Asking for It is a 2015 young adult novel by Irish author Louise O'Neill. The story centers on Emma O'Donovan, a popular and seemingly carefree eighteen-year-old living in a small Irish town. Following a party, compromising photos of Emma are taken without her consent and circulated online. The novel explores the devastating consequences of this event, detailing the widespread victim-blaming, slut-shaming, and online harassment Emma experiences.
The narrative is told in the first person from Emma's perspective and includes flashbacks to her life before the incident, allowing the reader to understand her character and the impact of the assault on her. O'Neill uses Emma's experience to examine broader societal issues surrounding consent, rape culture, and the pervasive nature of online shaming, particularly in the context of social media.
The novel received critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of sexual assault and its exploration of complex moral and social issues. However, it also generated controversy due to its graphic content and challenging themes. Asking for It aims to spark conversation about consent, accountability, and the responsibility of individuals and communities in preventing sexual violence. The book has been adapted into a stage play.