Author J. C. Flynn first told her story in
In the Shadow of Her Legacy
. Using the character of Mia as a stand-in for herself as a child, Flynn tells the tragic tale of the abusive relationship between Mia and her mother, Nadia. Now, Mia is back in the latest heartbreaking chapter of Flynn's story.
Mia is growing up and realizing that the rest of the world is nothing like her own twisted household. At the same time, Nadia begins to realize that she is losing her grip on her children. When a well-meaning but naïve neighbor tries to intervene, Nadia works to make the children fear anything and anyone from the outside world.
Mia understands that Mr. Gabriel and the other people in her community are not "demons," as Nadia claims. She can't, however, break herself free of her mother's obsessions and compulsions. Even school becomes its own prison instead of an escape. As Mia faces the truth about her mother and her family, she will also discover the motivations behind Nadia's actions and her own inner pain and turmoil. Through her work, Flynn presents a nuanced look at the cycle of violence and the true nature of abuse.