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Even Numbers - Barbara Grovner
Even Numbers
Barbara Grovner
ISBN: 097710043X
Third Eye Publishing
Reviewed By Antonia Cruz
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
People often say, "If I could just be a fly on the wall…", wishing for a chance to see the real goings-on behind closed doors. It can be said that everyone really lives two lives everyday: the one that they show the world in the light of day, and the other that lingers in the shadows, out of public view. There exists a certain empowering assurance in the thought of being able to catch other folks red-handed, discovering the truth of their secrets and holding them accountable for their misdeeds - and Even Numbers provides us with just that opportunity.
Grovner's revealing, and oftentimes disturbing tale brings the reader face-to-face with the most uncomfortable of topics: pedophilia. Her narrative outlines the life of James, a disarmingly charming man with a despicable passion for little girls. A shrewd and controlling plotter, he successfully ingratiates himself into the lives of Dominga, an unsuspecting single mother, and Olivia, her adorable six year-old daughter. James wastes no time sweeping the women off their feet, securing his place as loyal husband and doting stepfather. Welcoming him into their modest lives with joyful hearts, Dominga and Olivia are in no ways prepared to deal with the coming deceit, confusion, and damage he is soon to bring.
Patiently waiting for just the right opportunity, James finally engages Olivia in what will become an increasingly sexual relationship, ultimately resulting in her pregnancy - by none other than James himself. Keeping in secret James's molestation for years, Olivia reaches the age of nineteen and finally realizes just how wrong his behavior has been, but, sadly, her attempts to address it with Dominga only infuriate her mother to the point where Olivia is forced to leave. After all, James has been an excellent provider and loyal husband to Dominga for years, so, of course, he could never be the beast that her "fast" daughter claims him to be.
What's striking about Even Numbers is the very cogent way it depicts the lasting effects of child molestation. Olivia becomes sexually promiscuous as a result of her early encounters with James, but she is shunned as so much of a slut by her mother, who refuses to recognize the root causes of her daughter's behavior. Yet, more disturbing is the impunity with which James is allowed to continue his deviant behavior, even going so far as to prey on other single women and children throughout the course of his marriage, all the while unbeknownst to both his wife and law enforcement.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Even Numbers, though, is its revelation of just how easily pedophiles are able to lure children into their sick worlds: through the art of "playing games." Indeed, by playing such a game, called "Even Numbers" itself, James is able to trick Olivia into accepting the despicable and inappropriate behavior that will tarnish the rest of her life.
In light of contemporary cases like that of R. Kelly, Even Numbers brings much-needed attention to the dark world of child molestation, as well as the sick minds of pedophiles. Grovner's moving narrative is timely, frank, and thankfully honest. We don't often like to confront those issues that make us uncomfortable, but for the sake of saving someone else's life, sometimes we need to sacrifice our own personal comfort for the greater good. Even Numbers pulls this feat off in magnificent fashion. A must-read.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Barbara Grovner (Even Numbers)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Barbara. We truly appreciate your time.
What gave you the inspiration to write Even Numbers?
Barbara Grovner: I PERSONALLY KNOW OF A WOMAN WHO EXPERIENCED THIS MADNESS. I CANNOT GO INTO DETAIL EXPLICITELY, BUT THE STORY IS THE SAME STORY MANY WOMAN CAN ATTEST TO. THERE ARE TOO MANY WOMAN WITH THE SAME STORY…IN FACT STATISTICS SAY THAT ONE IN FOUR YOUNG GIRLS ARE MOLESTED.
AR: Our reviewer commented on how disturbing she found it that it's so easy for pedophiles to manipulate children into their molestations.What can be done to make it harder for kids to be taken advantage of?
