** spoiler alert ** Writer has a knack for understanding the traumitized child's mind. The premise of the book was an interesting idea and reflected the attitudes towards women/children and abuse that is an unfortunate way of life for some "families". The author did a good job of writing so it was never revealed who is who until the end. Some of the dialogue was too forward thinking for girls 6-8 years old, but using expressions like "number 1 & number 2" for toileting is very childlike thinking and gives the story Caroline's perspective. Regional idioms added an authentic interest too.

***spoiler***

I didn't realize who Emma was - thought perhaps she was a pet, especially during one of Richard's more degrading punishments. As I read on I thought Emma was a sibling who died when Caroline's Dad died. Later in the story when Carolinw was taught how to fire a gun it became evident what was going to happen, but not what the outcome would be (which added intrigue).
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Imagining yourself out of your own body watching what is happening to you as another "person" (or thing) is a coping skill for many victims. One takes the abuse, but in the mind projects pain onto another.