This is a complicated, complex book. Written, in part, as a way to lash out a lover, much of the action is obfuscated and hidden. But there is a lyric quality to the narrative, and Barnes' dark imagery conveys intensely what she is feeling.

Louise deSalvo's [b:Conceived with Malice Literature as Revenge in the Lives of Woolf, Lawrence, Barnes, Miller|1433842|Conceived with Malice Literature as Revenge in the Lives of Woolf, Lawrence, Barnes, Miller|Louise DeSalvo|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|1424383] has a brilliant chapter on this book.