This book is an impressive debut – sophisticated writing delivering an unflinching exploration of challenging themes: sexual assault, eating disorders, absent parents, alcohol and drug use, and navigating sexuality and relationships. A standout element of this novel is the characterisation.
The main character, Dale, is authentic and sensitively rendered – he is anxious, uncertain and wracked with guilt over failing to intervene when he witnessed a sexual assault at party. You desperately want him to do the right thing, but he makes his own choices, inviting empathy from the reader. The language is crisp and concise. The story is delivered in an accessible and conversational tone, with keen observations providing vivid descriptions of the characters and setting. The serious themes and open ending of this novel will appeal to the upper end of the readership.