Wow. Wow. Wow. Make sure you have a box of tissues ready and a few hours to spare. Grab a glass of wine or a big pot of tea because once you start this book you won’t want to stop. This book begins with a bang and doesn’t stop.
This book has so far been one of the best that I have read this year. It is incredibly well written, ticking all of the boxes that I look for in a novel. Firstly, no fluff, I despise books that are filled with tedious descriptions or filler chapters. This book does not waste any words. Secondly, a great ending. I will not spoil how the book ends, suffice to say that it is satisfying. Thirdly, a book that does not take 5 chapters to get you hooked in. Nope, this book hooks you and your heart from the start.
I pretty much cried for a majority of this story through the horror, the kindness, the despair, the unjust and the inspiration. We follow the main character through her life, beginning with her as a child (9 years old). She is an amazing character that we are able to see grow and change as she begins to take control of her life.
We are introduced to multiple characters that are well established and provide a fabulous range of colours to this story. Holly is able to establish colourful and complex characters without them being over the top and forced.
A truly fabulous book that explores how the people in your life can have a huge impact on the person you become, molding you a certain way, however, with enough confidence and belief in yourself, you can change into someone you are proud of.