Jeanette is blunt about sexuality. Her talk of French kissing and using tongues, her views about male genitalia, and her confusion about what she wants in a sexual relationship make up a substantial and credible part of her personality. The one time there is any possibility that sexual intercourse will occur is utterly horrifying, with Jeanette swearing that she will die before she is raped. The naked Bill is not an object of sexual interest; rather, Ab Hugh manages to make him an object of revulsion.

More disturbing to readers, both young and old, will be the topic of sexual mutilation. Bill has mutilated himself, or has been mutilated, with cuts on his penis and other parts of his body. The description could prove nightmarish for sensitive readers, and it is likely to give even worldlier readers pause.

Her frankness about sexuality is part of Jeanette's...