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Fans of this author will recognize her signature territory - abused children broken by the very system that is in place to provide protection. I also recognize smart and soulful writing and excellent complex characters. What she does so well is tell a characterÅ› internal story through both thought and action. Dennis, even at age 4 or 7 or 8, has such an old soul and painfully won wisdom. He touched my heart immediately. As always with her novels I was exposed to a world I have thankfully never encountered, this time with the sick reality of holding therapy (a real thing). It is not easy to read so trigger warnings are very much needed.

Alongside that story is a polar bear story (yes you read that right) which confused me at first until I understood the parallels she drew about the world of research, science and captivity. I found myself becoming as invested in the fate of Molly the bear as I was in young Dennis. Finally, I really loved how Denfeld unfolded this story is flashback and present tense. The switches added to the suspense (there is a mystery involved) and pacing, which I appreciated.

A heartbreaking and worthwhile read.