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The Shadow Girl
Inspired by true events, a story of courage, survival, and a young girl who defies horrible odds to take control of her destiny.
The unnamed narrator escapes the dangerous imploding world of her parents and wider family in order to survive. Not wishing to be chewed up and spat out by the red light district she hides out in her local church, spends her weekends in the sand dunes on a Central Coast beach, and—with the help of her aunt's credit card—has the occasional stay in a five-star hotel. Most of her time on the run, though, she spends on the trains—generally sleeping in the shunting yards. When the trains become too dangerous she manages to find a derelict house in a leafy suburb and moves in with the possums and resident ghosts, ready to prove once and for all that she can take care of herself.
The unnamed narrator escapes the dangerous imploding world of her parents and wider family in order to survive. Not wishing to be chewed up and spat out by the red light district she hides out in her local church, spends her weekends in the sand dunes on a Central Coast beach, and—with the help of her aunt's credit card—has the occasional stay in a five-star hotel. Most of her time on the run, though, she spends on the trains—generally sleeping in the shunting yards. When the trains become too dangerous she manages to find a derelict house in a leafy suburb and moves in with the possums and resident ghosts, ready to prove once and for all that she can take care of herself.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
15 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
John Larkin
54 books66 followersSydney-based author and screenwriter, John Larkin, was born in England but grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has, at various stages of his writing career, supported his habit by working as a supermarket trolley boy, shelf-stacker, factory hand, forklift driver, professional soccer player and computer programmer. He now writes full-time. John has a BA in English Literature and a MA in Creative Writing from Macquarie University. John is currently the Writer-in-Residence at Knox Grammar School and UTS (School of Education).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 12, 2016
THIS book has left me feeling kind of meh. I don't know quite how to describe it, and I'm still not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but I'll try my best. This book is about homelessness. It's a 'true' story (in quotation marks because I'm pretty sure some creative flair has been added). It's about hope and overcoming all the shit which is thrown at you. It should be inspirational but I just didn't feel it.
I feel like I should've finished this book and stopped to reflect on my life and how fortunate I've been. That seems like the kind of reflection this book would encourage. It just didn't inspire those thoughts in me. I didn't like the frequent cuts to the cafe where our main character is recounting her story to this author. I didn't like how cynical he was (despite my own rampant cynicism); constantly making jokes about the situation and just generally coming off as a dick.
I did like that this book made me think and was about such a strong female overcoming a phenomenally tough situation. It touched on a lot of important issues and some pf the scenes were poignant. But I think the main thing bothering me about this book is that it didn't STAY with me. I finished it and picked up another book almost straight away because I just didn't feel that strongly about what I'd just finished. Even now, a day and a half after finishing it, I can't recall a lot of the details... because meh.
I feel like I should've finished this book and stopped to reflect on my life and how fortunate I've been. That seems like the kind of reflection this book would encourage. It just didn't inspire those thoughts in me. I didn't like the frequent cuts to the cafe where our main character is recounting her story to this author. I didn't like how cynical he was (despite my own rampant cynicism); constantly making jokes about the situation and just generally coming off as a dick.
I did like that this book made me think and was about such a strong female overcoming a phenomenally tough situation. It touched on a lot of important issues and some pf the scenes were poignant. But I think the main thing bothering me about this book is that it didn't STAY with me. I finished it and picked up another book almost straight away because I just didn't feel that strongly about what I'd just finished. Even now, a day and a half after finishing it, I can't recall a lot of the details... because meh.
January 22, 2014
At times when reading this book I had to remind myself that this was based on a true story. At the moment someone was out there trying to get through each day hoping that tomorrow would be better. They have no one that loves them and they have no one to love.
The way this book is written is really unique, the whole story is told by a nameless girl who is recounting what occurred during the past years for her get to this point. She is telling this to an author that she met during her schooling so that the author can publish the story of this anonymous girl.
The steps that this young girl took to escape and to get an education are incredible. All the people that she met throughout her journey tought her important life lessons, some she learnt from people doing the right thing and others from watching people doing the complete opposite.
I love the fact that John Larkin, the author of the book doesn't mention the name of the girl In any part of it, I know its cheesy but it made the story more realistic because this girl could have been anyone in a similar situation.
