As the mother of two daughters, I found this novel to be absolutely terrifying. Seriously scary.
Young parents Suzette and Alex have a small daughter, Hanna, age seven, who is either unwilling or unable to speak. After trying all the doctors than can possibly consult, it is determined that her issue with being mute is not physical, and they are referred to a therapist to explore a more psychological explanation and diagnosis.
Suzette worries that it is her own bad parenting that has caused these issues. While she doesn't speak, Hanna is a loving sweet daughter to her father Alex, while being dismissive and often cruel to her mother.
As things progress (or perhaps regress is more apt), Hanna's behaviors become more frightening and inexplicable. Unable to remain in any schools that they attempt due to her behaviors, Suzette is forced to home school Hanna which only makes things worse.
Alternating between the thoughts of a terrified mother and the thoughts of a disturbed and possibly psychotic little girl, things move from unpleasant and creepy to possibly physically dangerous, all while Hanna only shows her "real" self to her mother, making her father question and doubt Suzette's versions of experiences.
This novel gives new meaning to the term "dysfunctional family" and aside from it's rather abrupt ending (I hope there is a follow up novel), I enjoyed this psychologically creepy and disturbing story. An absolutely wonderful debut novel for this author.
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