Stories like these are always hard to read--but also important to educated oneself about. No one should ever have to endure such a traumatic experience of being abused, in any way the term can be applied. This novel holds the promise of heartbreak. The lightheartedness it starts out with is quickly overshadowed by the impending cloud of dismay for young Sparrow. I don't typically read contemporary fiction. Stories like this, however, definitely strike a cord with me, and are worth reading.