It has been a minute since a book has brought me in within the first 10 pages and I couldn't let go. From a young age and in multiple contexts, Anna has been taught to constrain herself and not let herself slip. Each day she tries to be a little better until one day she wakes up weighing 88 lbs., isolated from most of the people in her life. From all angles this is a story of love and how sacrifice is braided within those loving relationships. My favorite charachter in the book was Papa and my favorite quote is one of his, 'There is no tragedy to suffering. It is, just as happiness is. To be present for both, that is life, I think. And it is a beautiful evening'. The style of writing is unique, almost poetic. I think this style increases the reader's ability to relate to each character.
The main reason I gave this book a 4 and not a 5 is that I craved more character depth. I wanted to know more about Anna's history, I wanted to know more about Matthias' struggle and I wanted to know more about the other girls. At times I felt the dialogue only scratched the surface, though this may have been the author's intent. I definitely recommend reading this book! I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press.
The main reason I gave this book a 4 and not a 5 is that I craved more character depth. I wanted to know more about Anna's history, I wanted to know more about Matthias' struggle and I wanted to know more about the other girls. At times I felt the dialogue only scratched the surface, though this may have been the author's intent. I definitely recommend reading this book! I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press.