Author Sarah Perry has accurately describd this book as "An unflinching account of love and brutality, of the strength of blood ties and the power of imagination...."
Westover's childhood spent 'on the mountain' in Idaho, was anything but normal. She grew up in a strict Mormon family, led by her extremely patriarchal, bi-polar Father and submissive Mother,with no proper access to education or medical care. Although her father cared deeply for his family, he did not possess the mental health or maturity to look after them well, and as a result, several of his children, his wife, and ultimately himself, all suffered devastating physical and emotional wounds, from which it would take the author many years to recover. The book highlights the serious physical parental neglect and sibling abuse which the author went through, and the struggle she had, in order to break free to pursue education and her own destiny.
Verdict: Very interesting and well written account of the author's growing-up experience. However, it is not really suited to dissection in the classroom and it would definitely be inappropriate in parts (the family violence and abuse, the ruthless killing of the family pet etc.). This is more an adult read.