I was braced for something that was going to essentially make me feel hopeless about religion, the unfairness of how girls and women are treated within the context of strict religious doctrine and just generally something with a sensationalist and unsatifying ending. Instead, Mathieu presents a perfectly balanced narrative that looks at all sides of the equation. Rachel, the MC, ‘wins’ but no one else has to lose for this to happen. I’ll admit I have a knee jerk reaction to organised religion having been raised strict Catholic (and turned my back on Christianity as a result). This was so refreshing in that Rachel reasons out what works for her and doesn’t just throw everything away. The struggle for balance, for love of her family against the desire to be more self directing is poignant and realistic. A very impressive novel.