This is the best book. It kept me fascinated and engrossed from beginning to end. It made me think the author had firsthand knowledge of the lives she portrayed so I was surprised to read that she had a good home life herself. She had to have done her research well to have such a good understanding of what it would be like to live in a home where the "man of the family" had mental problems and couldn't control his temper. I recommend this to anyone who like to read about the grace of God in the hardest circumstances and how his love conquers all.