Wow. A truly stunning and powerful read. Highly recommended, if you can find a copy. The story begins in the psychiatric ward of a Cambridge, Massachusetts, hospital, shortly after Blanca attempts suicide and is involuntarily admitted. The narrative weaves back and forth from the present to reminiscences of Blanca's past and examines her attempt to survive and thrive against nearly insurmountable odds. The journey described is long and painful and contains a moving (and disturbing) examination of the cycle of violence. Gorgeous writing too - I suspect Ambert might be a poet, but I'm not sure. ( )