The book depicts Ingrid Barrøy's childhood on a tiny island off the northern Norwegian coast at the beginning of the twentieth century. At the heart of the book is the struggle, and belonging, which comes with such isolation.

While the story is gripping at times, the main strength of the book is its setting and writing. Being the only family to live on a small island, occasionally interacting with surrounding islands and the mainland, creates an insteresting way of life. This is further carried by great writing, which makes everything feel real and alive.

It's not my favorite book, but it is a good book. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy literary and historical fiction, especially if you are interested in such living situations around a 100 years ago.