I loved Three Women, so I was excited to read Taddeo’s fiction debut. She’s a master at capturing the complexities of women’s interior lives and the traumas inflicted by the patriarchy. I couldn’t put this book down. The language is stunning, the plot is gripping, and the characters are complex and interesting. I found myself deeply empathizing with Joan, despite how hard she tries to portray herself as unlikable in the beginning. Watching her grow throughout the book is genuinely moving.  This book isn’t for the faint of heart- it’s pretty dark (see content warnings). If you’re into lighthearted feel-good stories, this probably isn’t the book for you.