BG: IT'S SO WEIRD…A PEDOPHILE'S BEHAVIOR DOESN'T CHANGE MUCH. HE CONTINUES TO USE THE TACTICS THAT WILL WORK FOR HIM. HE IS USUALLY A VERY CHARMING PERSON, NOT THE MONSTER HE REALLY IS OR THAT WE PERCIEVE A PEDOPHILE TO BE. AND A LOT OF UNSUSPECTING SINGLE WOMEN WITH CHILDREN ARE LOOKING FOR ACCEPTANCE AND TEND TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON. WE DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE THE WORST.
AR: In that same vein, how can it be easier for parents to discover when their children are being molested?
BG: COMMUNICATION IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THESE MEN AT BAY. TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN OFTEN. AFTER ALL, MOLESTATION OCCURS AS OFTEN AS EATING DINNER. BRING UP THE SUBJECT OFTEN BUT IN A WAY YOUR CHILD CAN ACCEPT IT AS JUST SOMETHING ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR. IT IS NOT A NEW DANGER; JUST ONE THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SHAMEFUL TO BRING UP. MAKE SURE THEY KNOW HOW WRONG IT IS AND THAT IT IS VERY SERIOUS WHEN SOMEONE DOES THIS TO THEM. THEY NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE THERE FOR THEM IF THEY TELL; THAT YOU WILL PROTECT THEM FROM ANY OF THE THREATS THE PEDOPHILE HAS MADE.
AR: Is it really so easy for people like James to move from unsuspecting woman to woman and have his way with their kids?
BG: YES; ABSOLUTELY AND MOST DEFINITELY!! AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO FULLY REALIZE. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AS LONG AS PROSTITUTION HAS BEEN GOING ON, WHICH IS FOREVER. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WORLD (EVEN WITH ALL THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WOMEN HAVE MADE) IS STILL A MAN'S WORLD IN A SENSE. WHY ELSE WOULD PROSTITUTION CONTINUE? AND CHILD MOLESTATION? THESE ARE TYPICALLY MALE CRIMES WHERE MEN ARE THE ONLY ONES BENEFITTING. I HEARD OF A JUDGE WHO COULD HAVE GIVEN A REPEAT OFFENDER THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR CHILD MOLESTATION AND RAPE AND CHOSE NOT TOO. WHY? DOES HE IDENTIFY WITH HIS NEED TO PREY ON CHILDREN? WHO KNOWS?
AR: In light of all the popularity surrounding the upcoming R. Kelly child pornography trial, what would you recommend be a suitable punishment for those guilty of such horrible crimes?
BG: I TRULY BELIEVE THEY WILL NOT STOP. USUALLY WHEN ONE IS CAUGHT IT IS NOT HIS FIRST TIME. THEREFORE THEY SHOULD BE PUT AWAY SO THAT THE BEHAVIOUR IS NEVER REPEATED.
AR: Given that she was molested as a child, why is it so hard for Dominga to believe that her daughter could be molested as well?
BG: SHE FELT THAT IT DIDN'T HURT HER, BUT SHE WASN'T AWARE OF THE SELF-ESTEEM THAT THE INCIDENT ROBBED HER OF, MAKING HER A WEAK PERSON; SOMEONE WHO IS EASIER TO PERY UPON. ALSO, SHE DIDN'T WANT TO MAKE TROUBLE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS WHOM SHE THOUGHT WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND HER.
AR: In Even Numbers, you do a masterful job of showing the aftereffects of molestation, such as Olivia becoming sexually promiscuous at a young age. How common is that particular behavior as a consequence of their mistreatment?
BG: PROMISCUITY IS ALMOST ALWAYS AN AFTER EFFECT OF CHILD MOLESTATION. MANY WOMAN END UP HATING THEMSELVES AND THEREFORE CONTINUALLY PUNISH THEMSELVES. THEY DON'T THINK THEY ARE WORTHY OF BEING TREATED WELL. THEY SAY "THANK YOU" TOO MUCH IN A WAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE SHOULD TREAT THEM WELL. ESPECIALLY IN INCIDENTS WHERE ADULTS ARE AROUND AND DO NOTHING.
AR: Following up on that, she evens relent to continue having sex with James after she's grown and out of his house. How/why is that?
