Published by Bloomsbury
Review by Allison Johnstone
It’s so interesting to see how an author develops; experimenting with style, confirming voice. Sarah Crossan launched herself as a fully-paid up member of the new wave of great teen writers with her novel in verse The Weight of Water; moving into the world of dystopia with Breathe and Resist and now a full-on exploration of modern-day teen life.
Apple lives with her loving but strict Nana, after her mother left the family home. Eleven years on, her mother reappears, and the teen is delighted; seeing this as a chance now to have a mum to love her, to have a normal upbringing and to find the answer to the question that has haunted her: why did she go in the first place?
Added to this are the complex feelings of broken teenage friendships and unrequited love, not to mention the ever present pressure of school and a new English teacher who seems to see into Apple’s thoughts and feelings.
Crossan’s assured writing makes for a great story highlighting the truths that there are simply no easy answers. Sympathy sways from the Nana to Apple to deluded mum. There is some questionable behaviour (drinking and a hint of drug taking) and an uncompromising look at teen relationships that gives an edge to this book that will appeal to teens, embarking on their first steps into the temptations of adulthood.