A review by unfetteredfiction
Pike by Anthony McGowan

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

"Until you're dead, there's always a chance you can make things a bit less shit."

• Anthony McGowen, Pike

The second instalment in this beautifully crafted series from Anthony McGowen. Maybe I'm partial because I'm from Leeds, but I don't think so, this was bliss to read. 

An ordinary family, properly ordinary, with its own real challenges and nuances. Its moving to watch Nicky and Kenny navigate their lives as boys who don't have all the answers, but boys with empathy and an eagerness to do what's right. I don't think it's unrealistic to see these children as behaving with a strong moral compass, I think kids often do move from their heart and want to be good, the tricky part is figuring it all out, turning feelings into action. It's so refreshing to see complex families in such a wonderfully normal way, a family that has been through something, that has struggled, but is finding its own way with support from each other. Seeing Nicky and Kenny too, process their emotions and think things through is really striking, I feel like I know these kids and am entirely rooting for them. A gift!