Student Reviews | Library | High School | District

Lucky by Alice Sebold, reviewed by Nicole G.

In her first novel, Alice Sebold delivers a number one best-selling story that unfolds from heaven where the narrator keeps watch over earth after being brutally raped and killed. In Lucky, her second book, we meet a Syracuse University freshman who was attacked and raped. In this memoir of Alice Sebold, we learn the hardships and struggles that she went through before and after her rape.

As the novel opens, we are immediately presented with the horrifying moment of rape that the author once suffered through. Alice Sebold was a college freshman who was attacked and raped in a tunnel on the last night of school in a park near her college. She was later informed that another girl was attacked but also murdered under the same tunnel, for which Alice was then considered “lucky.” During the rest of the novel we are presented with the aftermath of a rape incident. Alice is now being whispered about in school, looked at differently by her friends, and addicted to heroin. Alice also reveals childhood memories of parental alcoholism and her mother’s severe panic attacks. As the novel continues, Alice comes across her rapist after class one day. She finds his name to be Marshall and runs to the police station. This inspiring book’s setting then changes to a courtroom where Alice presents her case in front of a grand jury. Few rape cases ever get to court but Alice is “lucky” enough to have her chance. This novel not only exposes the struggles the victim experiences but also the effects on friends and family who are involved.

This novel offers the reader a tremendous understanding of a victim’s life after a violent attack. This novel proves the astounding bravery of Alice Sebold in the face of violence and its outcomes. The author beautifully writes this worthy book, which grabs you within the first five pages. Her struggle for triumph and understanding throughout the whole story is what makes it so miraculous. Although rape is such a heartrending topic, Alice Sebold still includes a comical perspective in her writing.

Some readers might find the text a bit too graphic when the author describes the moment of her rape. Since the rape is presented within the first chapter, many people may not give the book a chance. Also just hearing the topic may turn off readers, being that it’s such a harsh issue to deal with.

Overall, this book deserves four smiles. Lucky is truly an exceptional novel that makes the reader more understanding of important life themes. Her story inspires us to be grateful for every healthy day we have here on earth.