Siobhan McGowan: The Trial of Lotta Rae

This novel tells the story of Lotta Rae who, in 1906, aged 19 is raped at her workplace by one of the business partners during a Halloween party.
Her father has faith in the legal system so, understandably, insists that she presses charges. However, this working class family are up against a rich upper-class man who is an influential parliamentary lobbyist with powerful friends who close ranks and have no compunction about engaging in every possible subterfuge to ensure that he is exonerated.
The title of the book, The Trial of Lotta Rae, is very apt because the tables are turned and she becomes the accused with her rapist presented as the innocent victim who stands to have his reputation ruined.
Lotta Rae is declared to be a lascivious wanton and, with no anonymity rules, the press are merciless in pursuing and humiliating her further.
The repercussions are devastating and then, informed of the full extent of her betrayal, she turns into, as she puts it, “An avenging warrior”. She does get help and gains confidence through friendships and channels her righteous fury into the Suffragette Movement but she still wants revenge.
We discussed vengeance and how dangerous and corrosive it can be but how understandable it is to pursue it.
Her revenge has an unexpected result and the wrongdoer tries to reconcile his guilt by dehumanising and demonising her in his imagination. The First World War intervenes and is depicted with all the stark choices for would-be conscientious objectors and the horrors of trench warfare.
This thought provoking book covers a fascinating period of history and social change, class issues, loss, and how little has changed for women up against men with power over them and the attitudes towards rape victims that continue to this day.
We found this novel engrossing, well-written and thoroughly researched.
Someone suggested that a sequel would be interesting as we wondered about the future of one of the characters.
4/5