing at every turn and cheering on her victim.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Unforgetable Book!!!, September 28, 2002

By 

tanya palta (New Delhi, Delhi India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guilt by Association (Mass Market Paperback)

The Most Unforgettable Book!!!

When I rented this book from the library I expected nothing of it.But boy was I wrong.This is one of the most amazing books Ive ever read and is definitely my all time favourite book. I had to purchase it for my collection. Susan R Sloan deals with the topic of rape with such sensitivity .Also the book is not written in your typical best seller style.Being from India you can totally identify with the kind of society potrayed in the 60s cos that's how the society in India is now.The way Karen s family blames her and ostracizes her for bringing shame to the family is how a lot of people would react.
Anyway the book is not only about her suffering but its also one of the best revenge thrillers .The ending is really gonna shock you.This is one book which all my college pals and even our mothers swear by it.Once you ve purchased this book you ll keep on passing it on cos you want to the whole world to read itI also recommend An Isolated Incident by the same author.The best thing about Susan R Sloan books are that you can read them again and again and they get better each time.