BG: JAMES IS A MASTER AT WHAT HE DOES. HE HAS, OVER THE YEARS CONVINCED OLIVIA THAT SHE IS NOTHING WITHOUT HIM. HE HAS DESIGNED A LIFE FOR HER WHERE SHE NEEDS HIM AND THAT NEED CONTINUED AFTER SHE BECAME AN ADULT. SHE STILL HARBORS SELF HATRED, BUT CANNOT CONVINCE HERSELF THAT SHE WOULD DO BETTER WITHOUT HIM IN HER LIFE. JAMES MADE SURE OF THAT.
AR: This is your first book, and a great one at that. How do you plan to follow it up?
BG: I THOUGHT ABOUT A FOLLOW UP BOOK. BUT WITH A PEDOPHILE, THIS IS ALL HE DOES. THIS BOOK COULD HAVE CONTINUED FOREVER BECAUSE THEY NEVER STOP. THAT IS THE REASON I HAD TO END IT THE WAY I DID. THE POINT WAS MADE AND WITH NO ONE TO BELIEVE OLIVIA IT WOULD NEVER HAVE STOPPED.
AR: What else would you like our readers to know?
BG: "EVEN NUMBERS" IS A BOOK I FELT I HAD TO WRITE. THIS WAS A MUST. I WROTE IT AS A NARRATIVE Because I REALLY DIDN'T WANT JAMES TO HAVE A VOICE. HE DIDN'T DESERVE ONE. MY NEXT BOOK IS FULL OF COLORFUL CHARACTERS AND TAKES AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TURN. "WE BELONG TOGETHER" IS A MURDER MYSTERY WITH A TWIST AND A LOOK AT A YOUNG WOMAN'S MENTAL HEALTH AS IT PROGRESSES.
AR: Thanks again, Barbara, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors.
BG: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INTERVIEW. HOPEFULLY WE'LL DO THIS AGAIN WHEN "WE BELONG TOGETHER" RELEASES SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.
Barbara Grovner
ISBN: 097710043X
Third Eye Publishing
Reviewed By Antonia Cruz
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
People often say, "If I could just be a fly on the wall…", wishing for a chance to see the real goings-on behind closed doors. It can be said that everyone really lives two lives everyday: the one that they show the world in the light of day, and the other that lingers in the shadows, out of public view. There exists a certain empowering assurance in the thought of being able to catch other folks red-handed, discovering the truth of their secrets and holding them accountable for their misdeeds - and Even Numbers provides us with just that opportunity.
Grovner's revealing, and oftentimes disturbing tale brings the reader face-to-face with the most uncomfortable of topics: pedophilia. Her narrative outlines the life of James, a disarmingly charming man with a despicable passion for little girls. A shrewd and controlling plotter, he successfully ingratiates himself into the lives of Dominga, an unsuspecting single mother, and Olivia, her adorable six year-old daughter. James wastes no time sweeping the women off their feet, securing his place as loyal husband and doting stepfather. Welcoming him into their modest lives with joyful hearts, Dominga and Olivia are in no ways prepared to deal with the coming deceit, confusion, and damage he is soon to bring.
Patiently waiting for just the right opportunity, James finally engages Olivia in what will become an increasingly sexual relationship, ultimately resulting in her pregnancy - by none other than James himself. Keeping in secret James's molestation for years, Olivia reaches the age of nineteen and finally realizes just how wrong his behavior has been, but, sadly, her attempts to address it with Dominga only infuriate her mother to the point where Olivia is forced to leave. After all, James has been an excellent provider and loyal husband to Dominga for years, so, of course, he could never be the beast that her "fast" daughter claims him to be.
