A book about a pedophile-child relationship its not what you’d normally refer to as a “beach read,” but you might want to reconsider. According to FOF Linda Wolfe, Margaux Fragoso’s Tiger, Tiger, is, like the best beach reads, impossible to put down. Unlike many beach reads, however, it’s also impossible to forget. Here’s why….
(Plus, enter to win a copy of Tiger, Tiger when you answer this question in the comments below: What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?)
One of the most compelling books I’ve read recently is Margaux Fragoso’s Tiger, Tiger – not to be confused with the controversial Tiger Mother or the precocious Tiger’s Wife (not to mention the Broadway show Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo – what is it with tiger titles lately?) Fragoso’s book is a memoir, the astonishing story of how, at the age of seven, she was seduced by a man more than forty years her senior, a once-jailed pedophile with whom she maintained a secret, intimate relationship until she was twenty-two, and he, at the age of sixty-six, committed suicide.
Perhaps in the previous sentence I should have said “why” she was seduced and “why” she remained in the relationship instead of “how,” for this book, explicit, insightful, and elegantly written, has much to tell us about what makes certain children easy prey for pedophiles.
In Fragoso’s case, her earliest childhood years were wrenching. Raised by an explosive, alcoholic father and a mentally unstable mother, Fragoso grew up fearing her father, having to mother her mother, and longing for what all children want: attention, encouragement, praise. She meets Peter Curran, the man who will give her these things, while bathing at a neighborhood pool with her mother. Watching him splash and play with two little boys she assumes are his sons, she paddles up to him and asks, “Can I play with you?”
Curran obliges, includes her in his games with the boys – who turn out to be the sons of a woman in whose house he rents a room – and several days later invites her and her mother to visit the family and the house.
It’s a place that’s vibrant with life: in addition to the boys and their mother, the house is home to a large furry dog, a tankful of iguanas, a cage full of rabbits, and even a small baby alligator. Both Margaux and her mother are enchanted, and become regular after-school visitors. Curran calls Margaux “princess” and “angel,” tells her how talented she is when she writes little stories or puts on little playlets, and patiently plays whatever games she proposes. He also introduces games of his own choosing: “an enhanced version of Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Mad Scientist” and “Tickle Torture Time.” Then one day he takes Margaux down to the basement to check on the health of Fiver, a sick rabbit, and asks her to look at his penis.
In a shattering scene, Fragoso describes her eight-year-old reaction to Curran’s request.
“I climbed into the cart with Fiver and said, ‘Look, Peter! I’m a rabbit!’
“I started to drink from the water bottle, tasting the sweet metal and the sweet, warm water. I picked up [Fiver’s food], offered it again to him, and when he refused it, I ate it myself….Peter came and picked me up gently, placed me on my feet; but I instantly sank again, to my hands and knees, to crawl on the ground like a baby, to feel the cold hard floor beneath my hands.
“‘I’m a baby now, not a rabbit. No, wait. I’m a baby rabbit! Chase me!’”
Curran ignores her agitation and, dropping his pants, exposes his genitals. “The whole contraption looked like a bunless hot dog with two partly deflated balloons attached,” Fragoso writes. But, afraid to offend this man who has become the affectionate male figure her life has so lacked, she tries to conceal her disgust and say something nice about the disturbing sight. “It kind of reminds me of….an ice cream cone,” she says.
I’ll spare you what happens next. Suffice it to say that Curran makes her his sexual toy. But after years of being abused by him, when Fragoso becomes a teenager, she turns the tables on him. By then, aging and in ill-health, he’s become dependent on her, and knowing this, she torments him, mocking him for his weakening legs and toothless mouth and maintaining the relationship even as she begins dating boys.
Throughout this disturbing tale, Lolita from Lolita’s own viewpoint, the author is unflinchingly honest, aware of her own complicity in the abusive relationship. It makes her book absolutely mesmerizing. Fragoso’s insights into pedophiles and the damage they inflict on the children they entrap are profound. But just as importantly – arguably even more importantly — she is a profoundly talented writer. This is a book you won’t be able to put down, and once you’ve finished it, won’t be able to forget.
Enter to win a copy of Tiger, Tiger when you answer this question in the comments below: What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
(See all our past winners. See official rules. One winner is chosen at random from all those who ask a question. Contest closes July 7, 2011.)
