unfortunately i’ve had to DNF this book at about 1/4 of the way through. while the writing was immensely moving and hauntingly beautiful, the book was ultimately too violent and sad for me to continue. in the very first chapter, there was a scene that left me feeling sick to my stomach (and that was like page 4!!)! i think i may have been able to handle it better if, like most traumatic books i’ve read, it eased into the violence and anguish.

i’m grateful to Better Reading for giving me early access to this book in Australia, i just was not prepared for the intensity of this read.