Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

A charming book narrated by the young, naive and hopeful Matilda who grows into an intelligent and wise woman. A story of family, friendship and Great Expectations, set against the backdrop of the civil war on Bougainville Island, that has been left to fend for itself after the white man has stolen all the assets of the land.
Matilda's path to adulthood is paved with unspeakable and horrific acts that were unexpected to me. The tone of the book created by the naive narrator charms you into believing that nothing too terrible will happen, but this is just testament to how good the writing is, that it draws you in to such an unexpected outcome.

This novel ends on a hopeful note and it really is a book that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Great writing, eccentric characters and an interesting delve in to the world of Dickens.