Troublemakers (Paperback)

Reviews

"A beautifully written character-driven story." by Sue @ Crushingcinders - 3 October 2017

Troublemakers is a beautifully written character-driven story. The rich multi-layered characters come to life on the pages against a well-developed background. But the pacing is slow in places and unless you’re as invested in the characters as I was this may bother you. Focusing on the effects of grief and secrets big enough to destroy. On family dynamics and friendships. And at the centre is fifteen-year-old Alena and her family consisting of her older brother Danny and his life partner Nick. I loved that the family unit is not a traditional one, but that aside from the secret (and secrets have a way of getting out!) works really well. In all other respects, Danny and Nick make really good parents and Alena is so lucky to have them. After reading the story I have no idea why it is called troublemakers. It gives the impression of a mischievous gang causing havoc. But does it portray the story? No, it really doesn’t. It portrays another story, one related but distant. Lena’s story needs her own title. Full review: http://crushingcinders.com/troublemakers-by-catherine-barter