I finished this book in one day—I literally couldn't put it down.

I came across Evil Genius by Claire Oshetsky by chance, and I was instantly hooked. It’s a short but incredibly addictive read that left me needing to talk about what Celia went through. In this review, I’m breaking down why this 1974-set novel is such a powerful look at the "invisible" side of abuse.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Domestic Violence is More Than a Punch: Why "he never hit me" is a dangerous myth. I look at Drew’s psychological warfare—from keeping malice for weeks to the "accidental" car crash.

• The Architecture of Shame: How an older man used isolation and sexual shaming to dominate a 19-year-old who had nowhere else to go.

• The Workplace Double Standard: Celia’s 1974 phone company job vs. my own experience in a customer-facing role. We talk about why customers suddenly "behave" when they hear a man's voice.

• Mrs. Brisket Delusion: The mental gymnastics of blaming an employee for a family's personal tragedy.

Rating: 4.5/5

I loved Celia’s bravery and that "wonderful surprise" ending. Now, I’m officially asking the author for a sequel!