In theory I should love this book: we're following a morally questionable but still, in her own way, strong female character in the tradition of Becky Sharp or Scarlett O'Hara, there were some really impressive scenes and I liked Joy and how she was used both in the relationship to her stepmother and to discuss how mental illness was viewed back then. I really enjoyed the time on the train and Part Two, where we mostly follow Joy, but there were phenomenal moments between the characters throughout.
Unfortunately, I could never fully immers myself into the story and always felt like I was looking at people but not enough into their minds, something about the writing just didn't click with me. It's a great story but not the perfect presentation for me.