Daily Mail: “With strong characters, a cleverly constructed story and masses of period detail, this vivid evocation of life in 1985 is a fine second book from a writer who first won The Mail On Sunday novel competition.”
It’s more than twenty years since Sarah Ribbons last set foot inside her old high school, a crumbling Victorian-built comprehensive on the south coast of England. Now, as she prepares for her school reunion, 39-year-old Sarah has to face up to the truth of what really happened back in the summer of 1986.
In her eagerly anticipated second novel Mail on Sunday Novel Competition winner Isabel Ashdown explores the treacherous territory of adolescent friendships, and traces across the decades the repercussions of a dangerous relationship.
REVIEWS
Daily Mail: “With strong characters, a cleverly constructed story and masses of period detail, this vivid evocation of life in 1985 is a fine second book from a writer who first won The Mail On Sunday novel competition.”
Amazon: Named as one of Amazon’s Top 100 ‘Customer Favourites in 2011.
Easy Living: “A powerfully compelling examination of the volatile and often toxic nature of adolescent relationships.”
Sainsbury’s Magazine: “Bursting with school-girl preoccupations of the 1980s … this lively journey through the embarrassments of growing up is tightly entwined with a darker tale.”
Heat Magazine: “The story addresses some pretty dark themes, but never strays into misery-lit territory. A slow-burner, which makes the revelation at the end even more heart-wrenching.”
Glamour Magazine: “Ashdown’s depiction of a vulnerable teenager and the magnetic pull of a toxic friendship will have you wincing with recognition.”
New Books Magazine: “Funny, insightful and often tragic. Ashdown is a perceptive and engaging writer.”
Bella Magazine: “Ashdown’s Glasshopper was one of our favourite books of 2009, and her second novel is another mix of compelling characters and 1980s nostalgia.”
Stylist: “Haunting fiction exploring the treacherous territory of adolescence.”
In Potentia Blog: “By turns touching and funny … the balance between the novel’s lighter and more sinister aspects is perfect.”
Bookersatz Book Blog: “A perfectly pitched trip back to the mid-eighties. I loved everything about it.”
Pameader Book Blog: “Deftly handles big themes of love, loss and misplaced guilt … Heartbreakingly perceptive.”
Jera’s Jamboree Book Blog: “I couldn’t put it down … this has to be my favourite read of the year.”
The Random Reader Blog: “Entirely convincing characters … beautifully written.”
Daisy Chain Book Blog: “Dark and edgy … a powerful coming-of-age read.”
Making it Up Blog: “Utterly authentic … once you pick this up, you aren’t going to want to put it down.”
Between the Lines Book Blog: “Ashdown shows us the delicate balancing act required to survive the teenage experience … enjoyable and engaging.”
