Favourite book of the year so far!!

I loved this story because of the discomfort I felt while reading not despite of..

This author gave us a story that is original not only in it's content but in the way it's written as well.

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7 people found this helpful

This book...

Taboo but gosh this story had to be written I read it a few years ago and got the audio to listen as reading isn’t so easy with a little one always wanting my attention. The feels all came flooding back. Not to everyone’s taste but gosh it sticks with you

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2 people found this helpful

True to the title.

A beautiful story, combining ugliness with true and unending love. I loved it and would highly recommend it.

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So much of everything

This book is a difficult one to review. The experiences described in this book run the gamut between heartbreaking, shocking, touchingly poignant, desperately sad, funny at times, but always and ultimately human. Divided into short chapters, the events of the book are described from a multitude of different perspectives, and it is thanks to this variety of viewpoints that the reader understands that few things in life are as clear cut and one dimensional as they seem. There isn't always one truth or one way of looking at a situation - sometimes we need to view an event or series of events through fresh lenses in order to arrive at the truth at the heart of it all. I would not advise this book to everyone because of the potential triggers pertaining to descriptions of sexual encounters, violence and drug use, but I still believe this to be a very worthwhile and excellent read. The narrator rises to the challenge beautifully, particularly in her handling of Wavy (the main character), but even more, considering the large cast of characters she had to work with a create individual voices for. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Room by Emma Donoghue, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, or The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne.

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wonderful

This books has had me experiencing so many emotions, beautifully narrated. However, the ending leaves you both elated but somewhat disturbed that you might actually think it was OK. A must read.

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A thought provoking read

The author tackles a very sensitive subject superbly. A thought provoking read that challenges your perceptions leaving you unsure about whether your feelings about the characters were right or not. Great book.

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Brilliant

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a thick skin. I found it very difficult to put this book down. Brilliant- might be one of my new favourites

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I don’t know how to feel about this book

Let me start by saying that the narration was wonderful, the book was extremely well-written and the story had me hooked in until the very end. HOWEVER…
I’m left feeling all kinds of conflicted. I agree that the book does address some very uncomfortable themes and “grey areas” that might lead you to question or at least think more deeply about your perceptions on such sensitive subject matters. But (spoiler alert) - I cannot reconcile my thinking to agree that no matter how or why it came about, that kind of physical and emotional intimacy with a minor (and a vulnerable minor at that) is not right. It was horrible listening to the more graphic details knowing that the person was barely even a teenager - and from purely my own personal opinion, it comes across validated by the “happily ever after” ending.

I understand that life is never black and white, so I’ll reiterate that although it was a well-written, powerfully moving and thought-provoking book…I remain conflicted on my overall feelings about it. Just my two cents, you decide for yourself.

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Such a powerful beautiful and surprising love story

This is the most absorbing and surprising book I’ve listened to yet on Audible. Violent and graphic, and yet touchingly full of hope and true love against the odds - the title sums it up perfectly ! Jorjeana Marie inhabits each character with mesmerising ability - an absolute treat, despite the darkness and pain - really made you rethink what love is ! Thank you .

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Simply Stunning

One of my favourite reads of the year! Exceptional plotting, characterisation and beautifully written. A must read. Five easy stars.

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