Assessment:

Plot: Painful family circumstances and strained relationships provide tremendous weight and depth to this work. The author offers little respite from suffering and dysfunction, yet navigates the book's darkness with grace.

Prose: The author demonstrates a formidable command of language and is strong technically, yet the prose might be sharpened to create more narrative urgency.

Originality: The author succeeds in creating an original work with unique characters in a well-depicted setting. A restructuring of narrative events to supply more anchoring plot points, may enhance reader engagement.

Character Development: The author shows tremendous skill in depicting authentic, realistic characters who often possess unpleasant characteristics. The author does an especially fine job describing the physical and psychological toll of illness. 

Date Submitted: August 21, 2018