Sorry to burst everyone else's bubble. I thought the first 1/3 or so of the book was excellent. Rhys was able to develop the characters, although writing in a 'minimilist' style. However - the rest just went on, and on, granted, she created a great sense of this woman's life; but that's all she did. It was so drab - life was so bad - there was SO much more the author could have done. Like 'flesh out' the relationship she had had with her Mom; explain WHY Julia couldn't stand people, etc. Even if she had Julia moving even MORE away from people, and created that more deeply 'untrustworthy' feeling she had - but no. Also - why was the man, Mr. Horstworthy(?) attracted to her. She should have developed that character - did he fight in the war and it changed him to help those in need? Did he have a sister who was depressed all the time? Rhys just kept 'repeating' herself.