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leannemargaret_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sarah_faichney's review against another edition
5.0
How utterly marvellous that Mick Kitson has created two young, strong, highly capable female characters? For a non-Scot, he writes very well in the vernacular. Both Sal and Peppa are vibrant and wonderful. The novel tells a story of survival, the lengths we will go to in the face of adversity and the enduring power of love. That it’s set in Scotland was the icing on the cake for me. A fantastic debut!
juup's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ashleygrossreads's review against another edition
4.0
Another underrated gem of a book! First of all, that cover 😍 it is stunning! Then Mick Kitson’s SAL drew me in right away with the beautiful description of the Scottish highlands, but the plot kept me reading. This book is described as a story of survival as two young girls, Sal and her sister Peppa, run away from their abusive life into the wilderness, but I think it is much more than that. It’s about Sal learning to trust again, and finding that there are good people in the world. This novel was incredibly touching.
Bottom line: read it if you like survival stories, coming of age books, and Scotland!
Bottom line: read it if you like survival stories, coming of age books, and Scotland!
s_owns_a_small_library's review against another edition
I put my name on a library list of interested people, and put everything else aside when I got it, because the synopsis grabbed me. The book didn't disappoint.
Firstly, though the narrator is a child, this book is not for children. Do not give this book to children. It isn't massively explicit, but the narrator doesn't shy away from certain topics.
Secondly, I love the narrator's calm and matter-of-fact style. As though it's perfectly normal to put all of life aside to learn As you do. It's both heartbreakingly blasé about adult issues, and admirably zen when faced with challenges. I'd say she seems similar in temperament to Morvern Callar, but her narration style gives away more of what she's thinking, and
Thirdly, you need to read this book. I can't really describe it without spoiling it. It's a gentle rollercoaster that will leave you wanting more.
Firstly, though the narrator is a child, this book is not for children. Do not give this book to children. It isn't massively explicit, but the narrator doesn't shy away from certain topics.
Secondly, I love the narrator's calm and matter-of-fact style. As though it's perfectly normal to put all of life aside to learn
Spoiler
how to live in the woods.Spoiler
when her sister gets sick she does become genuinely afraid.Thirdly, you need to read this book. I can't really describe it without spoiling it. It's a gentle rollercoaster that will leave you wanting more.
gizley0420's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Infertility, and Panic attacks/disorders
purelykara's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book despite its tough subject matter. The sisters, Sal and Peppa, are adorable and charming. Sal, the oldest, has been taking care of her younger sister for years as her mom drinks the days away. Her mother's boyfriend uses the mother's addiction to his advantage and sexual assaults Sal numerous times. Despite this Sal is tough and getting prepared cause the boyfriend has made it known Peppa is next. With Sal’s resourcefulness and determination the girls will flee to the woods and start a life of self-sufficiency. Also, there so much hope in this novel!
archimedesfudge's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0