Betrayal Comes in Many Forms

Betrayal Comes in Many Forms

Summer essayists contemplate personal moments of disloyalty, sharing their stories that range from a failing body and objection to war to peer pressure and loss of faith.

An act of betrayal can cause hopelessness and despair. But people show amazing resilience and often overcome the temporary setbacks disloyalty leaves in its disastrous wake.

The Monthly asked East Bay writers to consider a moment of betrayal in the summer essay contest. The theme seemed to resonate well with the wordsmiths, and essayists responded by turning in moving prose about infidelity, loss, abusive relationships, inside jokes, bullying, and other topics.

The essays chosen to present in print address betrayal in wide-ranging ways, touching on the strains of a weakening body, standing up to the U.S. Marines, and making a gut decision that puts a group of friends at odds. They explore a loss of faith in a trusted adult and a careless act in wartime. They are poignant, dramatic, exciting, heartwarming, and humorous tales, and they are well-written.

Congratulations to the winning essayists, Naneen Karraker, Robert Menzimer, Stacy Appel, Patricia Young, Anna Rabkin, Flossie Lewis, and Bobbie Stein. Thanks to all the many Bay Area writers for submitting such wonderful prose—it was truly great reading. Look for our next essay contest in the winter.

A Moment of Betrayal
Her heart hammered against her rib cage as she slid to the ground. By Naneen Karraker .

Just Say No
A young inductee refuses to join the military. By Robert Menzimer.

About the Bike
Finding courage on a Hawaiian vacation. By Stacy Appel.

Writing on the Wall
We told the truth but Mrs. Johnson doubted us. By Patricia Youngr

Loose Lips
The truth is revealed about a childhood trauma. By Anna Rabkin.

A Mother’s Heart
Some remember and others do not. By Flossie Lewis.

Tooth or Consequences
On the way to middle age and root canals. By Bobbie Stein.

Faces of the East Bay