What's striking about Even Numbers is the very cogent way it depicts the lasting effects of child molestation. Olivia becomes sexually promiscuous as a result of her early encounters with James, but she is shunned as so much of a slut by her mother, who refuses to recognize the root causes of her daughter's behavior. Yet, more disturbing is the impunity with which James is allowed to continue his deviant behavior, even going so far as to prey on other single women and children throughout the course of his marriage, all the while unbeknownst to both his wife and law enforcement.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Even Numbers, though, is its revelation of just how easily pedophiles are able to lure children into their sick worlds: through the art of "playing games." Indeed, by playing such a game, called "Even Numbers" itself, James is able to trick Olivia into accepting the despicable and inappropriate behavior that will tarnish the rest of her life.
In light of contemporary cases like that of R. Kelly, Even Numbers brings much-needed attention to the dark world of child molestation, as well as the sick minds of pedophiles. Grovner's moving narrative is timely, frank, and thankfully honest. We don't often like to confront those issues that make us uncomfortable, but for the sake of saving someone else's life, sometimes we need to sacrifice our own personal comfort for the greater good. Even Numbers pulls this feat off in magnificent fashion. A must-read.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Barbara Grovner (Even Numbers)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Barbara. We truly appreciate your time.
What gave you the inspiration to write Even Numbers?
Barbara Grovner: I PERSONALLY KNOW OF A WOMAN WHO EXPERIENCED THIS MADNESS. I CANNOT GO INTO DETAIL EXPLICITELY, BUT THE STORY IS THE SAME STORY MANY WOMAN CAN ATTEST TO. THERE ARE TOO MANY WOMAN WITH THE SAME STORY…IN FACT STATISTICS SAY THAT ONE IN FOUR YOUNG GIRLS ARE MOLESTED.
AR: Our reviewer commented on how disturbing she found it that it's so easy for pedophiles to manipulate children into their molestations.What can be done to make it harder for kids to be taken advantage of?
BG: IT'S SO WEIRD…A PEDOPHILE'S BEHAVIOR DOESN'T CHANGE MUCH. HE CONTINUES TO USE THE TACTICS THAT WILL WORK FOR HIM. HE IS USUALLY A VERY CHARMING PERSON, NOT THE MONSTER HE REALLY IS OR THAT WE PERCIEVE A PEDOPHILE TO BE. AND A LOT OF UNSUSPECTING SINGLE WOMEN WITH CHILDREN ARE LOOKING FOR ACCEPTANCE AND TEND TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON. WE DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE THE WORST.
AR: In that same vein, how can it be easier for parents to discover when their children are being molested?
BG: COMMUNICATION IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP THESE MEN AT BAY. TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN OFTEN. AFTER ALL, MOLESTATION OCCURS AS OFTEN AS EATING DINNER. BRING UP THE SUBJECT OFTEN BUT IN A WAY YOUR CHILD CAN ACCEPT IT AS JUST SOMETHING ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR. IT IS NOT A NEW DANGER; JUST ONE THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SHAMEFUL TO BRING UP. MAKE SURE THEY KNOW HOW WRONG IT IS AND THAT IT IS VERY SERIOUS WHEN SOMEONE DOES THIS TO THEM. THEY NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE THERE FOR THEM IF THEY TELL; THAT YOU WILL PROTECT THEM FROM ANY OF THE THREATS THE PEDOPHILE HAS MADE.
AR: Is it really so easy for people like James to move from unsuspecting woman to woman and have his way with their kids?
BG: YES; ABSOLUTELY AND MOST DEFINITELY!! AND THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO FULLY REALIZE. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AS LONG AS PROSTITUTION HAS BEEN GOING ON, WHICH IS FOREVER. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WORLD (EVEN WITH ALL THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WOMEN HAVE MADE) IS STILL A MAN'S WORLD IN A SENSE. WHY ELSE WOULD PROSTITUTION CONTINUE? AND CHILD MOLESTATION? THESE ARE TYPICALLY MALE CRIMES WHERE MEN ARE THE ONLY ONES BENEFITTING. I HEARD OF A JUDGE WHO COULD HAVE GIVEN A REPEAT OFFENDER THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR CHILD MOLESTATION AND RAPE AND CHOSE NOT TOO. WHY? DOES HE IDENTIFY WITH HIS NEED TO PREY ON CHILDREN? WHO KNOWS?
