Guilty until proven innocent.

This is a distressing book to read in several ways, not because of the crime committed (although mention of such acts alone would be enough) but exactly because it wasn't..Yet still the full force of the law failed the defendant, an ex- marine who had served four terms in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars before leaving the service, two years before the commencement of this story. Gabe McAllister had believed in the law and, innocent, thought he would be aquitted. But instead found himself condemned because of the abhorrent nature of the crime of which he was accused and a general belief that no child would make such allegations without their being true. How does someone prove their innocence when all sympathy is with a vulnerable child? "Kids don't lie,." And penalties for convicted paedophiles can be heavier than for murderers.
This central theme is well covered, importantly so, given that this is apparently not a single case idea but one which does occur with all too frequent regularity, especially amongst divorcing couples. Less welcome at least to this reader, however, was secondary romance story running through it, the over sentimentality jarring with the seriousness of the trial itself.and detracting from the main story.

The narration by Mark Kamish was excellent, his pleasant soft spoken voice reading with commitment and understanding of the text, well articulated and with good intonation. His interpretation of the individual protagonists in conversation was also appropriate and distinctive. A good overall performance.

Each chapter of the book is preceded by a pertinent quotation from such luminaries as Cicero, Martin Luther King Jr., Mark Twain, Rumi and At.Augustine, all of whom increase the thought provoking nature of the book. Characterisation is also mostly good, with all of the main protagonists introduced seperately into the story and given brief thumbnail sketches, helping to keep each memorable and clear. My thanks to the rights holder of Do You Solemnly Swear? for gifting me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. It treated and presented an important and difficult issue in a way that made it possible to see more dispassionately than newspaper headlines could ever achieve. It was, at least for the most part, a very enjoyable listen. Recommended.

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