The story covers two times in the narrator's life: 'Then,' as an 11-year-old girl experiencing medical trauma, and 'Now,' as her 19-year-old self moves towards recovery.

It is moving and psychologically astute, giving a deep and compassionate insight into trauma and recovery. Her relationship with her mother was especially well portrayed. It's beautifully written, especially the poetry.

The only weak aspect for me was the romance. The love interest and their interactions seemed rather cookie-cutter, not a shape that would fit her jagged edges.

Set against the backdrop of the serene yet unforgiving winter landscape of Fish Creek, Wisconsin, I Am the Cage by Allison Sweet Grant is an evocative and deeply emotional young adult debut. This story masterfully weaves themes of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery, creating a quiet but powerful exploration of healing.

At the heart of the story is nineteen-year-old Elisabeth, who has retreated to a solitary cabin to escape the haunting memories of her past. Her self-imposed isolation is disrupted when a fierce snowstorm forces her to accept the help of Noah, the town’s young sheriff. Through her growing connection with Noah and poignant flashbacks to her childhood, Elisabeth begins to confront the medical trauma that shaped her—and to rediscover her strength.

Grant’s writing shines in its authenticity and depth. Elisabeth’s journey feels raw and real, as the narrative delves into the scars—both physical and emotional—that she carries. The inclusion of poetry adds a lyrical beauty, enriching the story’s themes and offering a glimpse into Elisabeth’s inner world.

The romance between Elisabeth and Noah is handled with sensitivity, never overshadowing the core message of the story. Instead, it serves as a subtle, hopeful thread, underscoring the idea that healing and connection often go hand in hand.

This is a coming-of-age tale that balances emotional intensity with thoughtful restraint. It avoids unnecessary melodrama, instead offering an honest portrayal of pain, vulnerability, and the slow, challenging process of healing.

Allison Sweet Grant’s I Am the Cage is a remarkable debut—deeply moving, brilliantly written, and ultimately hopeful. It’s a story that lingers, reminding readers of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of facing the darkness to let the light in. A must-read for fans of contemporary fiction that tackles heavy themes with grace and authenticity.

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Justine was told as a young child that her bones were not growing evenly and she needed operations to ‘fix’ her. Fixing her became an obsession as she endured years of hospitalisation and pain. She was very conscious of being stared at and believed everyone when the people who were supposed to have her best interests at heart and to look after her, just agreed she needed to be fixed and subjected her to more pain. As a family they didn’t exhibit their feelings, so Justine kept her terror and her pain inside.
So as an older teen she determined to leave her broken life behind and she moved to a quiet town far away, reinventing herself and calling herself by her middle name Elizabeth. This Elizabeth lived a simple life, asking nothing of anyone. Until a snowstorm engulfs the town and her nearest neighbour, the very young sheriff, comes to her aid.
A book about trying to hide from others but in reality hiding from herself.