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popthebutterfly 's review for:

Iphigenia Murphy by Sara Hosey
4.0

Disclaimer: I received an e-arc and a finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Iphigenia Murphy

Author: Sara Hosey

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: March 10, 2020

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Pages: 272

Recommended Age: 17+ (abortion *nothing wrong with it, but it's not some people's cup of tea and I like to be upfront.*, Rape and attempted rape, sexual assault, language, some violence)

Synopsis: Running away from home hasn't solved Iphigenia Murphy's problems. In fact, it's only a matter of time before they'll catch up with her. Iffy is desperate to find her long-lost mother, and, so far, in spite of the need to forage for food and shelter and fend off an unending number of creeps, living in Queens' Forest Park has felt safer than living at home. But as the summer days get shorter, it all threatens to fall apart.

A novel that explores the sustaining love of friendship, the kindness of strangers, and the indelible bond of family, Iphigenia Murphy captures the gritty side of 1992 Queens, the most diverse borough in New York City. Just like Iffy, the friends she makes in the park--Angel, a stray dog with the most ridiculous tail; Corinne, a young trans woman who is escaping her own abusive situation; and Anthony, a former foster kid from upstate whose parents are addicts--each seek a place where they feel at home. Whether fate or coincidence has brought them together, within this community of misfits Iffy can finally be herself, but she still has to face the effects of abandonment and abuse--and the possibility that she may be pregnant. During what turns out to be a remarkable journey to find her mother, will Iffy ultimately discover herself?
Review: I really loved the story overall. I thought the characters were well developed and the plot was intriguing. I like the world building as well and it's definitely a book that'll make you cry!

However, the writing was a bit weird in my opinion. It just felt more documentary style that in the main characters head style.

Verdict: A well done contemporary!