Difficult for me to properly review as I am not one who likes books involving mental hospitals. I do think those who like such will enjoy this book as it is well written and has a novel twist to the subject matter.

There are quite fine passages mixed in with others that did not measure up. She shows sensitive insights to those from vastly different cultures. With maturity there is almost a certainty she will become a fine, creative writer. The negatives will not prevent reading every page.

The characters in this book were nearly all seriously dysfunctional and in need of far more than a drug, as is true for her, to function. Very black, not a flicker of light in the story. Irresponsible, self centered, and such words come to mind. I have had hard times myself as a child and on and have never acted or thought as these characters do. Takes more than relating such to end up with a good book. However, the act of writing it might have been cathartic for the author, assuming it did relate to her.

Much of the writing in each story was quite good, held your interest and could only happen in Africa. Not consistently so. The sexual content seemed an agenda of the author's. One questioned what was presented and why have it at all. The endings were weak.

This book could be quite fine. The author has great talent and hasn't achieved what it likely eventually will.

The author encompasses the persons throughout human history who have and are creating and maintaining that which the word civilized at its most basic means. A joy to read.