Comment

Feb 12, 2014
When 17-year-old Iris is cast as Ophelia in her school’s production of Hamlet, she becomes involved in a relationship with the attractive 31-year-old director, Mick. Like other people, Iris wants to love someone and be loved, and she’s flattered by his attention. She misses, and then tries to ignore, the growing signs of trouble. Mick’s charm is soon replaced by criticism, anger and controlling behavior. He separates her from her family and friends, and becomes punishing and physically abusive. Iris makes excuses for Mick as she tries to conceal the bruises on her face and hide her physical and emotional pain. However, a time comes when she can’t hide these things any longer from her mother and her friends. So Much It Hurts is a candid, realistic case of an abusive relationship and victim mentality. Featuring a believable and likeable protagonist, this important book will serve to enlighten teens of the signs and dangers of abusive relationships. The parallels between Iris and Ophelia are effective and poignant – but fortunately, the endings to their stories are not similar. Canadian author Monique Polak has also written Miracleville, What World is Left? and various other novels for teens.