Emily Bozik

This book was fantastic, let me start with that. Quite honestly, I experienced such strong emotions while reading it that at times I wanted to put it down, but I persevered and am a better person for it. Westhead's writing is astonishing. She is so real, so deep, and somehow managed to express complexes and thoughts that lie buried below the human surface. Her main character feels a deep anxiety about her fragile happiness, and I think everyone can relate to that, whether or not they realize it. The book is more of an exploration of the human psyche, I think, than much of plot-pusher, but Westhead tosses in a few twists and shocks to keep the actual story going. The big twist truly made me gasp, and I was absolutely spellbound for the last third of the book. It's so wonderful to have these Canadian authors being recognized, and I hope we get more and more of Jessica Westhead.