“Children should be seen and not heard”
Anyone raised in that generation will probably recognise a lot in this book.

This was beautifully written and really cleverly done, but definitely not an easy or comfortable read. Seeing everything through the eyes of 7-year-old Frank made the whole story feel even more heartbreaking. He doesn’t truly understand or know what’s happening to him, his mum, or his siblings, and because he only has half the information, the gaps are filled with a need to please and make everything better.

Odette absolutely broke my heart. When Frank asks his mum if she loves them and she says yes, Odette asks, “but do you like us?” and honestly that question says everything.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but this is a dark and challenging read and I really felt for the children throughout. I didn’t feel much sympathy for the adults, but I don’t think you’re meant to. I can see this perspective not working for everyone, but for me it was a clever choice, as the reader you understand so much more than he does.