Perhaps the printed page, or a different translation, or a different audio production could have helped here, but this was the most confusing of listens I’ve ever experienced – and I listen to dozens and dozens of books.

Whether intentionally or not (impossible to know in this format), I was never sure which mother and child’s flashback story was being referenced at any point. Realizing belatedly that all the back story for character A is in fact that of character B inevitably leaves one cold and uninvolved with the whole thing.

Clearly the author wanted these characters intertwined but the classic crime ‘withholding information’ technique was a terrible and lazy choice.

Plus there are so many important themes regarding the sexuality of young women and the development of children that the author attempts but only scratches the surface of.

Given the over-all story arc this could have been a fascinating read but it was very much NOT!

I really do not recommend.