This book accurately portrays the struggle that the young boy, Jake, goes through as he is tormented by his mother's partner. It leaves out none of the violence and pain that the young boy goes through, instead choosing to depict them in graphic intensity, emphasising the point of child abuse that is the main fact in this story. Throughout the story, extra facts are revealed about Jake's family, and about his mother and father's relationships, and most of these shock him to a new extent. This book is perfect for the classic "Good vs. Evil," in this case Jake and his relatives vs. the terrifying stepfather who shrouds his life in darkness.

As the good guys are always supposed to win, that is how it is in this story, with Steve, the stepfather, leaving their lives forever. It is also good for sudden surprises, with Jake's father suddenly turning up at the door, and starting a wonderful new life for Jake.

However, I believe that this ending is one of the weakest that I have ever read, (and I am serious here) mostly because of the events leading up to it. Steve, the boyfriend, had been pestering the mother to forgive him, and had almost turned violent, but as soon as Jake's Dad turns up, everything is cock-a-hoop and perfect, as he sorts everything out. I think may be intentional, despite all that I have just said, and this sort of anti-climax may, to some readers, represent the fact that Jake is finally at peace.

Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book, and it efficiently explains to the reader the torture of child abuse through the eyes of the victim. It also draws all the happenings together at the end of the book, when Jake realises that if he had committed suicide near the start of the book, he would never have met his father.

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