Instruct: Classify the given review as either positive or negative.
Query: Difficult but thought provoking read

The author's prosaic writing style did not immediately engage me and I almost put the book down two-thirds of the way through. I'm glad I stuck with it - although it turns out to be a harrowing story with no easy answers. The author has tackled the subjects of faith, suffering, cultural clashes, love and betrayal. She has done it remarkably well for a first time novelist. The story will stay with me for a long time.