A review by chaptersoncapecod
Tell Me What I Am by Una Mannion

challenging dark hopeful sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The title "Tell Me What I am" drew me to pick this book off the shelf at the library, and let me tell you, I am so thrilled that I picked it up. 

This was a bizarre and chilling read, but I completely loved it. The premise of a young girl who is essentially taken from her family and raised by her father in rural Vermont. But he's very savvy in the wilderness and can teach his daughter how to live off the land. It's not as though she's locked in a basement somewhere, but with that being said, she is isolated from the outside world. 

I loved the dual settings - Vermont and Philadelphia. (I felt as though I was right back in Philly - thanks Una!) Una's writing style was unique and it forced you to pay attention due to the multiple timelines shifting, multiple POVs, and the entire story is sort of blurred together, since there are no quotation marks denoting dialogue. 

"Tell Me What I am" is such a unique read and perfect for these long winter nights.