I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. At first I was a little skeptical and unsure because they characters seemed so stiff. But as the book went on I became so extremely invested in them that I could feel all their emotions. I felt the confusion, desperation, anguish, all of it was so strongly written that they really hit home. An interesting book because not only did I just want to KNOW what was going on, but I wanted to reach in and help. I had a similar progression as Lib

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where at first I just wanted to know the secret behind the hoax. But by the end I just wanted to know if Anna would be okay and what would happen to her and if Lib could save her from her family and town.

It's not only an interesting story, but an important look at how religion can so forcefully shape peoples lives. And how easy it is to clash with someone from another culture, just by not understanding where they are coming from. I enjoy this book even though it gripped my heart. Emma Donoghue really has a way with words.