Gabriel Tallent

This book got rave reviews from Steven King, so I bought it. Turtle Alveston's father taught her everything there was to know about surviving in the wild. Now she must use those skills, and more, to survive him.

Upsetting in a million ways: too much abuse, too many guns, too much sadness.

I read the whole book because I cared about Turtle and wanted to know her whole story but I hated reading this because the abuse was always lingering in the background.

I gave it three stars because I was invested in her and because so many scenes caused me to have a real visceral reaction but I can't say I'd suggest anybody run out to read this one. This is not a world I'm happy to have experienced.

I keep hearing good things about this novel but unfortunately I could't finish it. The scenes depicting the abuse felt voyeuristic and gratuitous. Please note that this is an entirely subjective reaction. I wasn't and I'm not in a frame of mind to read such a disturbing novel.

I appreciated the prose, especially the scenic descriptions, but otherwise? No. Just no. I cannot say I enjoyed reading this book.

I hope Tallent finds a different subject, something that is more personal to him. I think that would be a much better book.