THE DAMAGES

Scott’s novel combines a mystery plot with an exploration of college culture in the 1990s.

After feeling invisible during her high school career, Rosalind “Ros” Fisher is desperate to be a part of the “cool” crowd at Regis University, near Toronto, in 1998. To that end, she ditches her authentic self, invents a new persona, and excludes her “uncool” roommate, Megan Main, who has horse-print bedsheets and out-of-date clothes, from her life. Shortly after Ros returns to campus from winter break, a dangerous ice storm hits, forcing the college to lock down. A reckless night out ends with Megan missing and Ros the target of her peers’ blame. As lies pile up, Ros finds it increasingly difficult to maintain her credibility. The aftermath of this incident uproots her life, disconnecting her from everyone she knows at Regis. Over the course of Scott’s novel, Ros makes morally questionable decisions, but what she lacks in likability is made up for by Scott’s realistic representation of an insecure young person, via Ros’ narration. Small specificities, such as dormitory names, clothing choices, and ’90s references (“Why would anyone want to be one of the many? Another ponytailed, poli-sci major with an unironic passion for Jewel”) do an excellent job of creating a vivid, believable setting. Indeed, this aspect of the novel, along with the conversational tone, will make readers feel closer to Ros as she reflects on her past. In the book’s second half, the story seamlessly transitions to 20 years in the future, as a news story forces Ros to reexamine someone else’s past behavior as well as confront her own previous actions. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking examination of truth, trauma, and memory, briskly and attentively presenting readers with a vivid portrait of one woman’s complicated experiences.

A compelling character study that tackles intriguing moral questions.