Ooof!! This book is described on the back as a modern classic and I definitely agree. Its upsetting, thought-provoking, heartbreaking and hopeful. The characters are so well crafted, in equal parts lovable and even infuriating at times. Even when they are tearing into each other over their differences, there is a strong sense of sisterhood and solidarity between the women.  The dialogue is particularly brilliant!!

The situation that they found themselves in was harrowing, impossible and beyond nightmarish. Seeing the women grapple with the decision to stay, fight or leave really gave me pause as each character shared their point of view. The discussions that were had between the characters were so interesting and covered a wide range of subject including religious fervour, feminism and the duty of parents. The topic of sexual assault was central to the story, but it was handled in a way that was sensitive and thoughtful, without being in any way gratuitous. I also found their conversations around religious identity, the unrecognised labour of women, forgiveness and morality particularly interesting as the characters weighed the rules of their religion against their duty to protect their children and themselves from further harm. 

Just brilliant.