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Content snapshot
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Violence
Some
Some violence; the predatory relationship involves physical threat
Language
A lot
Pervasive strong language throughout
Sexual Content
Very heavy
Extremely explicit sexual content depicting adult sexual abuse of a minor; the most disturbing element of the novel
Substance Use
Barely any
Moderate substance use in the adult register
Emotional Intensity
A lot
The psychology of a predator who experiences no remorse and is never caught creates sustained disturbing dissonance
What this book is about
Alissa Nutting's controversial novel is narrated by Celeste Price, an attractive 26-year-old middle school teacher who is sexually obsessed with 14-year-old boys. The novel depicts Celeste's grooming and sexual abuse of a student in graphic detail. Nutting's intent is explicitly satirical — she inverts the cultural tendency to sexualize female teacher-student relationships — but the content is genuinely disturbing and graphic. Contains detailed depictions of adult-on-minor sexual abuse. Not recommended for sensitive readers. Intended for mature readers who can engage with deeply challenging literary content.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Graphic depiction of adult sexual abuse of a minor
Narrator is an unrepentant predator
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