Everyone should get a chance to read this book because its simply amazing... You never know some homeless girl out there who is struggling might find this book and take some inspiration from it :)
The way this book is written is really unique, the whole story is told by a nameless girl who is recounting what occurred during the past years for her get to this point. She is telling this to an author that she met during her schooling so that the author can publish the story of this anonymous girl.
The steps that this young girl took to escape and to get an education are incredible. All the people that she met throughout her journey tought her important life lessons, some she learnt from people doing the right thing and others from watching people doing the complete opposite.
I love the fact that John Larkin, the author of the book doesn't mention the name of the girl In any part of it, I know its cheesy but it made the story more realistic because this girl could have been anyone in a similar situation.
Everyone should get a chance to read this book because its simply amazing... You never know some homeless girl out there who is struggling might find this book and take some inspiration from it :)
February 23, 2016
Mr Larkin, this was amazing! A very powerful story of a young, very bright, homeless girl. It's quite a grim, dark, story, but the way this complex story is put together lifts it from the hopelessness that characterise similar tales. There were even places where I laughed out loud - The Shadow Girl's sense of the ridiculous is wonderful.
A fabulous, thought provoking, Australian story! Highly recommended!
A fabulous, thought provoking, Australian story! Highly recommended!
May 5, 2012
this book was great. usually when someone writes like this, i automatically tune out and as a result i usually have to force myself to finish reading that book, but this is one of those rare books that are written in that kind of way that only the truly dedicated readers read, that the teachers would love to assign to students, but it was still very captivating and obviously very poignant.
i can't really say that i absolutely love this book as i have other books, because this book is different, it doesn't really so much as let you into the main characters mind as much and it is more distant, but in so many other ways, it excels the typical book that readers usually find themselves enjoying. if that makes sense.
this book is truly inspiring. as you read it, you find yourself kind of entering the main characters mind of whom you don't know the name of because she won't tell you. this book alternates between probably fictional interviews with the fictional writer who writes the book and between chapters where the main characters experiences are written out in first person. its little frustrating because you're not actually in the main characters mind, you're being told what she chooses to tell you about her life to the fictional authors ears. but anyhow, i think thats part of the unique-ness of the book and by the time i finished reading it, i couldn't help but be inspired. what the main character went through, the fact it was based on a true story, it was really amazing. most people would crumble, become depressed, sink to nothing, but she (the main character) kept believing in herself, became resilient (well actually maybe she was always like that) and held onto her dream even though she was going through hell. not many people can do that.
the story is centred around a 13-year-old girl whose lost her parents and ends up living with her aunt and her uncle. things at home with them become creepier and creepier as her uncle begins to show an unnatural interest in her. the protagonist, being the smart kid that she is, realises she has to get away from him and tries to alert people to this, but terrified they won't believe her because she does have an overactive imagination and is a smart-arse and is not very liked by adults, she bolts, deciding she'd rather be safe than sorry. she then begins life on the streets, living it rough and then, because she knows enough not to want to become a typical street kid, she cons her way into a school so she can realise her dreams and thus begins another chapter in her life. the one about her life on the streets and the cruelty and unexpected kindness of some people.
anyway, read this book. its truly inspiring and poignant.
it tells you why life isn't just black and white but grey all over. EVERYWHERE. it tells you that what you think you know, isn't necessarily right.
SPOILER ALERT
like how terrible her father was but then how HE was abused when he was young. how the protagonist thought for a fact that she was her father's daughter. like how the serena convinces everyone she's in love with tony and isn't smart enough to leave him. but has the last laugh in the end.
SPOILER FINISHED
so i guess if you're looking for a book that'll make you think, that will challenge your opinions, that'll make you cry and smile and laugh, this is definitely a must read. :)
i can't really say that i absolutely love this book as i have other books, because this book is different, it doesn't really so much as let you into the main characters mind as much and it is more distant, but in so many other ways, it excels the typical book that readers usually find themselves enjoying. if that makes sense.
