Abused by her uncle from 7 years old and goes on to be abused again and again. Alessa should have been as tough as nails by this stage but was always naive which got her into more trouble. She comes across a young girl and looks after her - she, who can barely take care of herself! How would this have been allowed? This is a grim tale because the author herself has suffered abuse. Definitely NOT a 'feel good" book.