The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Misogyny in a religious setting, this book examines girl-girl friendships and fear of female sexuality in a hostile environment.

Tierney, like all the other sixteen year olds from her town, must survive her ‘Grace Year’. Some of the girls have been promised in marriage before they are all abandoned in a desolate place, barely protected from poachers who will try to take their skin and body parts. It’s a tradition to rid the girls of their ‘magic’ by depriving them of their basic home comforts. Soon the trapped together girls turn nasty. But why?

Criticising social norms and examining this violence of girls towards other girls, this book plunges into some serious trust issues. At times, I was sweating and fearful of the poachers (from the safety of my warm bed) and genuinely rooting for true love. Friendship, a fickle thing for a 16 year old, takes courage and trust.

A book for those feeling disappointed by society, religion or friendship and for exploring  #isolation #difficultfriendships #misfitism #feelingtrapped #sexuality

“Maybe we had to destroy everything in order for something to be born anew”

Video review here.