A review by pookiee
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Being loved had been the goal of her life. Loving someone in return…that was just showing off.

On the rare occasion when someone showed her kindness - letting her cut in front of them at the shop, a teacher commenting on work well done, someone paying her a compliment - it pushed her to the verge of tears. (…) Something about her cruelty fortified Alicia. The certainty and security of what she was getting became like a drug. A much more powerful drug than the agony caused by a desire for love and warmth.

She wanted to say, I love you. I want to be with you. I want to feel worthy of love, and unafraid to love someone in return. I want that with you.

Panic felt quite a lot like excitement, and if you told yourself you were excited you could trick your feelings.

'Every human being needs someone, don't they? One person that's in your corner. One person who's yours?'
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