I kept waiting for this to take an uplifting turn and it is just heavy, heavy, heavy. Probably one of the most depressing books I’ve ever read. I’d recommend it if you’re interested in fiction about AAPI characters or westward expansion fiction.

The ending was sort of shocking, I’m still shocked. We’re so conditioned to happy endings that the absence of one is just unnerving. And of course this was inspired by a true event.

4.5 stars.