Such a powerful read about growing up in an Australian housing commission estate. Definitely gave me the Angela’s Ashes feels except this is Australia in the 2000s. I definitely felt like Shayla hungry, vulnerable and powerless throughout the novel. The cycle of poverty is here, inter generational trauma is here, substance abuse and physical and mental abuse are here. too But there is also the love between a grandparent and grandchild, the power of education and what it takes to break the cycle…it certainly isn’t a pleasant read but it’s just so important. I’m so very glad I read it.
