Adan goes into hiding after the murder and only returns home to see Lala and Baby when he is sure that the coast is clear. Adan's friend, Tone, brings a friend to the house to visit the newborn, and a scuffle ensues between Adan and Lala, resulting in Baby's unfortunate death. Tone and Lala's past as lovers is slowly revealed throughout the novel, and as Adan's violence towards Lala intensifies towards the end of the book, Tone kills Adan and Lala manages to escape to start a new life.

Every female character suffers extreme violence at the hands of men. Lala's mother was killed by Lala's father, and Lala grows up with her grandmother and grandfather, who also abused Lala's mother when she was young. Mira Whalen is shot by Adan in the last part of the book, and Lala herself is beaten by Adan on several occasions, each time suffering more and more serious injuries. Tone and Mira Whalen's neighbour, Grayson, are the only two male characters who do not harm a woman.

My Verdict: An incredibly intense and realistic novel about the prevalence of violence against women. A really amazing debut novel and a new writer who I'm eager to read more by.

Review Award | 5/5