Nightingale's Nest

I think I just get too grumpy about magical realism maybe. I really liked the realistic parts of this–really powerful look at a family being torn apart by grief and poverty–but like was she an angel or a bird or WHAT, just like, why?? Also what was Mr. King DOING to her? Were we supposed to be reading it as sexual abuse, because that was the vibe I got? But also, NOT that??? I'm kind of irrationally irritated that the marketing for this compares it to [b:Bridge to Terabithia 2839 Bridge to Terabithia Katherine Paterson https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327880087s/2839.jpg 2237401], like, how dare you. Am I going to tear up when I just think about the title of your book? No? Then you are not Terabithia, good day.