Comment on language /style

The novel is written in American English in an informal tone. The overall tone of the novel is one of hope, though the subject matter is horrible and often brutal. While Madison was being held hostage by a crazed, non-verbal pedophile, she was seldom discouraged. Some readers may feel that her attitude is unrealistic, but the author adds details from “experts” to explain how and why a child-like Madison would have developed specific coping mechanisms.