AR: In light of all the popularity surrounding the upcoming R. Kelly child pornography trial, what would you recommend be a suitable punishment for those guilty of such horrible crimes?
BG: I TRULY BELIEVE THEY WILL NOT STOP. USUALLY WHEN ONE IS CAUGHT IT IS NOT HIS FIRST TIME. THEREFORE THEY SHOULD BE PUT AWAY SO THAT THE BEHAVIOUR IS NEVER REPEATED.
AR: Given that she was molested as a child, why is it so hard for Dominga to believe that her daughter could be molested as well?
BG: SHE FELT THAT IT DIDN'T HURT HER, BUT SHE WASN'T AWARE OF THE SELF-ESTEEM THAT THE INCIDENT ROBBED HER OF, MAKING HER A WEAK PERSON; SOMEONE WHO IS EASIER TO PERY UPON. ALSO, SHE DIDN'T WANT TO MAKE TROUBLE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS WHOM SHE THOUGHT WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND HER.
AR: In Even Numbers, you do a masterful job of showing the aftereffects of molestation, such as Olivia becoming sexually promiscuous at a young age. How common is that particular behavior as a consequence of their mistreatment?
BG: PROMISCUITY IS ALMOST ALWAYS AN AFTER EFFECT OF CHILD MOLESTATION. MANY WOMAN END UP HATING THEMSELVES AND THEREFORE CONTINUALLY PUNISH THEMSELVES. THEY DON'T THINK THEY ARE WORTHY OF BEING TREATED WELL. THEY SAY "THANK YOU" TOO MUCH IN A WAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T BELIEVE ANYONE SHOULD TREAT THEM WELL. ESPECIALLY IN INCIDENTS WHERE ADULTS ARE AROUND AND DO NOTHING.
AR: Following up on that, she evens relent to continue having sex with James after she's grown and out of his house. How/why is that?
BG: JAMES IS A MASTER AT WHAT HE DOES. HE HAS, OVER THE YEARS CONVINCED OLIVIA THAT SHE IS NOTHING WITHOUT HIM. HE HAS DESIGNED A LIFE FOR HER WHERE SHE NEEDS HIM AND THAT NEED CONTINUED AFTER SHE BECAME AN ADULT. SHE STILL HARBORS SELF HATRED, BUT CANNOT CONVINCE HERSELF THAT SHE WOULD DO BETTER WITHOUT HIM IN HER LIFE. JAMES MADE SURE OF THAT.
AR: This is your first book, and a great one at that. How do you plan to follow it up?
BG: I THOUGHT ABOUT A FOLLOW UP BOOK. BUT WITH A PEDOPHILE, THIS IS ALL HE DOES. THIS BOOK COULD HAVE CONTINUED FOREVER BECAUSE THEY NEVER STOP. THAT IS THE REASON I HAD TO END IT THE WAY I DID. THE POINT WAS MADE AND WITH NO ONE TO BELIEVE OLIVIA IT WOULD NEVER HAVE STOPPED.
AR: What else would you like our readers to know?
BG: "EVEN NUMBERS" IS A BOOK I FELT I HAD TO WRITE. THIS WAS A MUST. I WROTE IT AS A NARRATIVE Because I REALLY DIDN'T WANT JAMES TO HAVE A VOICE. HE DIDN'T DESERVE ONE. MY NEXT BOOK IS FULL OF COLORFUL CHARACTERS AND TAKES AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TURN. "WE BELONG TOGETHER" IS A MURDER MYSTERY WITH A TWIST AND A LOOK AT A YOUNG WOMAN'S MENTAL HEALTH AS IT PROGRESSES.
AR: Thanks again, Barbara, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors.
BG: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INTERVIEW. HOPEFULLY WE'LL DO THIS AGAIN WHEN "WE BELONG TOGETHER" RELEASES SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.