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I loved this book, I loved Eileen and her unflinching, matter-of-fact descriptions of her innermost thoughts. Definitely more of a character study - of one driven by loneliness, abuse, aspirations of a better life - than a straightforward thriller, and all the more interesting for it.

You don't know until the end what the dramatic turning point is, and the tension builds gently and beautifully, the whole book taking place in just one week in Eileen's life as a 24 year old in the 1960s - narrated by her later in life.

(Eileen reminded me of Wetlands by Charlotte Roache - not so much because of the graphic bodily descriptions, for after all, they have a very different response to their own body, but because of the openness of the characters to explore their own minds.)

Eileen is sad, desperate, honest, and most of all, memorable. What a wonderful character; fortunately she'll be easy to remember. Despite her extreme naivety - and while I can't condone all her actions - her composure, resolve and strength, when it comes to the crunch, is second to none. A true survivor. Eileen, you wanted Rebecca to see you as a hero, well, you're my new hero.