For a fairly short book, this is not an easy read. Whilst I read it quickly, the themes within were hard hitting and at times quite hard to stomach.
We follow Kiara Johnson and her descent into prostitution as she tries to keep her broken apart family afloat. The way in which she is treated and trafficked is difficult to read and I found the story pretty depressing - definitely not one to read if you're after something uplifting.
That said though, there are messages in this book about the unthinkable risks and trauma young women can face, particularly young black women.
Written by a young author, it is impressive that this is a debut novel - raising many questions and shining a light on to a society we most often pretend doesn't exist. I'm sure there will be more great novels to come.
I'd recommend if you're not squeamish or put off by heavy storylines. It might not be an easy read but it's a sad reminder that the storyline itself was rooted in a real life similar case.
We follow Kiara Johnson and her descent into prostitution as she tries to keep her broken apart family afloat. The way in which she is treated and trafficked is difficult to read and I found the story pretty depressing - definitely not one to read if you're after something uplifting.
That said though, there are messages in this book about the unthinkable risks and trauma young women can face, particularly young black women.
Written by a young author, it is impressive that this is a debut novel - raising many questions and shining a light on to a society we most often pretend doesn't exist. I'm sure there will be more great novels to come.
I'd recommend if you're not squeamish or put off by heavy storylines. It might not be an easy read but it's a sad reminder that the storyline itself was rooted in a real life similar case.