My Review (4 stars out of 5)
Set in a changing America, the story centres on Sarah, who is haunted by a difficult upbringing. Growing up in the rural town of Tolerance, Arkansas, and having endured a traumatic childhood, she now struggles to alter the course of her life and overcome the traumas of the past.
This is a tale of rural America and tells how the central character’s life is shaped by a drunken father, how she deals with the repercussions of a rape attack and struggles to find a loving relationship. Ms Olsen has a talent for imagery and domestic detail that brings the story to life. While it’s mostly not a joyful read, it certainly is a thought-provoking tale.
For reasons I’m not sure of, this book didn’t fully engage me, but it is without doubt a tale that deserves to be read.
Colin Garrow 