This book really took me on quite an emotional journey - wow. It was so impactful and eye opening, encouraging a much needed discussion on the subject of sexual assault and consent. I really respect this book for how shocking and awful it is as it is so realistic. As a result of this, it makes it even more sad for me. Knowing that the first half of the novel, and the tragic events that form the basis of the plot, took place in a small town in Ireland to a fifth year student made it feel too close to home. It was frightening but in a way that I have the upmost respect for the author and the messages she touched on. The aftermath of the events, the interactions with the parents, and that ending (!!) was all too shockingly real. O’Neill is an amazing author with incredibly attention to detail and particularly vivid characters. She transports the reader to the heart of the drama and engraves the story and characters in one’s mind for a long time after finishing the novel.