Ari Appleton comes from a family where the term dysfunctional hardly seems adequate. During her short life the abuse and cruelty that she has to face would suggest a tragic future for her. But she also meets understanding and compassion from other relatives, friends and teachers, and because of this, along with her own innate strength, she is not destroyed by what she sees and experiences. I found this a remarkable coming-of-age story and Ari a remarkable character. It’s a hard-hitting and at times almost unbearable narrative but the hope and optimism balance out the horror making this an engrossing and compelling novel, written with insight and empathy.

There was much to enjoy here, but I found I couldn't connect with it. I'd read more from this author in the future though.

This novel will find a very loyal and loving audience, the prose is smooth but ultimately the kind of fiction it is is not something I find at all satisfying or engaging.

Completely engrossing novel of a young girl who overcomes an enormous amount of abuse to find herself and to secure a future. Lots of snappy dialogue, loveable/hateable characters, and a really complete ending. I love that in a book!