When I read the blurb for this book on net galley I was really intrigued. I thought it sounded like a pretty cool book and couldn’t wait to get stuck into it.
My enthusiasm ends there.
This book is odd. I cannot think of another term to describe it, other than odd. I spent the first hour or so of reading thinking it was a book about a parallel universe. Then I thought it was about girls being trained as terrorists. I finally discovered what it was really about when I was maybe half way through.
I have to say it isn’t really a pleasurable read. I felt I could have given up at anytime, although I did see it through. When you begin to realise what the book is actually about you feel compelled to find out what actually happens at the end.
In the beginning the book seems peculiar, quirky and even fun. then it shifts a gear and you start to squirm a little as you read on, but not enough to put you off. Then you find yourself feeling pity for the girls in the story and you feel committed to finding out what their fate is.
Finally you just want to get the book finished and hope everything has turned out alright for them. It is that disturbing and you do find yourself pitying the girls for the abuse they have suffered.
I wouldn’t go as far as saying the book is gritty, but I would say it is quite a disturbing read once you realise what it is all about.
*** 3 stars.
Not your average crone 