feels like a niche ask, i experienced csa and ive only seeing a character go through that one time, andrew minyard from the foxhole court. but that series is generally badly written. but his character made me want to see a good written character who went through some sort of sexual trauma anytime really, my favorite fiction genre is fantasy but any genre really is fine. the plot doesnt need to be centered around the trauma it could be a perfectly ordinary good book and its just in the backstory, but i just want to see someone else whos also gone through it.
by ithinkimadethrowaway
8 Comments
Not csa, and it was a one-time event, but Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston. (Realistic YA.)
I hope you find some good books to read 💕
One recent audiobook I can readily recall is “The Outlaw Noble Salt” by Amy Harmon. The SA is not prominent in the story, however it does get talked about and it did affect how she must cope in her world. It’s written in third person.
Another is on the top of my tongue but I’ll have to do some looking back to recall it.
“The Lost Letter of Aisling” by Cynthia Ellingsen
Ten Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak comes to mind.
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Jaded by Ela Lee
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
The Earthsea books by Ursula K LeGuin have a character that fits (Therru or Tehanu), though she’s introduced in the 4th book. (csa, physical abuse, attempted murder, all handled sensitively and intelligently by the author. The actual abuse and violence happen fully off-page. The POV character in the books she’s in is the woman who adopts her after she’s left for dead) Her character and character arc are central to the books she’s in (**Tehanu** and **The Other Wind**) however she’s not the primary POV character.
All six Earthsea books are extremely worthwhile reading for you, even though books 1-3 don’t precisely line up with your ask. They’re also pretty fast reads – less than 200 pages each. You can start the series with either A Wizard of Earthsea (book 1) or Tombs of Attuan (book 2), but would want to read both before continuing with the other books.
I hope any of these are able to help 💜
*sadie* – courtney summers
*lullabies for little criminals* – heather o’neill
*needlework* – deirdre sullivan
*the first time she drowned* – kerry kletter
*white oleander* – janet fitch
*girlchild* – tupelo hassman