I had high hopes for this novel. The synopsis was fascinating and the family dynamic(s) were interesting enough. Instead of offering an emotionally gripping tale of abuse, isolation, and neglect, the main story (the one which begins in 1988) fell short. I felt for the children, but as I was reading I felt like the author was telling me how I should feel rather than provoking me to react in a particular way through descriptions and compelling dialogue. Overall, this was underwhelming.