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Jan 08, 2018cknightkc rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
With the almost daily revelations of sexual scandal involving powerful figures in government and business and the rise of the “Me Too” movement, this book is certainly timely. Obviously inspired by the infamous Monica Lewinsky/Bill Clinton affair, YOUNG JANE YOUNG is about the ripple effects of a clandestine relationship between a spellbound intern and the congressman she works for. In the story “Monica” is portrayed not as a sexual temptress, but as a rather naive and insecure young woman, “Aviva,” who is someone’s daughter, an earnest student of politics, and eventually a mother of a young girl herself. Author Gabrielle Zevin manages to insert moments of humor within the storyline while exploring some serious themes: feminism, double standards, choices, owning your mistakes, moving on, reinventing oneself, mother-daughter relationships, and love. The plot shifts from the time of the affair to the present and is told from the differing female perspectives of those most affected by the scandal: Aviva/Jane, her mother - Rachel, her daughter - Ruby, and the congressman’s betrayed wife - Embeth. POV proves to be a powerful storytelling device here. YOUNG JANE YOUNG manages to take a difficult subject and make it a smart, fascinating, and quick read. I recommend it!