Assessment:
Plot: The circumstances of a tumultuous divorce and personal crises make this book intensely readable. Protagonist Aleyna’s path to regaining control of her life is gratifying, though the book’s tone shifts from tense and engaging to more freely inspirational as the novel progresses.
Prose: Neither the details of the story nor the protagonist’s epiphany are purely original, yet her quest to survive and ultimately become empowered, shows her individuality.
Originality: Lanius writes in a clear, confessional prose style, giving voice to Aleyna’s struggles through illness, violence, and emotional turmoil.
Character Development: Aleyna is a sharply rendered character, and readers are provided an intimate view into her painful circumstances. She is not blameless; however, it is through the revelation of her guilt—not her admission of it—that she becomes truly relatable for readers.
Date Submitted: June 03, 2018
