I've been looking for a good book for my discussion group. Wanted one from "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die." This sounded good and was short enough for those who might not like it. Unfortunately, I was the first one who did not like it. (Since I will never recommend it to my friends, I do not know what they might think.) While I do believe the writing was excellent, I am always very disturbed by books with bullies and with adults who harm children. I quit after 46 pages. However, suspense over what happens to Michele and the boy in the hole drove me to look up a thorough summary. Then read the last 14 pages. What I will never know is the relationship of father and son after this horror has ended. Seems strange that the point of view is that of Michele 25 years after the incident and yet there is no mention of the aftermath. (less)