This is the most disturbing read I've read in a long time that wasn't either a horror or an intense thriller. If you're planning on reading, be prepared and know what you're getting into. I have to give the author a lot of credit. This story is incredibly believable and at the same time definitely was able to make my skin crawl. Although it is stated in the introduction that this is a work of fiction, the narrative reads as if it could easily be a memoir.

The investigation into the sexualization of females and the gaslighting that occurs in a lot of abusive relationships. It's very interesting to read through the justifications that Vanessa comes up with in her own head even as she is slowly recognizing that she was misused and abused by Strane. I absolutely felt that I could have put myself in her own shoes with these rationalizations...especially at the age of 15. And the fact that this grooming and manipulation undoubtedly occurs for girls this age just increased the cringe factor of the book, intensifying its impact and message.

While certainly not for the lighthearted, I still very much recommend this book. It is insightful and incredibly well-written. It is believable and slowly builds to illustrate to the reader how these relationships start slow and then can snowball into catastrophic circumstances.

Spoiler

The use of a "good guy" character later in the book to further demonstrate how subtly this manipulation and gaslighting can occur is masterfully done.

Tread lightly and be prepared, both to be disgusted and enlightened.