Good historical fiction, Romeo-Juliette story but with racism, classism, and sexism.
Yes, some parts are uncomfortable, but not at all unrealistic. It is not sugar-coated or fluffed so, ya, it's hard to read. I'm sure for many who have been violated, this book could elicit a violent trauma response. Yet, that makes it all the more important for learning, developing empathy, de-stigmatizing, and validating that abuse as heinous and evil.
Good character development. And like other reviewers, I though the ending didn't fit.