this book is truly inspiring. as you read it, you find yourself kind of entering the main characters mind of whom you don't know the name of because she won't tell you. this book alternates between probably fictional interviews with the fictional writer who writes the book and between chapters where the main characters experiences are written out in first person. its little frustrating because you're not actually in the main characters mind, you're being told what she chooses to tell you about her life to the fictional authors ears. but anyhow, i think thats part of the unique-ness of the book and by the time i finished reading it, i couldn't help but be inspired. what the main character went through, the fact it was based on a true story, it was really amazing. most people would crumble, become depressed, sink to nothing, but she (the main character) kept believing in herself, became resilient (well actually maybe she was always like that) and held onto her dream even though she was going through hell. not many people can do that.
the story is centred around a 13-year-old girl whose lost her parents and ends up living with her aunt and her uncle. things at home with them become creepier and creepier as her uncle begins to show an unnatural interest in her. the protagonist, being the smart kid that she is, realises she has to get away from him and tries to alert people to this, but terrified they won't believe her because she does have an overactive imagination and is a smart-arse and is not very liked by adults, she bolts, deciding she'd rather be safe than sorry. she then begins life on the streets, living it rough and then, because she knows enough not to want to become a typical street kid, she cons her way into a school so she can realise her dreams and thus begins another chapter in her life. the one about her life on the streets and the cruelty and unexpected kindness of some people.
anyway, read this book. its truly inspiring and poignant.
it tells you why life isn't just black and white but grey all over. EVERYWHERE. it tells you that what you think you know, isn't necessarily right.
SPOILER ALERT
like how terrible her father was but then how HE was abused when he was young. how the protagonist thought for a fact that she was her father's daughter. like how the serena convinces everyone she's in love with tony and isn't smart enough to leave him. but has the last laugh in the end.
SPOILER FINISHED
so i guess if you're looking for a book that'll make you think, that will challenge your opinions, that'll make you cry and smile and laugh, this is definitely a must read. :)
February 9, 2020
We start each day with a blank sheet of paper in front of us, and what we write on it is up to us.
I read this after listening to an interview with Larkin for uni in which he talks about The Shadow Girl. It wasn't the story that intrigued me (though that did too), rather the style. I kind of get the impression you could read this book normally or by reading just either the SG bits or the cafe bits and it would still make sense.
This is not the easiest book to read, it is confronting in places but there is an offset in the humour. Not a book I would recommend to everyone. Though characters do what they should and there are simple acts of human kindness that remind us all that, yes humanity still exists (seriously I forget).
September 14, 2017
I only made it to page 7 of this book. I usually give a book more time to find its rhythm but seven pages was all I could manage.
Larkin tries too hard to sound teenager-cool, camouflaging (badly) exposition as inner-monologue that felt forced and inorganic. When you try to make every line clever, funny or sassy, it has a nullifying effect on any truly standout lines you might have written. In the same way a herd of elephants is only as fast as its slowest member, overstuffed prose is only as good as its weakest witticism.
I also have zero tolerance for religion bashing, regardless of the religion. It doesn't make you look edgy or intelligent. Maybe it did 30 years ago, but now its just tired. Try harder.
Larkin tries too hard to sound teenager-cool, camouflaging (badly) exposition as inner-monologue that felt forced and inorganic. When you try to make every line clever, funny or sassy, it has a nullifying effect on any truly standout lines you might have written. In the same way a herd of elephants is only as fast as its slowest member, overstuffed prose is only as good as its weakest witticism.
I also have zero tolerance for religion bashing, regardless of the religion. It doesn't make you look edgy or intelligent. Maybe it did 30 years ago, but now its just tired. Try harder.
June 17, 2023
I read this a while ago, but I remember thinking that EVERYONE needs to read this book. The language is not overly fussy, as the story is told from the perspective of a teenage girl. It is highly tense, emotional and made me see just how privileged my own life is, probably because I empathized with the protagonist despite differences.
June 6, 2022
It is an incredible story. IT was quite confusing because it can from many different perspectives but the author didn't tell us who it was. I think that you could definitely tell which parts were fiction and that the ending was a bit rushed.
January 24, 2012
The Shadow Girl is a novel by Australian writer, John Larkin, that follows the story of a fourteen year old girl forced into homelessness due to her domestic situation at home. The story is beautifully narrated and the occasional changes in narrator help complete the story and complete the background of the main character.
This is a moving book, tracing out the tale that is similar to so many others out there. This story also explores simple human compassion which may come from complete strangers yet dwells on the dark side of people that either causes or arises from these difficult situations.
