Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Echoing other recent reviews, I feel compelled to warn other readers that this book is graphic and disturbing in its description of the brutal and protracted incest and rape of a young girl by her father, and the father’s eventual rape and torture of another, younger child. I purchased the book after seeing excellent reviews (Oprah!), intrigued by the theme of a young girl finding her way in the natural world. When I read the first passage of incest I revisited the reviews in more detail but kept reading, encouraged that the protagonist would find strength and redemption. Arguably that never happens. I’m not squeamish or wary of difficult subjects. This was beyond anything remotely necessary but rather screamed of shock value for no apparent legitimate reason. Furthermore I found the protagonist fairly unlikable throughout most of the book. It’s well written to be sure. But just be warned this book is dark, disturbing, and absolutely unrelenting. I wish I could unread it. I pushed through hoping for redemption and deeply regret it. As a mother of two girls, this is a story I wish I hadn’t read.