AUoG: spoilers, triggers and other warnings

[Robert]

I can't think of a way of asking this question that isn't all spoilery, at least up to Chapter 5 ...

(view spoiler)[
I'm five chapters in and have hit the part of the story where one of Astra's roommates gets beaten with a belt and Astra starts preparing herself for a possible rape.

I've stopped there for now. As someone who has experienced physical and sexual abuse, this is all kinds of anxiety provoking.

I'm willing to plow through it if this is going to worthwhile place, but if there are rape and further abuse scenes coming up that only serve to "show the strength of the female lead"; I'd rather pass.

Should I plow through?
(hide spoiler)]

[Phil]

There is a lot of (view spoiler)[ torture and threat of rape but I don't recall any rape actually happening. The cruelty is pretty graphic. (hide spoiler)]. It does seem to further the plot so it's up to you if it would be worth it.

[Tina]

I thought this was a good book and worth reading, but the incessant cruelty did make it hard for me to get through some parts (I listened to the audiobook). (view spoiler)[ There aren't graphic descriptions of rape that I recall (although references to it) but there is a lot of graphic physical abuse and torture. (hide spoiler)]

[Iain]

There (view spoiler)[implied rape and sexual violence. There is very real and emotionally difficult violence. However, none of the violence is gratuitous ...

Read in a safe place with someone you trust around if at all.... (hide spoiler)]

[Paulo]

I loved the book. I think the violence is most of the time implicit, but the threat of violence and verbal abuse is pretty strong. It was hard, almost painful to read - but totally worthy!

[Troy]

Did you read The Salt Roads with the group? I read the audio version of AUoG and it gave me a feeling similar to TSR. In hindsight I didn't care for it much and wish I had skipped it. ymmv

[Ivi_kiwi]

I finished it and i would not recommend you read it any further. It is not worth itin my opionion.

[Robert]

Thanks for the responses! I've shelved this book for now based on the feedback here and reviews in other threads.