Learning to Scream

A skilled and empathetic translation of a German novel, which retains both the power and the poetic style of the original. Parallels with psycho-sexual interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood are highlighted in its original title, but Andersen have chosen instead to emphasise the silence which exists around young victims of sexual abuse inflicted by family members.

Malvina has endured this for many years, ashamed to admit it even to herself, her family conniving in the abuse by ignoring it and refusing to acknowledge those small indications of abuse she can give. As she gradually faces the detail of these past events she discovers the strength to move on, and form new relationships. A thought-provoking and empowering novel.