This is a memoir documenting domestic abuse in a queer, lesbian relationship. It’s written like no other memoir I’ve read. Very short chapter sections written in first person if the memories are from before the abusive relationship (childhood, teens), and written in second person during the abusive relationship.

Second person is always a bit of a risk, but I think she does it well. She even has a few sections written like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book which feels both funny and aware, while remaining heartbreakingly poignant given the subject matter.

Parts of this are hard to read. There is a lot of sex and language and terrible situations I want to rescue the writer from. I also underlined a lot of things that captured the abusive relationship I survived 20+ years ago.

The author peppers her own experiences with the somewhat limited research, court cases, and writings from other abusive relationships within the queer community and discusses how difficult it is for people to accept that these things happen when both parties are women.

I recommend. It feels like an important book for anyone to read.