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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Psychological Fiction

Book Review:
The Gashes You Left On Me is a remarkably mature and emotionally charged debut novel from young writer Nesaki Liyanagamage, who wrote her first book at just nine years old. Now an 11th-grade student, she demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of psychological trauma and its impact on the human psyche.

The novel centers on Damien, a young man haunted by severe PTSD. His nights are tormented by nightmares that force him to relive past horrors, and his days are marked by uncontrollable anger and guilt. Liyanagamage's writing is visceral and immediate, plunging readers into Damien's experience of terror and despair. The opening lines—''I was screaming. I was screaming. I was screaming.''—set the tone for a narrative that is raw, urgent, and unflinching.

What makes this book stand out is the author's willingness to tackle difficult subjects like mental illness, trauma, and the hidden wounds that people carry. The title itself, The Gashes You Left On Me, suggests both physical and emotional scars, and the novel explores how these wounds shape identity and relationships.

At such a young age, Nesaki Liyanagamage shows considerable promise. Her passion for the contemporary genre is evident, and her ability to create a protagonist with depth and complexity is impressive. This is a compelling read for those interested in psychological fiction and stories about survival, resilience, and the search for healing.