0 Responses to “{Book Expert} A beach read that’s anything but sunny.”
Susan Picard says:
Another excellent review by Linda Wolfe, this time of a very disturbing, but very important book about a pathological relationship that is rarely described from the point of view of the victim.
Debbie says:
The best book that I have read this year was, The Shack. This book allowed for the entire gamete of emotions, from anger to surprise to acceptance. I loved it!
hockeynanny says:
Is it true that once a child is abducted and sexually abused she does not run because she just wants to stay alive. I would love to read this book because of the thoughts of the child and the woman she becomes and how she handles her abduction mentally. I hope I win and get to read this book.
Mary says:
I really enjoyed The Red Tent, which gave me an idea of what women’s life might have been like during biblical times.
Dawn in Nevada says:
I read mostly romances and about two a week. So for me, the best ones are the ones I rememer details about. There are two this year that stand above the rest. The first is Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer set in the WWII time era. The second is When You Dare by Lori Foster, a contemporary read. Both I would easily consider rereading.
Nancy says:
To my surprise, Mary Roach’s Packing for Mars turned out to be fascinating and illuminating in unexpected ways, and became a favorite. It’s a winning combination of science, sociology and psychology, written with wry humor. The chapter on testing Japanese candidates for space flight (they each had to construct 1,000 origami cranes), was a wonderful way of showing deep cultural differences (their right stuff is not our right stuff). I keep thinking about various aspects of this book and what astronauts must endure in a quotidian way. Wanted to be an astronomer as a kid, so this was delicious.
meryl steigman says:
The review gives an excellent picture of the substance of the book. I’m glad to have read the review and I’m sure Wolfe is correct that the book is unputdownable. BUT, I think Tiger Tiger would be too grim for my mind that is already absorbing the daily news.
I’ll tuck the book away for the near future.
Bibliophile says:
A Visit From the Goon Squad was my summer favorite, too. But I’ve been meaning to reread Lolita, and it looks like I should try Tiger, Tiger first.
Emma says:
The best book I’ve read recently was A Visit From the Good Squad, by Jennifer Egan.
But I’m definitely adding Tiger, Tiger to my list – great review by Linda.
Pattie Medeiros says:
I love to read!!! The book that I recommend as the best one that I have read this year is “The Scent of Rain and Lightning” by Nancy Pickard. It had me rivited from the get go!!!
Enjoy!!!
Stlmag says:
The Help
MsMeeky says:
Law of Attraction, by Michael Losier
Joanne Vicente says:
I’m already hooked! I can’t wait to read this!
The best book I’ve read thus far, though, is still Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, which I read as a teenager and I just can’t ever forget it!
Terrie says:
Another vote for The Help.
Avid reader that would love to win this book.
jane says:
Burried Prey
silvia rosania says:
great articles
Carol Wong says:
‘Silver Girl’ by Elin Hilderbrand. It took me back to the days when the Bridge Over Troubled Waters came out and I love Nantucket!!!!
Debbiet says:
Emily & Einstein! Great read & a really interesting perspective to be sure.
gerry says:
eat, pray, love, has been my favorite so far, especially the first part of the book where she’s in italy!!!
sandy haber says:
Sing you home, by Jodi Picoult.
it made me laugh and cry and smile and yell at the same time!
Lavonne says:
Loved The Awakening by Angel Hunt. Great story in itself but also was an incredible deeper allegory.
Betty Washington says:
The best book I have read this year has been The Help…which will be a movie this August…
Thanks,
Roz Rickman says:
Tiger, Tiger sounds to delve deeply into our innermost selves. Would love to win this book — love books that are “unforgettable”. Thank you.
Wendy May says:
The best book so far is “Wasted” – an autobiography of sorts about anorexia/bulemia from a survivor. I thought I know a lot about the subject but learned so much about this horrible disease.
Carrie Womer says:
Memmonite in a Little Black Dress
Pam Bartholomew says:
Loved Discovery of Witches and the Steig Larsson trilogy. Would love to win a copy of Tiger Tiger!
bobbimac says:
Since I am a “readaholic” I have QUITE a few FAVS. Ready? Summer Rentals by Andrews; The Aet of Racing in the Rain; House Rules; Beach Trip; Leaving and Learning by Kingsbury; everybook written by Kristen Hannah and LUANNE RICE!
