Told through the eyes of young Astrid Magnussen, who is twelve years old at the beginning of the story, this novel is a coming-of-age narrative. Striving for autonomy, any young adult must find a fine balance between separating from and loving his or her mother. Astrid, however, has been separated from her mother prematurely after her mother kills her lover for being unfaithful. Even as a younger child, surrounded by her mother's own self-absorption, Astrid assumes more responsibility than her mother did. Fitch convincingly depicts the additional conflict and turmoil in the lives of children of jailed parents who have committed violent acts.

In addition, Fitch addresses the need to find adequate foster care, as we see Astrid passed from one poor choice of a foster family to another. Repeatedly she is victimized by being ignored, used, or abused.

Fitch's character development of the foster care...