Peck, R. (1976). Are you in the house alone? New York: The Viking Press.

Are you in the house alone?  written in 1976 tells of a story of a girl being stalked in high school. Gail, the main character is in love with a boy and best friends with Alison. Gail’s town has many types of classes within their community; Alison’s boyfriend is within the most exclusive of groups and very wealthy. Even after repeated notes, anonymous calls to harm her, Gail decides not to tell anyone.  Alison sees the notes but tells her to forget it. Gail is attacked and her perpetrator is very familiar and rich. This book explores the aftermath of rape and how society treats the rapist that is privileged.

This book stands the test of time in that it reflects certain parts of society and the relationship between the classes.  Several news stories of rich young men committing crimes against women and being disregarded as serious criminals come to mind while reading this book.  It shows Alison’s dilemma of being questioned about the rape and forced silence among the police as well as peers  and family  even after tremendous evidence. The police trying to shift the blame to the victim and her boyfriend and protect the guilty. I would hope that is not as prevalent today with the medical field and police more aware and sensitive to victims of rape.  Reflecting on small town politics and have and have nots, I am afraid this dynamic happens more than we realize.  Statistics on college campuses reflect the outrageous numbers of rape and a culture of cover up.

I believe this book address contemporary issues of rape, a culture of silence and blaming the victim.  Also, a continued belief that  a woman that is raped and stalked somehow asked for it by the way she dressed or not taking the proper precautions.  The adage of boys will be boys and privileged white males are a problem still needing to be addressed further.  Throughout the years, author Richard Peck has reflected society and the culture of the day in his writing.