My husband keeps asking me if I have EVER heard of the word, LIBRARY. I just smile and keep on buying. I NOW have 18 books stocked up to be read. When I get down to 2 I begin getting QUITE anxious! 🙂
I DO believe that ANY FEMALE reader would enjoy ANY of the books I have listed! bobbi mac
Donna says:
My Name is Mary Sutter, a civil war story, a story of a woman striving to be a Doctor, a tragic story and a love story. The author has an amazing command of the written word
Sheila Chaffins says:
The Sorceress
Susan Sutton says:
The Help is absolutely the best book so far this year. I’ve read quite a few that I liked but The Help is so revealing and intense; I lived during those days but in the Pacific Northwest and I had no idea that life was as it was in the South for both African Americans and Caucasion. Can’t wait for the movie!
Jackie says:
Best Book this year is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. It is the true story of a WWII pilot captured by the Japenese and is a story of survival and heroism. From the first page it is captivating and learning about the aircraft, what the pilots endured is fascinating. Hillenbrand has a wonderful writing style is the author of Seabiscuit.
Barbara says:
Unbroken by Hillebrand. Varied and human story of an olympic runner who goes into the air force, is shot down, survives in a raft in shark-infested waters for over a month, and is finally picked up by the Japanese and imprisoned in a secret non-POW prison under extreme, abusive conditions.
shari bennetti says:
The best book I have read so far this year is Evanovich’s “One for the Money” in Aruba. It was funny and kept my attention.
EEF says:
Dan Brown’s the Da Vinci Code. I finally got around to reading it.
Mamavalveeta03 says:
I tend to think of a “beach read” as something funny, witty…maybe something that I can gently lay on my beach towel as I take a dip in the ocean and then resume reading with a cold brew when I dry off. Although, “Tiger, Tiger” sounds like a mesmerizing read, isn’t it just a little HEAVY for a beach read? I would suggest “Bossypants” by Tina Fey. It meets all of my criteria for a charming “beach read.”
Kathy says:
the best book I’vce read this year is the Help.
Jane says:
I would have to say that “Little Bee” is the best book I’ve read so far this year. Riveting from page one to the end.
Janice says:
The best book I have read so far this year is Buried Alive by Joseph Finder.
Wendy says:
The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom is my favorite so far this year, but my absolute favorite is A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick. Loved it!!
Buttercup says:
Loved “Discovery of Witches.”
Linda Meter says:
My most recent read, one of my current faves is The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton.It was amusing, entertaining, spell binding, and finally, haunting.
Kelly says:
For me it is the bridal series by Nora Roberts…all the details and passion in the planning and execution of the weddings is so amazing
..
Margarida says:
The best book I have read this summer is “Good Night, Mr. Tom” which is set in England, my native country during WWII. Ironically this novel by Michelle Magorian, is also about an abusive adult-child relationship.
Sue says:
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
popper10 says:
Just finished Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and thought it was great.
Karen Longo says:
Bone Appetit
BlueBear says:
If you haven’t read the trilogy by Steig Larsson – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest, The Girl Who Played with Fire – you absolutely are missing out on an unbelievable ride! They are quick reads that follow on each other and culminate in a fantastic read. The first of the trilogy has been made into a film to be released in December and the lead will be Daniel Craig. I can’t wait!
Mamavalveeta03 says:
Watch the Swedish versions first. Stieg Larsson apparently felt that Noomi Rapace was the embodiment of the character of Lisbeth Salander. I loved the books AND the Swedish movies.
Rochelle Drucker says:
I’m a history buff and read “The Source” by James Michener. I’ve been meaning to read this since high school but never got around to it until this year!
Lisa2543 says:
I loved The Silent Sister : The Diary of Margot Frank since I am fascinated with the concept of imagining what Anne Frank’s sister was thinking. The Diary of Anne Frank was one of my favorite books growing up.
Roz Rickman says:
This was a real surprise to me —
“The Richest Man in Babylon”, by George S. Clason.
