In 1879, the age of sexual consent for a woman was ten years old. Can you imagine that? A ten year old girl being considered old enough to agree to having sex or even understanding the nature of sex. The thought was gut wrenching, vile, and so disturbing. To think that Emma, only ten years old, is subjected to gross abuse and then must once again relive the pain, torture, and shame in court, with people not believing her or believing her old enough to have wanted or asked for the sexual act hoisted upon her. Or more terrifying, thinking of all the girls that her family came across trying to find her and her sister, the ones alone in back rooms of sex parlors and brothels (no family to come looking for them, those girls were never saved). I was in tears when Emma's tragic situation was first revealed, and in tears again when she asked the unanswerable question, why? Because no one could answer, no one could understand. No one could know how another human being could inflict such pain, suffering and irreparable damage to another person, let alone a child. At the heart of this story, it is a story of resilience, hope and healing. In a time of rebuilding after war, after hardships and suffering, there is a need to rely on strangers and kindness. So, while this novel has its fill of darkness, there are also spots of light, laughter and friendship. It was a very good read, the words shaping a world filled with danger, sometimes claustrophobic, but also beautiful with a glimmer of hope for a better future. I received this ebook from BookSparks in exchange for an honest review.
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