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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
The rape and murder of a teenage girl opens the novel; the killer's continued predation is depicted
Language
Barely any
Minimal language
Sexual Content
Barely any
Sexual violence: the protagonist is raped and murdered in the opening chapter
Substance Use
None
No substance use
Emotional Intensity
A lot
Profound psychological themes of grief, the afterlife, and how a family fractures around violent loss
What this book is about
Alice Sebold's novel is narrated by a murdered girl and opens with her rape and murder. The killer's predatory nature is depicted with disturbing clarity. Despite the warm heaven sequences, this is dark adult content.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Sexual violence
Murder of a child
Predatory killer depicted
Reader Verification
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