This was a tough book to read in some regards. There are scenes that are hard to shake, but the payoff is there. Despite so much pain, so little give, there was remarkable beauty (hinted at by the very title). That's the key for me, when an author can portray the connections and strength that transcend circumstance. A well-written, vivid, important story. It puts a lot in perspective, and the women's point of view felt genuine and whole. Bravo!