Girl A | Abigail Dean

What a phenomenal read! I read this book in one sitting, I simply couldn't put it down. I am not sure how exactly I would categorise it, not horror despite the blurb saying so, although some of the abuse is certainly horrific and it doesn't twist and turn like a thriller so a psychological drama maybe?

The story is told by Lex, Girl A, who escaped from the "House of Horrors" at aged 15, saving her brothers and sisters who then form the base of one chapter each.

The story begins with the death of Lex's mother, who was imprisoned when Lex escaped and now she has been named executor of the will - which leaves the small sum of $20,000 and THE house on Moors Road. Lex, along with her favourite sister Evie (Girl C) set out on a mission to turn the house into a community center, a positive place that would be against everything her father believed in, to wash away all the horror. To have the council agree to this, and secure the funding Lex needs the other beneficiaries (her sibling) to agree and so begins the emotional journey to reconnect with them in order to gain their support (and signatures!)

A heartbreaking story of survival and enduring psychological effects garnered through the years after surviving horrific childhood abuse. In a style similar to The Room or My Dark Vanessa the writing is beautiful and compelling despite a hard hitting subject and I would highly recommend this book, a stunning 5/5 for me