TW: Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse

I'm not sure how to start this review. This was one of the most difficult books I've ever read. As someone who knows what it's like to grow up struggling, reading this book put a lot into perspective for me. There were things about this novel that were familiar, and things I couldn't even imagine. I don't want to get too into the details, because this book definitely hit more than a few chords for me, but I will say that I kept having to remind myself as I was reading that this book isn't fiction. There is something about the way the author tells her story that gives you the sense that you're listening to a fairy tale. Even with all of the awful things that happen in this book, there is a sort of dreamlike nostalgia that is utterly compelling.

I listened to this on audiobook. It is narrated by the author herself, and I recommend that to anyone wanting to pick this up. She is engaging and really brought her family to life with her narration.

I don't read much non-fiction, but it's one of my reading resolutions for 2019, and this was a powerful one to start with. I'm curious to check out the book she wrote about her grandmother at some point as well.