Instruct: Classify the given Amazon review as either positive or negative.
Query: Grim and poorly written

I loved the idea of this book, and the cover was gorgeous. But the actual contents are exceptionally grim and are written in horrible "poetry," each told from the point of view of a child ruminating about his or her gruesome circumstances. The result is writing that is both depressing and static, and the "stories" aren't stories at all but the stream-of-consciousness thoughts of a child over the span of about five minutes.Unfortunately, the only attractive picture is the one on the cover, so not even the illustrations can save it.Alternative:Esther's Story by by Diane WolksteinTruly jaw-dropping pictures and a fabulous retelling of the story.