For anyone who wants a better understanding of finance, what a find !
marilyn moffatt says:
the best book I have EVER read is called TESTIMONY by anita Shreve. It tells the story of how one event in someone’s life can alter the course of many other people’s lives. It was thought provoking and right on. I don’t know what year it was written but I am glad I had an opportunity to read it.
Norma Taylor says:
The best book I have read this year is The Glass Castle: A Memoir by J. Walls
It is a disturbing account of a highly disfunctional family and how the author triumps over all of it. It is excellent.
hockeynanny says:
The best beach book I have read is Sand Castles, I couldn’t put it down.
Delores Kenyon says:
The Help
Shelby says:
The Help – loved it…
starsmom says:
South of Broad – Pat Conroy
Ivy Pittman says:
Lima Nights! This is the perfect read – sultry and hot-tempered characters in a hot South American country!
Catherine Sweeney says:
A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand
Janice says:
It has to be the classic Look Homeward Angel by Thomas Wolfe
Susan says:
To just name a few, I throughly enjoyed, “The Help”, “Little Bee”, and “The Glass Castle”. All were page turners and did not want them to end. I suggest if you have not read them, to add them to your list of books to read!!!
Patricia says:
I just loved the book, Folly Beach by Dorthea Benton Frank.
Sharon says:
I loved “Fireworks Over Toccoa” by Jeffery Stepakoff – a terrific love story!
bonnie says:
have not read anything great in a while
Diane says:
Angel Sister…………..originally bought the book because my granddaughter posed for the character Kate in the book. She is the young adult on the book’s back cover. It turned out to be a very interesting book and I enjoyed it very much. And I recommend it highly if you just want a clean, interesting fictional book about long ago to read. Brought back memories!
ROBYN E says:
I DO NOT HAVE A BEST READ AS OF YET. WOULD LOVE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS.
Gaye says:
Just finished Water For Elephants, great read.
Barbiegrrrl says:
Half the sky- Inspiring, discouraging, it made me feel grateful for what I have, want to help others (I give $$ to Heifer International), enlightened, REALLY ANGRY that people are so cruel, and hopeful that people, especially women, are so resiliant. It made me question what I do for others and even made me think about that hidden desire to become a nurse. In other words- it touched me like no book has touched. And, as a reminder to truly live each day, honoring myself and the other women I love and care about, I started painting.
Georgia says:
The most compelling book I am reading this summer is The Bible…amazing and profound…
A good fictional beach read is: Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn…
deestea says:
‘Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt’ by Beth Hoffman and ‘Pie Town’ by Lynne Hinton – I didn’t want either of them to end!
Toni Covici says:
the HELP
Pam Meerbrey says:
South of Broad, Always Too Late, Voices of Support for those who have lost both parents, Autobiography of a Recovering Skin Head.
kat says:
I just finished Water for Elephants, didn’t want it to end….a great book by the pool or anywhere.
Joan says:
Night Road by Hannah Kristin is the best book I ‘ve read this year.
Gayle says:
Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
History of a Suicide by Jill Blalosky and
An Exclusive Love trans. by Anthea Bell
Kathy Skinner says:
I have read so many this year but my two favorites were Better Off by Eric Brende about living for a year in an Amish-like community. Also The Long Road Home by Mary Alice Monroe.
hrbeck_98 says:
UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
Kathleen says:
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, a beautiful coming of age story of a woman in Florida in the 1930s.
judith judith says:
The Help … fabulous book ..
Kathleen Schaeffer says:
The best book this year has been Oprah, by Kitty Kelley.
Pam says:
Love You More by Lisa Gardner
inMO says:
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees
Melinda Herman says:
The Invisible Bridge, by Julie Orringer
To the End of the Land, by David Grossman
Indigo Girl says:
The best book I’ve read this summer is “Big Girl Small” by Rachel Dewoskin.
AliHayden says:
Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter & Sweet was good and showed a segment of the WWII history that’s not really covered much in schools.
Roxann frost says:
I have read several books this year. I loved cutting for stone. I also really enjoyed The Rho Agenda books, I can’t wait for the third one, I have never read science fiction!
belindabg says:
I just finished ‘Dreams of Joy’ by Lisa See. It’s the sequel to her magnificent ‘Shanghai Girls’ and was a terrific read.
cyndib says:
i think it is a tie between The Help and Winter Garden. They were both ,great books!
gramhebert says:
dear john Nicholas Sparks
Sonja Turetsky says:
The best book I’ve read so far this summer is “Shiver” by Lisa Jackson. It will make your blood run cold even on the hottest South Florida afternoon.
