Pros: Compelling and beautifully written. Complex characters, and heartbreaking.
Cons: Uncomfortable sex scenes. Controversial and inappropriate romance between the main characters.
Overall: I appreciate peoples right to display whatever they want in fiction writing, and the author did a wonderful job, however morally I do not agree with the outcome of this situation.
*SPOILERS*
Wavy is not your average girl. Not because she is “mature” for her age (give me a break), but because she is mentally ill, and has suffered severe abuse. I am appalled that not one adult figure got this little girl help. Although Aunt Brenda tried and she was “villain-fied” for it. The “hero” or better yet the pedo Kellen is praised for indulging in Wavys self destructive behavior, all under the guise of “he is helping her. He’s caring for her”
When someone is suffering from schizophrenia you don’t indulge in that behavior. You don’t say “why yes Janet the walls are talking to you!” You get them professional help! That’s what Wavy needed and it pained me to see all the way into her 20s she still couldn’t hardly eat in front of people.
I don’t know. I love literature and I believe people have the right to express whatever kind or “art” they want, and Bryn is definitely a talented writer, but the way mental health was handled in this book along with the pedophilia acceptation I just couldn’t rate it higher. I didn’t like the end message. I don’t support the idea that children can be “mature” enough to handle a sexual relationship with an adult for their age. That’s a dangerous take to have honestly.