At first glance it looks like a sob story. Something typical, the survivor tells the amazing story of how he escapes a horrible life hidden from the world. But in this book, that is definitely not the case. There is so much depth, so much more to the story than ever thought. Author Nancy Werlin does a sensational job hooking her reader in. So much so, you will be hooked by the first 15 pages. It definitely earned its place as a National Book Award Finalist.

Werlin writes this book from the main character’s point of view. The main character, Matt, writes the book as a letter to the youngest sister, Emmy. The young child, Emmy, is supposedly too young to remember any of what happened. Which in itself is a miracle. But Matt has strict rules for him and his sisters to follow.

#1 Sometimes, the people who mean you harm are the ones who say they love you.

#2 Fear is your friends. When you feel it, act.

#3 Protect little ones.

#4 If you coped before, you can cope now.

#5 Always remember: in the end, the survivor gets to tell the story.

Every single chapter the rules are used, followed, and most importantly obeyed by all of the children. As the chapter numbers get larger and the farther you embed yourself into the 259 page emotion roller coaster, you watch Matt grow from a boy who follows directions just to survive, to a man who has a family he needs to protect. He is the protector around the young Emmy and his other sister Callie, who both still hold onto their innocence in a way.

Matt is the only thing keeping the girls alive and away from Nikki, who’s their poor excuse of a mother. She’s so twisted it will make you cringe.

Every situation is so detailed and tragic. It is almost as if Werlin experienced it herself. This piece of literature is a work of art, a beautifully crafted plot that flows perfectly.

Mind you this isn’t for the weak hearted; it will make you feel as if Nikki is waiting for you to get home. Good luck.