The Shadow Girl is based on a true story. John Larkin, who recently gave a talk at my school [name deleted from transcript] about the girl he based this remarkable narrative on.
John Larkin was visiting a school out in the western suburbs. It wasn't a very nice looking place. It was an ugly, grey building with a concrete play-yard. No nice vegetation and grass. But there was a wall to keep the students in and the vandals out. It was here that he gave his usual talk and it was here, while talking to the eighth grade that, amongst these kids, not really known for their intellectual ability, let's just say, there was a small, fourteen year old girl. She had come in late, apologising profusely, and sat down to listen. It was during this talk (I forget the details how) that Larkin soon discovered this girl, in this school of more or less ruffians, had read Pride and Prejudice as well as Bleak House , a huge brick of a book.
Afterwards, everyone had been dismissed for recess. What Larkin noticed was that this little girl was sitting amongst her friends and was collecting food off them, putting all sorts of snack and what-not in her plastic bag. Larkin asked the teachers about this and that was when they told him about the trains. What this girl did was catch the train every afternoon and, during the night, travel all the way down one line and, in the morning, travel all the way back. Forster care hadn't worked out and there was some issue at home. The teachers couldn't do too much about it but they gave her lunch and helped her out a bit here and there. Legally, they should have reported her in but, as said, Forster care hadn't worked out. There was also an older sister involved but she had dumped the younger sister and had gone to live with her boyfriend.
After more or less shocking our grade by this story, we then proceeded to discuss covers for the novel. I am happy to say we helped with the choice of the current cover and our grade had all agreed that the letters on the font should be pink, orange or green (of course, they ended up being orange). Also, just in case anyone is curious, the 'straw hat and blazers' references in the book are all referring to Knox Grammar School where John Larkin is the writer-in-residence.
This is a moving book, tracing out the tale that is similar to so many others out there. This story also explores simple human compassion which may come from complete strangers yet dwells on the dark side of people that either causes or arises from these difficult situations.
The Shadow Girl is based on a true story. John Larkin, who recently gave a talk at my school [name deleted from transcript] about the girl he based this remarkable narrative on.
John Larkin was visiting a school out in the western suburbs. It wasn't a very nice looking place. It was an ugly, grey building with a concrete play-yard. No nice vegetation and grass. But there was a wall to keep the students in and the vandals out. It was here that he gave his usual talk and it was here, while talking to the eighth grade that, amongst these kids, not really known for their intellectual ability, let's just say, there was a small, fourteen year old girl. She had come in late, apologising profusely, and sat down to listen. It was during this talk (I forget the details how) that Larkin soon discovered this girl, in this school of more or less ruffians, had read Pride and Prejudice as well as Bleak House , a huge brick of a book.
Afterwards, everyone had been dismissed for recess. What Larkin noticed was that this little girl was sitting amongst her friends and was collecting food off them, putting all sorts of snack and what-not in her plastic bag. Larkin asked the teachers about this and that was when they told him about the trains. What this girl did was catch the train every afternoon and, during the night, travel all the way down one line and, in the morning, travel all the way back. Forster care hadn't worked out and there was some issue at home. The teachers couldn't do too much about it but they gave her lunch and helped her out a bit here and there. Legally, they should have reported her in but, as said, Forster care hadn't worked out. There was also an older sister involved but she had dumped the younger sister and had gone to live with her boyfriend.
After more or less shocking our grade by this story, we then proceeded to discuss covers for the novel. I am happy to say we helped with the choice of the current cover and our grade had all agreed that the letters on the font should be pink, orange or green (of course, they ended up being orange). Also, just in case anyone is curious, the 'straw hat and blazers' references in the book are all referring to Knox Grammar School where John Larkin is the writer-in-residence.
December 1, 2012
Read my reviews at looking for seattle
I don't know what to feel about this book. Disappointed, I guess. I haven't been too into the romance stuff lately and here is this book that could touch on some real issues but I just wasn't impressed.
