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August 2014

Our Little Secret (Allayne Webster)

Set in small town America, this novel focuses on the destructive power of secrets, a lack of honesty with oneself, and how keeping secrets can allow exploitation to thrive. 

Narrated against the backdrop of the recent rape of a young girl, Edwina finds herself flattered by the attentions of older boy, Tom.  Despite the incessant gossip surrounding the recent rape, Edwina does not recognise when her own experiences with Tom venture into the same dangerous territory.

In her interactions with Tom, Edwina learns to quell the inner voice telling her to stop.  Keeping her experiences a secret, she does not understand she has been “raped” until she finally, reluctantly, confides in an adult.  The message here is clear – holding onto secrets can be extremely destructive, and healing can come from listening to your inner voice, and speaking the truth.


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