A completely engrossing account of an ex-torturer who may just be redeemable. Concentration is necessary as the author uses several different narrative voices - without introductions - and also plays with chronology, but the effort is well worth it. I shall look for more books by her with eagerness.
'He used to call me by my name. He'd lean close to my ears to tell me, "Valia, I truly hate to unwoman you. Valia, don't let me unwoman you. Valia, tell me where your husband is and I won't cut out your ...." I can't even say it the way he said it. I refuse to say it the way he did. He'd wound you, then try to soothe you with words, then he'd wound you again. He thought he was God.'
