Puck is five years old when she and her mother move in with "Uncle Mister," an older man who lives in a spacious villa. From day one, Puck is abused by her stepfather. Her mother, who has a mental disability, is oblivious to what's happening. Even at school, the signals Puck gives off go unrecognized. Until she's thirteen, Puck remains silent about the abuse.
What's special about the book "Dear" is that Van Kooten succeeds in telling her friend's moving and true story with a certain humor. Upon the book's publication, her friend expressed the hope that readers would no longer look away when they suspect something is amiss.