Having read both of White’s previous books, I went into this book with somewhat high expectations even though the synopsis didn’t sound as though something I would necessarily have picked otherwise. This book is quite different from his other works but I would probably say that it is his most brutal and honest work to date. This is a book about a transmasc, neurodivergent character and they are going through some truly horrifying things.

Whilst there is gore in this book and multiple very dark deaths, for me the violence came in the form of the prejudices that these characters faced. Topics of transphobia, homophobia, and classism are all tackled within this story, as well as there being a strong through-line of generational trauma. There is one supernatural element to this story but I would place this story more into a category of mystery / thriller similar to Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby.

I found this book really challenging to read because it was written so well and I could recognise a lot of reality in what these characters were facing. There is also repeated mention of a rather brutal mention to the death of an animal and references to hunting. I think this is a truly incredible book and I think a lot of trans and/or neurodivergent teens and adults will find a kind of comfort in the truth of what is happening within these pages. There is also a catharsis in seeing a type of justice be served.

Because of the variety of triggers and the violence of this book, I do think this is a book that is a little difficult to recommend but I still would say that anyone who might be interested should give it a try. The story does not get easier as it goes on but, as White says in his author’s note at the start of the book, it does have a happy ending.