I have this thing about addressing the reader in fiction. I think it really takes away from the authenticity of the story, like, "hey! hey you! I have something to say!" With the interviews between the author and the (nameless) protagonist being a central point to the story, I didn't feel that the story itself was very believable. I mean, obviously we know that the protagonist in first person fiction isn't a real person and didn't write the book, but that detail sits at the back of our minds. It has to in order for us to really fall into the story being laid out for us. I mean, I understand that this book is based on a true story, but when the fact that you're reading a book is pointed out in the book you're reading, it's harder to get sucked in. The names and places, too. The author practically screams from the rooftop of a tall building, "I'm using fake names!" Again, we know this, it's a given when reading fiction, but, as readers, we like the facts about writing the book to take a back seat when we're reading. And I suppose if this book was put forth as non-fiction, it would have been okay. But it wasn't. And all these things are just impossible to ignore.
Unfortunately, for our protagonist (comparatively, for some poor girl out there), The Shadow Girl tells a very sad story. But I couldn't help thinking that it could be sadder. Not in the sense that worse things could have happened, but I just think that the whole thing could have been executed so much better. Life was raining down on our thirteen year old character - she was homeless, she was an (almost) victim of rape, she had no family that loved her - and yet I didn't really feel for her. The writing was amateurish, and didn't really drive the point across. I was reading about her terrible uncle and how fear pretty much ruled this young girl's existence, but I just didn't feel it. It was sort of just there without any raw emotion behind it. Because of this, by the last 100 pages I just wanted it to be over. I didn't really see the need to finish - what could the rest of it possibly offer me? But it was okay, the ending. There was a twist about the girl's background that I probably should have seen coming but didn't. But I don't chalk that up to the originality of the novel. I honestly think I was just so uninterested with the whole thing that my subconscious mind didn't care to guess what would happen next.
It wasn't all bad - I did enjoy the flow of things and the protagonist was very likable; I wanted her to survive - but it was all very hollow. Like an empty shell. It could have been so much better.
I don't know what to feel about this book. Disappointed, I guess. I haven't been too into the romance stuff lately and here is this book that could touch on some real issues but I just wasn't impressed.
I have this thing about addressing the reader in fiction. I think it really takes away from the authenticity of the story, like, "hey! hey you! I have something to say!" With the interviews between the author and the (nameless) protagonist being a central point to the story, I didn't feel that the story itself was very believable. I mean, obviously we know that the protagonist in first person fiction isn't a real person and didn't write the book, but that detail sits at the back of our minds. It has to in order for us to really fall into the story being laid out for us. I mean, I understand that this book is based on a true story, but when the fact that you're reading a book is pointed out in the book you're reading, it's harder to get sucked in. The names and places, too. The author practically screams from the rooftop of a tall building, "I'm using fake names!" Again, we know this, it's a given when reading fiction, but, as readers, we like the facts about writing the book to take a back seat when we're reading. And I suppose if this book was put forth as non-fiction, it would have been okay. But it wasn't. And all these things are just impossible to ignore.
Unfortunately, for our protagonist (comparatively, for some poor girl out there), The Shadow Girl tells a very sad story. But I couldn't help thinking that it could be sadder. Not in the sense that worse things could have happened, but I just think that the whole thing could have been executed so much better. Life was raining down on our thirteen year old character - she was homeless, she was an (almost) victim of rape, she had no family that loved her - and yet I didn't really feel for her. The writing was amateurish, and didn't really drive the point across. I was reading about her terrible uncle and how fear pretty much ruled this young girl's existence, but I just didn't feel it. It was sort of just there without any raw emotion behind it. Because of this, by the last 100 pages I just wanted it to be over. I didn't really see the need to finish - what could the rest of it possibly offer me? But it was okay, the ending. There was a twist about the girl's background that I probably should have seen coming but didn't. But I don't chalk that up to the originality of the novel. I honestly think I was just so uninterested with the whole thing that my subconscious mind didn't care to guess what would happen next.
It wasn't all bad - I did enjoy the flow of things and the protagonist was very likable; I wanted her to survive - but it was all very hollow. Like an empty shell. It could have been so much better.
April 23, 2012
The Shadow Girl is a remarkable book. It is thought provoking and challenging and based on a true story about homelessness. It is not a light read but it is well worth it. John Larkin writes beautifully. Chapters vary between first person and cafe scenes in which the author interviews the Shadow Girl about her story. This technique is powerful as it is a constant reminder that this story is true and makes the story more powerful.
