First of all, I want to state that this book deals with the subjects of child abuse and mental illness so this book might not be for everyone. The book is hard to read at times because of the subject matter being so emotionally grueling. With that being said, I hope this book is able to find an audience because it is too well-written to slip by unnoticed.

Amanda has shut herself off from the world after enduring a horrific childhood full of physical and mental abuse from her father. Amanda's two brothers and her mother, Barbara, are victims as well. This book follows Barbara meeting her future husband Seamus and having three kids to Amanda's current state of seclusion from society.

This is the type of book that you will think about long after you have finished reading it. It tackles the subject of mental illness in a way that feels so shockingly realistic and unlike anything I had previously read. As you watch Amanda transform from a baby to a teenager, your heart breaks for her and the abuse she has had to endure.

I received a free copy of this book and that is my fair and honest review. ( )

Sometimes a good book finds you. I thought I would try Lyn Farrell's debut novel after the title popped up on the list of new books at my local library - I wasn't even searching for fiction - but wasn't expecting such a powerful, emotional story. I also thought I could relate to the description in the blurb of Amanda May, the teenage girl who has locked herself in her bedroom, but I can't. I really can't. I even hate to think that there are young girls out there who can, but I know there far too many victims of domestic abuse just like her. Devastating. Definitely recommended, even if the abuse, neglect and animal cruelty make you sick, which is the effect that the brutal scenes in this book had on me. ( )