I feel conflicted writing this review. I have some criticisms, but they seem trivial in the face of a story like this. The story that Leila Mottley wrote is incredibly real and heartbreaking, and I don't want to undermine that. I am so angry just thinking about all the women who have gone through something like this.

If you are uncomfortable seeing any negative thoughts about this book, don't continue to read my review. I am going to mark them as spoilers, so if you want to see my critiques, you'll have to click them.

The main reason l have given this book 3.5 stars is the purple prose. The language is verbose to the point of being distracting. I am all for a good simile or metaphor, but they get exhausting when they happen every other sentence. The author wrote this as a teenager, and unfortunately, it shows. However, I can see the writer has real talent and I am excited to read any future books by her, to see how her style evolves.

I also really didn't like that Kiara and Alé end up together. I don't care that they are lesbians, but it felt like zero care was put into the development of their relationship beyond being best friends. It literally happens in the last 5 pages of the book, after they had a huge fight and never made up. Alé shows up the day after Kiara testifies, kisses her, and it's all good? I'm sorry but no. It's not lovely, it's lousy.

Overall, I am glad I read this book. I am glad it exists. I hope it made someone feel seen. I think everyone should read it, if only to get a viewpoint outside their own.