Little Stranger

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of violence, mental illness, bullying, sexual violence, and sexual content.

Olivia criticizes Malachi for getting a tarantula as a pet, as she is afraid of spiders. Her parents are considering adopting another child, and she fears another brother who will be as possessive as Malachi. This possessiveness has increased in recent years; whenever she spends time with friends, Malachi will “blow up [her] phone with messages” (23). She frequently has sexual thoughts about him.

Malachi criticizes Olivia’s new lipstick using language that denigrates sex workers. She cites her parents’ belief that girls should be married young and need to remain “pure and innocent” until marriage, while boys are free to “enjoy [their] freedom” (25). While in a checkout line, she begins to speak with a former classmate, Adam, who had suddenly vanished from school months prior. Malachi enters and violently assaults Adam, then drags Olivia from the shop. Olivia finds this violence arousing and criticizes herself for being “sick” and “shameful.” Malachi refuses to explain his sudden violence and is unrepentant when police arrive to speak to him.

Adam’s family says they will prosecute Malachi for the assault unless the Vizes “promise Olivia to Adam” (28).