'Shocking, tender, and grotesque, this darkly humorous novel captures the resilience and confusion of growing up. The Houdinis have grand plans for their family when they move to a dilapidated and isolated farm in the heart of the Australian bush. The mother, famous violist husband, and seven children plan on becoming self-sufficient, allowing creativity to rule and forming the perfect environment to raise a family of musicians, artists, and poets. But as problems arise from both outside and within the house, Ursula Houdini watches her brothers and sisters thrive and then wither under a mixture of love, neglect, and cruelty. In this affectionate and compelling story, Ursula must ultimately decide what she is willing to sacrifice to make her own place in the world.'
(Publication summary)
