Secret Life

October 24, 2016
Toronto Star reporter Donovan (Crime Story) has produced a page-turner, documenting behind-the-scenes efforts to expose dozens of sexual assault allegations that generated headlines and, eventually, criminal charges and trial for one of Canada's most recognized radio broadcasters, Jian Ghomeshi, whose 2016 acquittal met with public protests. Donovan's no-nonsense approachâdedicated to promoting continued discussion of violence against womenâis an utterly unglamorous, realistic look at the daily grind of investigative journalism, the mechanics of putting together a story that, even in an electronic age, requires classic gumshoe skills and teamwork with researchers, editors, and legal advisors. Donovan can come off as hardened and cynical, and some may disagree with his decision to republish the allegations of some anonymous women whose stories originally appeared in the Star but who asked for their words not to be included in the book for fear of being retraumatized. There are graphic descriptions of violence. Donovan explores the broader issues of workplace harassment and celebrity culture at Ghomeshi's former employer, the CBC, as well as the machinations inside the disgraced host's advisory team, but coverage of the trial itself seems too condensed. The conclusion could have benefited from a greater exploration of related issues, including whether such violence can be properly addressed within an adversarial court system. Agents: Samantha Haywood and Jesse Finklestein, Transatlantic Agency.