Very powerful but maybe not for everyone

I think that it really adds to the appeal of this audiobook and is kind of a helpful guide in this case that it is read by he author. If you struggle with the Irish accent though maybe think twice about buying this or at least listen to a snippet of it first. I do love this accent and this book being read by the author so 5 stars for that.
I had to read this book for a literature seminar at uni. The audiobook made it a lot easier to connect with the story since the narrative style is very demanding in my opinion. At the same time, the style is what makes this novel special and brilliant. Once you get used to the overwhelming amount of words that seem to get thrown at you the realisation that this feeling of being overwhelmed is what needed to be conveyed which could not be done by simply explaining it but only by making the reader feel it. Again, absolutely brilliant. 5 Stars for the Story
On the other hand, it might be an impossible read/listen if you have ever struggled with stalking or sexual harassment since the focalisation is very strong. The psychological effects are described and reflected in detail. There are no explicit scenes of (sexual) violence in this novel. For me, taking the perspective of the victim and experiencing the helplessness and self-blame through her was at times unbearable for me (especially while reading, less while listening) and I literally had to stop because I was crying and shaking. Of course, this is a very personal view. Nontheless, I wanted to give anyone who was thinking about reading this and having similar struggles a heads up that this might not be the perfect bedtime read. Nontheless, I do stick to my 5 star rating. The story would not affect me so deeply if it wasn't written so well.

Conclusion:
From a literature studen's POV this is a fascinating, brilliantly written and powerful novel.
Audiobooks read by the author are not always brilliant but Burns does a great job and helps to make sense of everything (if you can handle the Irish accent ;))
Personally, I struggled with the story because it was so well written and therefore triggered me psychologically.

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unique literary experience

Set in North Ireland of the 70s against the backdrop of a tight-knit, controlling, overbearing, violent and violated community, this coming-of-age story offers an interesting view on that era and human relationships. At the center of the book, which is told in a meandering first person perspective, is a somewhat unusual 18-year old girl who is being stalked by a much older and much more powerful man, being judged by her community and family, and just generally trying to navigate her existence as a young woman. Through her eyes and with the benefit of her hindsight, we see that plot unravel as much as a rich tapestry of characters, circumstances, and traditions. While the topic is quite heavy, the book is full of surprising observations, finding words for feelings and unspoken truths, and indeed, humour. There are many engaging side-plots, supporting characters, and descriptions of places. The language is absolutely unique and captivating, and in itself a perfect reason to listen to this book.
It is read by the author herself, with a lovely Irish accent. Of course, she reads it just as she feels is right. For my taste, I would have preferred the reading to be a little bit more lively.
But all in all, it's a book I'd absolutely recommend to anyone who likes to see the world from a different point a view - and anyone who enjoys an inventive style!

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