Book Review

I Have the Right to

Chessy Prout

Jenn Abelson

Brave. Brave is a word I have heard repeatedly in recent years, in reference to women who have come out with their stories of sexual harassment and abuse. Victim, survivor, perpetrator, and accused always follow. Chessy Prout is a victim and a survivor and most certainly brave. 

Her story is not high-profile in comparison to the recent cases brought against well-known icons such as Bill Cosby, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, which incited the #Me Too movement. Her story is, in my opinion, more important. Prout’s story shines a direct light on the rape culture in high schools. More specifically, private high schools, where privilege and financial wealth equals power in the minds of young men. Entitled young men who become adult men with power; the Jeffrey Epsteins and Harvey Weinsteins of the future.

Trigger warning: In this memoir, Prout carefully but directly recounts the details of her assault. More importantly, she holds nothing back as she describes the aftermath. The hard decision to report her rape, the pain of isolation as trusted friends and faculty turned their backs on her for doing so, and the reprehensible efforts of the institution to dismiss the event in order to save their reputation. A 15 year old girl against a community embedded in century-old tradition. 

In this memoir, the physical and emotional ramifications Prout suffered is palpable. The decision to pursue justice and accountability and share her story with the world is most certainly brave.

“I Have the Right to” opens yet another door for young women who battle with the aftermath of sexual assault. By sharing the story of her fight to hold her abuser accountable, Prout leads by example and gives hope to victims who struggle with the decision of whether or not to “tell.”