You could also try using this to start discussions about the different key points and story structure. The way Robert faces teasing is inspiring because he holds his head high (for the most part) and does not shy away from living his life to the fullest. Most characters were described on their appearances, and not usually in a complimenting way, which I found odd considering that most of Clare's abuse was verbal slandering about her appearances. Robert was born with severe deformities including a large tumor growing in the middle of his face and two legs that did not properly form in the womb.

Some will grow determined, strong and successful as Constance did, and others, sadly and unfortunately will be broken. In talking about his living arrangements, Westerfeld insists that he and his wife are “bisummeral”—that is, they travel between New York and Australia so they can avoid “the deadly scourge of winter. It is only to the end of her story that she actually mentions Eastman's children at all, and even then it is as a larger group.Nonetheless, I am astounded at all that Constance Briscoe managed to achieve with such a poor start in life and very little guidance and support. The power to fight back, the courage to dream and make it happen, hard work, resilience, and above all, an aim to survive, to exist, to live - is all so very beautifully and powerfully portrayed in this book.

It's a great narrative with lots of substance - not only is there a story to be told, but Robert explains how he feels, and how the reader might feel. I read reviewers complaining about the details in descriptions of dresses, and lack in detail of the violence.He had both of his legs amputated and had many surgeries on his face to help make him look "normal". This wasn't as good as other books in this genre that I have read, it did get a little repetitive at times and I did not read it as fast as I could have if there had been more incentive to keep reading. He published his first novel in 1997, but it wasn’t until he published Evolution’s Darling in 2000 that his books began to attract attention and win major awards. This book could either cause readers to realize that they are lucky to live in the circumstances they do or could encourage readers who are struggling in their own lives to keep fighting. That some parts are inconsistent and a bit confusing is true, but since it is based on her experiences and memory, it is obvious why we don't get to know everything.