The Sin-Eater's Confession by Ilsa Bick

Friday, Mar. 31, 2023--San Antonio

The Sin-Eater's Confession by Ilsa Bick was an interesting story, but it was hard to believe that a high school senior in line to be valedictorian and applying to Yale University would think so illogically and make such poor decisions as Ben did throughout it.  It was written for a young adult audience, so maybe many of the readers could identify with Ben and how he thought and reacted, but as an adult who could whose school success and experiences were similar to Ben's and knowing how mature I and others were who ranked highly academically in my class, I just couldn't believe all the times he made poor, illogical judgments.  But the basis for the story was legitimate:  Being friendly with a younger student (only one year behind in school but seeming more years behind socially) whose family hired Ben to work on their farm after their older son has died.  Being upset that a photo was taken of you without your knowledge and then published in a national art magazine.  Not being sure if you were straight or gay because your unrelenting mother made you study and volunteer all your extra hours outside of school to increase the likelihood of your being admitted to Yale.  Never having time to consider your sexuality under those circumstances.  Anyway, the book explores all of that plus the desire to make your own way in life (even if it is based on a horrible decision), observing something gruesome happen to a friend and running from it because the same thing would happen to you if you tried to confront the situation, keeping the secret of what has been observed so that you will not become implicated, etc.  Reviews are generally good, and the average rating on Amazon is 4 stars, but I gave the book 3 stars out of 5 just because I didn't think Ben's thoughts and actions matched his intelligence and his maturity level.