This short book leaves an uneasy and disturbing aftermath.
As you turn the pages, the translation by Lisa Dillman, has the reader feeling both perplexed and unnerved as the inner thinking of a group of broken children housed in an orphanage are explored. It is as if you are eavesdropping on the thoughts of these children.
The story outlines the emotions and developing relationships between an established group and a newcomer. This newcomer, Marina, recently traumatised by the death of her parents in a motor vehicle accident, is too young to understand the need to experience grief.
She has many psychological barriers to transgress. She has the words that float around her, words of others explaining what has happened and what will happen next, but they are just words. She is swept along without engaging with reality until, at the same time ostracised and enveloped by the other girls, she decides to take control.
This decision and how she manages to feel some power is sinister in its intent and results. The imagery provided in the text often conflicts with the words being used and is extremely complex. The fleeting nature of childhood innocence is also woven into the tale.
This is a scary story that will haunt the reader for some time after finishing it.
Extremely well written, but certainly not for everyone.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
Rating out of 10: 6
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Release Date: September 2017
RRP: $24.99
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