By: John Larkin
Shadow girl never thought she’d wind up on the streets. She’s smart, has a drive to learn and succeed. After her parents disappear she moves in with her aunt and uncle. In time things take a nasty turn and fearing the police will never believe her over her uncle, she runs away. Once on the streets she quickly discovers there are certain things she just doesn’t know. She may be smart but book smart and street smart are two different things. However she learns quickly, unwilling to give up and determined not to do certain things.
While sleeping in train yards, sand dunes and abandoned houses, she manages to trick her way into a new school. It is at school she meets an author, who she later calls on to help tell her story. She shares her choices, the people who help her and the friend she just couldn’t save.
This is a powerful story. At times sad, horrifying and funny. The Shadow Girl, in many ways, seems so much older than her years, in part this is due to her intelligence and because of this we are given access to a world many of us will never know. Her thoughts and opinions give us the chance to explore many topics relevant to readers of all ages. While a story of survival and strength of the human spirit we are whisked through such muddy ground as; sex, abuse, religion, drugs and education. It is also very much a story about choices. How we still have them in terrible circumstances (though they may not be great ones to choose from) and just how very important they can be.
Shadow Girl is an amazing, compelling character – well formed and well written, and her story may very well get you thinking about things you never really thought you would.
A stunning and thought provoking read that left me grateful for the life I have.
Publisher: Woolshed Press
Published: 01 November 2011
Format: Paperback 336 pages
Categories: Fiction
ISBN 13: 9781864718751
Purchase: here or use the Booktopia logo on the side of page
TheKylieVerse 
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