It is a book that really made me think, especially about the people in Shadow Girl's life who helped her for no reason, other then it was the right thing to do - Alistair, Miss Taylor, the man at the bus stop who sweeps up the glass so that Shadow Girl doesn't hurt herself, gives her a book and then gets on his bus. Small moments and interactions that made the difference between surviving and having hope - or not.
Highly recommended.
It is a book that really made me think, especially about the people in Shadow Girl's life who helped her for no reason, other then it was the right thing to do - Alistair, Miss Taylor, the man at the bus stop who sweeps up the glass so that Shadow Girl doesn't hurt herself, gives her a book and then gets on his bus. Small moments and interactions that made the difference between surviving and having hope - or not.
Highly recommended.
March 13, 2016
*SPOILERS*
Personally, I thought this novel was brilliant! It dealt with so much emotion and contemporary issues in the world. Obviously I could never fully relate to/empathise with the protagonist as she's not exactly the average kid next door (she doesn't have an actual house to live in most of the time!), however it was such a splendid read. I particularly loved the part near the end where there is a great plot twist, but I really wish Cinderella could start her 20s life at the very least. Well you know what they say; “You win some, you lose some.” I definitely recommend this book though. :)
Personally, I thought this novel was brilliant! It dealt with so much emotion and contemporary issues in the world. Obviously I could never fully relate to/empathise with the protagonist as she's not exactly the average kid next door (she doesn't have an actual house to live in most of the time!), however it was such a splendid read. I particularly loved the part near the end where there is a great plot twist, but I really wish Cinderella could start her 20s life at the very least. Well you know what they say; “You win some, you lose some.” I definitely recommend this book though. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2013
This book showed the scary reality of the world, and yet it also showed the beauty within people. It follows the story line of a girl forced from her home and learning the harshness of living on the streets. Along side the story shows the interview with her and the author and i found that i looked forward to those sections as much as I did to the actual story. In the interview it shows her true personality shine through a sharp, sassy and witty girl. I recommend this book to everyone for its dark humour and the unforgettable character that will leave you awe struck.
March 29, 2016
One day for a book of this length is something of an achievement for me. I just could not put it down. This doesn't happen often, either. Waiting for the train, I read. Standing, waiting to be served at the local uni Woolworths, I read. On the train home from uni, I read. And waiting to be picked up in the rain, from the train station, I read. Obviously being based in the Sydney suburbs, as much as the effort to erase all names and places has been done, Larkin captures a life-like story into 406 pages of engaging reading.
April 27, 2016
A book with a very interesting narrative structure. It took me a little while to adapt but in the end I really liked the way this novel was written.
Whilst a book for Young Adults, the themes and story line is pretty full on as you learn about an abused teenager living on the streets. The story is very powerful and although quite sad, at times, Larkin also reminds you of the good in people and society too.
I really liked the Shadow Girl as the protagonist - she was smart, hard-working, tough and non-stereotypical.
This book is well worth the read.
Whilst a book for Young Adults, the themes and story line is pretty full on as you learn about an abused teenager living on the streets. The story is very powerful and although quite sad, at times, Larkin also reminds you of the good in people and society too.
I really liked the Shadow Girl as the protagonist - she was smart, hard-working, tough and non-stereotypical.
This book is well worth the read.
June 28, 2016
I really loved this book! It touched on many important topics, such as homelessness and sexual abuse. It had a great story line. The only thing that kind of annoyed me was when the main character was talking to the writer and it wasn't specified who was talking, so you had to work it out yourself. Other than this it was an amazing book!
It's also so sad that it's based on a true story. I feel like this book can really open up people's eyes and make them aware of what is happening in the world around us.
It's also so sad that it's based on a true story. I feel like this book can really open up people's eyes and make them aware of what is happening in the world around us.
July 26, 2016
This book had the desired effect on me, it challenged my values, beliefs and made me grateful for the people and opportunities in my life. The shadow girl has been written in two different perspectives making it seem more real. The book draws you in so much so, that I didn't realise I was reading half of the time and the main protagonist is an inspiration to keep reaching for your dreams no matter what your situation. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read about life from an unusual and some times horrific perspective.
March 25, 2012
Recommended by a bookseller, again proving a good one is worth knowing. Loved the story and I was willing to skip a couple of not quite believable moments/events because the story had me so engaged. Hope there are schools and teachers out there like the ones Larkin creates. Unfortunately I do think there are some not pleasant characters just like those he created, but fortunately there are those just like his good characters too. Will be recommending this highly to the teens at school.
