She Said turns readers into jurors at a gripping St. John’s trial
Set in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, She Said by Mitchell D. King follows the unlikely connection between 17-year-old high schooler Mia Kennedy and 38-year-old divorced trucker Robert Harris.
Mia and Robert meet at a bar on George Street, then quickly evolve into a short-term relationship under the false pretence that Mia is 24, not 17. After meeting up four times in this forbidden relationship, Mia accuses Robert of four occurrences of sexual assault. Their case is then brought to trial at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, dissecting every interaction under the watchful eye of the public, who are not very fond of Robert Harris.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the story constantly challenged the reader’s perception of innocence and guilt. As the story unfolds, the author plants doubt about the credibility of both characters, captivating the reader. The multi-perspective storytelling, using viewpoints from individuals such as George, Mia, the lawyers, and members of the jury, adds depth to the plot and maintains a fast-paced yet easy to follow story.
As the story evolves, the book has a very interesting commentary on the flaws of the criminal justice system and the impact of bias on people’s minds. Through the portrayal of the courtroom proceedings, King explores the limitations and vulnerabilities of the legal system. The inclusion of the jury’s perspectives and the compelling arguments presented by the lawyers effectively immerse readers in the case, allowing them to experience the story as if they were serving as jurors themselves. This choice of including legal language and proceedings made the story feel much more legitimate.
Additionally, while She Said tackles a difficult and sensitive topic, King handles it with care by focusing on the mystery surrounding the events rather than the acts themselves. This approach makes the story more palatable while still addressing the issues at its core.
Overall, King, who is a lawyer himself, created a wonderful balance between the mystery and the underlying themes, showcasing his storytelling abilities and ensuring that readers will be completely absorbed from beginning to end. This thought-provoking story will open up new perspectives for readers, and make them question their own bias.
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