This is a messy story; the characters aren’t perfect, there’s a lot of poor decision-making and strange situations, and at times it’s not clear where it’s going. No one feels very settled or sure of themselves, leaving the narrative feeling the same way.

Natasha is her own worst enemy, and I was totally on her side, but after probably her twentieth poor decision, I lost some empathy for her. There’s only so much self-sabotage that’s understandable – or believable – before you’re ready to give up on someone. It’s not like she doesn’t have a strong support system – her friends are insanely generous, she has a twin sister who has a lot of responsibilities but is very present in her life, she takes an active role in the lives of her niece and nephew, and while the relationship with her mother is strained, it’s still there. Some extenuating circumstances explain a lot of her behaviour, but it doesn’t make it easier to read at times.

I found Tell Me Everything interesting, but I know it won’t be the book for everyone. It’s well-written, and there is a worthwhile story here; it might just take some digging and some patience.