This an epic memoir poem about the author's abusive childhood. The writing is beautiful but the subject is not. I admire the author for being able to put his loss of childhood into a lyrical poem. This is an important book to read, you will not be able to put it down.

Wow. This is a beautiful book about a terrible subject. Joshua Mensch, using a lengthy lyric essay, explores his childhood history of sexual abuse at the hands of a man named Don. The cavalcade of emotions that come from a trusted friend convincing Mensch that what's happening is not abuse, but a form of love or care, is thoroughly catalogued in poignant detail, using a series of places and dates to frame the story. This was a tough read at times, as Mensch does not shy away from graphic details - but these serve to make the collection more powerful, as the seriousness of the situation is juxtaposed with pleasant details from his childhood.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, this volume might be triggering.

I received access to this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.