This  book really took a toll on me.

At its heart, it’s a story about grief, though it also explores difficult themes like loss, abuse, sexual violence, trauma, corruption, love, and family. Everything ultimately circles back to grief. At some points, I had to remind myself that it wasn’t real—that it was just fiction.

Right from the opening chapters, the story feels heavy. You know those books where so much has already happened before you’ve even settled in? That’s exactly the case here. And just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, they somehow do—much worse.

The novel centers on Adanna, a teenage girl whose marriage is arranged as repayment for a favor done for her family. Burdened by debt, her family gives her away to a man old enough to be her father, presenting him as their savior. But for Adanna, that decision marks the beginning of her nightmare.

It’s hard to grasp how one person could endure so much suffering. The misfortunes she faces come one after another, almost relentlessly. At a point, it all became overwhelming, and I had to step away for a while. Still, the story stayed on my mind—I kept wanting to know how it would end. I couldn’t fully relax until I finished it.

Thankfully, the ending offered some relief. There’s a sense of justice as those who caused harm face consequences, while the deserving characters find some measure of peace. Seeing Adanna finally gain her freedom after everything she endured was deeply satisfying. No one should ever have to go through what she did.

As painful as it was to read, the book was also incredibly compelling. The author captured the story with striking realism. It’s a difficult read, but if you can handle the intensity, it’s definitely worth it.