A meticulous blend of fictional characters and historical events that creates an immersive and vivid picture of the early 1800s. I think even if you're quite familiar with the history, reading from the perspective of Muraging (who is renamed Mary) is a rare literary experience. I thought she did a really incredible job of showing the hypocrasy of colonisation throughout the book, repeatedly white people tell her, with various levels of aggression, that she is sinful, a thief, has no honour while at the same time acting in an depraved and appalling manner in the name of settling and civilising. 
This was quite viceral to read, and at many points utterly heartwrenching, especially as throughout the story the reader is well aware how badly things will continue to get. 
I thought the ending was well-done

I liked the level of relief and hope in the ending without downplaying reality.