It’s brilliant. The way O’Neill depicted the complicated family dynamics. The glaring contrast between the two halves of the book. Emma’s mind and the complexity of a character who starts out extremely unlikeable but engaging. I really respect O’Neill for not writing the typical “pure” or “squeaky clean” rape victim. It serves to show that no matter the circumstances ; how they behave, what they wore, their sexual history, their substance abuse… sexual assault is never acceptable. O’Neill’s writing doesn’t come across as preachy in the slightest and it’s still entertaining dramatic storytelling.  
 

It’s conclusion, while unsatisfying, needed to be written that way to do justice to real life survivors and the legal system designed against them.

It’s a bleak and heartbreaking read - not for the faint hearted - but gravely important and always will be.