March 6, 2016
This book made me contemplate life and how good I actually have it. It made me appreciate what I had. It was a great read but between the middle and the end I lost a bit of interest because there wasn't much excitement or anything to pull me in. Overall I really liked the story and the way it was written.
August 1, 2015
Loved it! Couldn't put it down. Particularly loved the style in which it was written.
August 16, 2015
CRYING TEARS OF EMOTION
September 10, 2017
Words and Nerds Podcast & Blog
Pilot Episode with John Larkin
* The following blog (and podcast) discusses content such as mental illness and suicide-prevention that may be upsetting to some people *
You won’t find many better blokes than multi-award winning Aussie novelist John Larkin, a feminist with a strong social conscience and a belief that people are inherently good. You don’t need to look too closely to see these beliefs permeated throughout his most recent novels The Pause and The Shadow Girl. Novels that pose more questions about philosophy, spirituality, depression, familial relationships, homelessness than it tries to answer. It’s refreshing to read Young Adult fiction that never once underestimates its audience, instead encouraging them to think about concepts far beyond themselves.
The Pause is a novel centered on hope. It’s about knowing that no matter how much despair or hopelessness you feel, joy is always waiting around the corner. Of course the power of the novel comes from finding joy amongst great suffering, as is the age-old question: Can one truly feel joy without first experiencing sorrow? In the podcast we discuss how debilitating depression and anxiety can be and whether our culture, one that often fails to engage young men in discussing their feelings, enables mental illness to grow into something perceived as unmanageable. That is why the ‘RUOK?’ awareness day each September is so important. We need to make the conversation so common place that it loses its stigma entirely, we need to engage young people in conversations that convince them that their joy is just around the corner too; and most importantly it’s okay not to be okay.
There are subtleties within the novel that celebrate the individual. Declan’s friends, Chris and Maate in some ways depict an ideal society. Chris informs his friends he is gay in a fleeting conversation that has zero impact on their friendship. Wouldn’t it be nice if society caught up to they way these boys reacted to such a confession? The complexities that exist in every family dynamic are present in Declan’s relationship with his parents, however more terrifying it shows that signs can be missed even in the closest mother-son relationships. The message is clear, connect with your children and keep the line of conversation way open.
The Shadow Girl also focuses on heavy issues, mainly that of teenage homelessness and the hardships that follow. However, for every mean-spirited evil human being she encounters she meets another who shows her kindness while expecting nothing in return. The world is largely good, even if your immediate circle is not. Resilience is key, but more importantly remaining focused on your dreams and how you might achieve them despite the greatest adversity is how you will transform your life.
Larkin doesn’t skirt around difficult issues, he tackles them head on while questioning the purpose of organised religion and humanity’s choices. He questions the Universe and encourages the reader to ask these questions of themselves regardless of individual faith or personal beliefs. The act of reading should enhance our interactions with the world, it should encourage us to think more deeply or think in new and different ways; and both these novels achieve this.
Have you read The Pause or The Shadow Girl yet?
Pilot Episode with John Larkin
* The following blog (and podcast) discusses content such as mental illness and suicide-prevention that may be upsetting to some people *
You won’t find many better blokes than multi-award winning Aussie novelist John Larkin, a feminist with a strong social conscience and a belief that people are inherently good. You don’t need to look too closely to see these beliefs permeated throughout his most recent novels The Pause and The Shadow Girl. Novels that pose more questions about philosophy, spirituality, depression, familial relationships, homelessness than it tries to answer. It’s refreshing to read Young Adult fiction that never once underestimates its audience, instead encouraging them to think about concepts far beyond themselves.
The Pause is a novel centered on hope. It’s about knowing that no matter how much despair or hopelessness you feel, joy is always waiting around the corner. Of course the power of the novel comes from finding joy amongst great suffering, as is the age-old question: Can one truly feel joy without first experiencing sorrow? In the podcast we discuss how debilitating depression and anxiety can be and whether our culture, one that often fails to engage young men in discussing their feelings, enables mental illness to grow into something perceived as unmanageable. That is why the ‘RUOK?’ awareness day each September is so important. We need to make the conversation so common place that it loses its stigma entirely, we need to engage young people in conversations that convince them that their joy is just around the corner too; and most importantly it’s okay not to be okay.
