They Never Learn is not another ‘revenge story’. Yes, this is about a woman who takes revenge on men who rape and hurt women, but it’s also a mystery and social commentary. It’s giving you the context of everything and letting you decide whether you agree with her actions or not.
Now let’s be honest, murder is not okay. But she’s not exactly just a serial killer, is she? She’s more aptly described as a vigilante. How do we call people who kill those who have done unspeakable things (in a society that does nothing to punish them)? Can we judge someone for that? Of course we can. Can we also root for them? Of course we can. In the end, you’ll decide where you stand. I stand with those who fervently hope that societies will continue to develop systems where it will be more and more difficult to get away with rape and abuse. Where victims are encouraged to share their stories. Where victim-blaming becomes a thing of the past. Until then, there will be a lot of vigilantes in books and films, to show us where the holes of society are.
This is such a fascinating book, though. There were exactly three big twists, and I only saw one of them coming. The first one, in the middle of the book, knocked my socks off. I was so delighted not to have seen it coming! Then the second one wasn’t too surprising, though I didn’t see it until it came up. The last one, I still saw when it came up, but it was so satisfying anyway. I feel like everything that happens in this book was very smartly done. Every scene, every word, every consequence says a lot about our society and the men in it. It’s quite the feminist read, I’ll tell you that. It’s the best of the ‘good for her’ trope.
I don’t want to laud someone who kills people. I could never do that. But looking through the main character’s eyes, it was fascinating to see her reasons, and I’m not ashamed to say I have felt the way she has felt many times. Like I wanted to punish the men who treated women like objects and did whatever the hell they wanted. Like I wanted to take the power back but didn’t know how.
I’d gather most women have felt this. If you have, this book will be satisfying. To the very end.
-Reviewed by Violeta Nedkova
