Girl Well Read

A special thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book but found it a tough read. The novel is set in western Canada and is strange coming-of-age story in that it stems from so much violence. The main characters, the Campbell sisters, are forced to flee their home only to encounter more violation and torture at the hands of their rescuers. There are some very disturbing details, and a darkness that swallows up not only the girls' innocence, but parts of them as well.

The narrative at times can be incredibly difficult, not only by way of imagery, but because of the extreme violence that Stevens takes on (rape, murder, abuse). Some readers may find the writing powerful based on the connection and empathy towards the girls and their resilience, I did not, I found it incredibly disturbing and violent.