Wow - this was something special. 

I knew next to nothing about the Sri Lankan civil war and yet Ganeshananthan slowly guides you through the horrors and heartache as if she was confessing to a friend. 
I struggled to put this book down and I was completely swept up in Sashi's life and her family. I got so invested in her becoming a doctor and loved the passion for learning throughout the novel, against the background of utter destruction and massacres. 

The relationship between Sashi and her brothers felt so real, especially the love, arguments and desire to protect each other. 
K - well K broke my heart, with his extreme politics but unwavering love for Sashi, her family and for the rights of Tamils. 

Yet another absolute corker I would never have picked up if not for the @womensprize - forever grateful for this prize for highlighting such excellent women's fiction.