Maria U. says:
‘Heaven is for Real’ a little boys journey of his trip to heaven and back.”
Ginnie Kellum says:
I agree about “The Help” being impossible to put down. After watching the “Mildred Pierce” miniseries on TV, I downloaded the book onto my Kindle and could not stop reading….just a fantastic book.
Kim says:
A Visit from the Goon Squad.
pamela says:
The Help and anything by Linda See
Robin Bingman says:
Unbreakable by Laura Hillenbrand
novokate says:
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer by
Siddhartha Mukherjee . It is a true page turner-reads like fiction but unfortunately is very real. It is written for the lay person and if many read it then there will be a much stronger understanding of the disease that will eventually kill one in four of us and serve as basis for discussing cancer and the public policy around it.
Sally says:
the best book I’ve read this year is Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende. Couldn’t put it down. Also enjoyed Art and Madness by Anne Roiphe
Becky says:
The Help,was the best of several I’ve read this year.
elizabeth willingham says:
The best two books I’ve read this year, and I read them both lwithin the past two weeks, are “Lowcountry Summer” and “Folly Beach”, both by Dorothea Benton Frank.
Sactokaren says:
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. I have a soft spot for stories about quirky kids and this fits the bill.
DOTTI says:
IN MY BOOK STUDY GROUPS WE HAVE READ FANTASTIC BOOKS THIS YEAR BUT THE MOST COMPELLING BY FAR WAS “CUTTING FOR STONE” BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE. INCREDIBLE READ!!
Amy Gerling says:
I loved Eat, Pray Love!!
Andrea says:
wowa nice framingI like itriemnd me of a nice and sometimes dangerous hobby I used have in the past in Paris.Down along parking lot ramp at full speed with inline skatting.Can i print it for my own usaged ?
Peg Babcock says:
You Can be Happy No Matter What
Miriam Pinheiro says:
“Fall of Giants” by Ken Follett.
Sharon Clark says:
SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN by Lisa See.
kms says:
Just finished “Harvesting the Heart” by Jodi Picoult. I could not put this book down. I love the way Ms. Picoult weaves a story. Keeps me on my toes from begining to end, as with every book of hers I have read.
GailEiffel says:
Cutting For Stone–best book read so far this year!
Beth W. says:
I should be embaressed…but I just now read “To Kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee. It was required reading in school for my sons, but I am not sure I had required reading…so I am going to the library and checking out classics I should have read by now. I have Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” on my nightstand now.
Mamavalveeta03 says:
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is the best ever and the movie is wonderful, too. And definitely read “Pride and Prejudice” and savor the language of Jane Austen…and her fantastic sense of humor!
Mary Ward says:
The best book I’ve read so far this year has been The First Husband by Laura Dave.
Peggy Lanman says:
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. Excellent, like all of his books.
Dorothy Ledford says:
The Help was the best book I have read in a long time.
Kris says:
Best Book this year For You Mom Finally by Ruth Reichl
April Shuman says:
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
Sara Jones says:
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff — FOF review was right: good read; great love story.
Terry says:
South of Broad, by Pat Conroy. I Love anything that Pat Conroy writes. This one is right up there with Prince of Tides!
Brenda Rosenberg says:
I read a lot of books and I can’t really pick out one favorite among them : The Help, Major Pettigrews Last Stand (fantastic first time author), Gravedigger’s Daughter, Nancy
Turner’s trilogy including Sarah’s Quilt (the other 2 don’t come to mind are just a few that I really call favorites.
Troye says:
Loved The Help and South of Broad…also you gotta love Fly Away Home, all great stories that you don’t want to end, or you’re asking where in the heck is the sequel.
ruthiekb72@yahoo.com says:
Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese…absolutely wonderful with gorgeous writing!
jeanne says:
The best book I have read this summer is The 19th Wife. Fascinating glimpse into the Mormons in the 1800s from different points of view.
user32511 says:
The best book I’ve read so far this year is Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.
ina sirkis says:
the help-couldn’t put it down, was sorry when it was over