Roxy is the unwanted child of Isadora Reid, a beautiful, intelligent woman beset with manic depression. Isadora's neuroses lead to ever more risky behavior, exacerbated by drug addiction. Roxy clings to her mother's rare displays of affection to tide her over long periods of gruesome abuse and neglect.
Still a child, she falls into the orbit of Nick Dredd, a rising gang leader and drug dealer. He becomes her mentor, lovingly shaping her in his...