1999-08-04 This book stings the sensiblilities of Orthodox Jews

Carol Matas is careful to note in the introduction to her book that the story bears no relationship to any real person, living or dead. She then goes on to skillfully weave a realistic tale of a young girl, who must brave the pressure of peers and a respected Rabbi, in order to extricate herself from an abusive situation. The falsehood in this book is its strength; It portrays an orthodox Rabbi as an abuser of young girls. Matas is careful to say that she modeled this character on her imagination. My objection to this book is that I doubt that she or anyone else can produce an example of an American Orthodox Rabbi doing what she says her fictional character is capable of.This book does not portray our world faithfully. It is a flawed product, and not in good taste.