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Content snapshot
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Violence
A lot
Content notes flag physical abuse; the father's violence toward his family is depicted and is the source of Calli's mutism
Language
A lot
Strong language is specifically flagged by content reviewers, largely from the father
Sexual Content
Some
An allusion to rape is noted in content reviews; nothing is depicted on the page
Substance Use
A lot
The father is a heavy drinker and his drinking escalates the danger through the day
Emotional Intensity
Very heavy
Publishers Weekly called it a tense and profoundly emotional story of a parent's worst nightmare; selective mutism, childhood trauma, and a household organised around fear carry the book
What this book is about
Calli Clark has selective mutism. Petra Gregory is her only friend. On an August morning both vanish, and Gudenkauf's bestselling debut works through a single day in the voices of the parents, the sheriff, and Calli's brother Ben, with a violent father at the centre of everything.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Child physical abuse by a parent
Alluded rape
Missing children
Reader Verification
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