Book Review: The Shadow Girl

Reviewed by Louise, Dee Why

This is an incredibly hard-hitting young adult fiction novel. It is the story of a girl who lives life as a shadow after her parents are killed and “Uncle Creepo” makes it too risky for her to stay at home.

The Shadow Girl lives life on the streets, tricks her way into school, lives on trains and beaches and at times, a nice hotel.

She is clever and quick-witted, strong and wilful. She needs to be, considering the adversity she faces.

Despite dealing with incredibly serious issues, The Shadow Girl manages to entertain. The book will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing out loud the next. There is a dark, thrilling humour that carries the book and lifts it above most of its genre. The Shadow Girl is also explores spirituality.

This novel delves into issues such as homelessness, incest, murder, drugs, alcoholism and prostitution and is definitely for those 16 year and over.

The author, John Larkin lives in Sydney and has written a ground-breaking novel which takes a much-needed look at the other side of homelessness. 

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