Content Warning: This novel includes graphic violence, murder, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and drug overdose.

“[The pigs] can very easily grab me through the fence if I dare to get close enough, and that is not an attack I’m likely to survive. They’re incredibly strong, and if I do manage to escape, I’ll definitely be missing a few limbs. It makes me wonder why the world is so afraid of a zombie apocalypse, when we’re already surrounded by animals more than capable of tearing us apart and devouring every last fucking bit of our flesh and bones.”

The horror of the pigs is meant to mirror the horrors of the human beings in the novel, in which various men tear people apart, for better or worse. Molly’s comfort around the pigs despite their viciousness is a testament to her own strength and willpower.

“Reaper Canyon, Montana, is surrounded by the Electric Peak range, and it’s where I was born and raised. The daunting name of this small town is fitting, considering it’s where everyone’s dreams go to die. This state exudes beauty, but even the mountains off in the distance can’t take away the ugliness of my world.”

The contrast of the mountains and scenery with the horrific life Molly leads in Reaper Canyon reinforces the meaning of dreams dying in this place. Molly’s life feels like an insurmountable challenge, akin to climbing one of these mountains.

“I hope to God another girl never finds this journal. That would mean she replaced me, and no one—no one—should ever have to experience the horrors of this house. No one innocent, at least. I wouldn’t care if Francesca, Rocco, or any of his friends got a taste of their own poison one day. It’s the least they fucking deserve.”

The events in Francesca’s house are not portrayed; rather, this passage implies that Molly has spent eight months being abused by Francesca and her men. Critically, Molly does not hope for Francesca and Rocco to suffer, but she does not care if they meet a fate fitting with their crimes, reinforcing the novel’s representation of perpetrators of violence becoming victims of deserved violence.