There are subtleties within the novel that celebrate the individual. Declan’s friends, Chris and Maate in some ways depict an ideal society. Chris informs his friends he is gay in a fleeting conversation that has zero impact on their friendship. Wouldn’t it be nice if society caught up to they way these boys reacted to such a confession? The complexities that exist in every family dynamic are present in Declan’s relationship with his parents, however more terrifying it shows that signs can be missed even in the closest mother-son relationships. The message is clear, connect with your children and keep the line of conversation way open.
The Shadow Girl also focuses on heavy issues, mainly that of teenage homelessness and the hardships that follow. However, for every mean-spirited evil human being she encounters she meets another who shows her kindness while expecting nothing in return. The world is largely good, even if your immediate circle is not. Resilience is key, but more importantly remaining focused on your dreams and how you might achieve them despite the greatest adversity is how you will transform your life.
Larkin doesn’t skirt around difficult issues, he tackles them head on while questioning the purpose of organised religion and humanity’s choices. He questions the Universe and encourages the reader to ask these questions of themselves regardless of individual faith or personal beliefs. The act of reading should enhance our interactions with the world, it should encourage us to think more deeply or think in new and different ways; and both these novels achieve this.
Have you read The Pause or The Shadow Girl yet?
December 4, 2017
I read this all in one sitting, as it was so engaging and confronting. This was a very powerful story and at times was really difficult to stomach. 'The Shadow Girl' is the story of a homeless girl recounting her struggles to an author that she met at school so that she can pass her story on anonymously. Her story is recounted through first-person narration interspersed with dialogues between the girl and the author as they discuss events at a cafe, which makes for a unique telling that grounds the narrative in reality. Many parts of this book show some creative license on the author's behalf, however I felt that the themes discussed are treated with proper respect. At times I felt extremely uncomfortable as the government systems and social services that should be helping homeless children are revealed to be unreliable, having failed this anonymous narrator and others like her. In my opinion, the most uncomfortable parts of this book were those that employed an ironic tone, given the topics discussed in this book are extremely heavy. As the setting for the narrative is well within my local area, the injustices that the narrator felt and her reluctance to trust anyone also hit very close to home. This is a thought-provoking story that challenges its readers to reconsider their privileged lifestyles and how we so frequently turn a blind eye to people who are less fortunate than us; or our failings as we simply don't take the time to notice that those around us may be struggling. I also think this book challenges readers to think about how protective organisations may not have the power to effectively deal with the problems that they were originally set up to alleviate. I think this is a telling novel that provides insights into human compassion and challenges the role and accountability of those that turn a blind eye to the scary realities of our disconnected society and its devastating effects on those who are most vulnerable.
May 27, 2020
The Shadow Girl encompasses a young teenager who struggles the life on the streets as she escapes from her terrorizing family and past. Throughout the novel, you see the character's determination to try and live a 'normal' life yet seems to always be sold short of her hopes, dreams and ambitions.
From reading the novel in the comfort of my own home, i genuinely became concerned with her situation and could feel my heart beat faster in her most terrifying violent moments. Due to how well it was written, I felt scared with her.
The layout of the novel also reads as if she is being interviewed with the author (the Cafe sections of the novel) which although gives the story another element of how she overcame her tragic lifestyle, at times i feel as if they may be revealing too much at once after incidents. I think i would have preferred if her story read on and then there would i big Cafe section near the end of the novel to reveal bits and peices of her story in order to align things and have a 'click' moment for the reader which we then would have a better understanding.
Other than that, i loved the novel and how realsitic and raw her character was. At times i did find that the characters voice was not what you would imagine a 14 years olds tone as, but i had to remind myself the character is more mature than other 14 years olds due to her situation. I think this book is important as it demonstrates some reasons why people may choose the streets over a comfortable bed. The book also questions ideas on faith, religion and belief systems as the characters tries to hold hope in something or someone other than her books and knowledge.
NOTE: This novel is inspired by a young girl John Larkin met and is not based on a true story, which i thought was until i listened to this interview. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/john-larkin-the-shadow-girl/3587366
From reading the novel in the comfort of my own home, i genuinely became concerned with her situation and could feel my heart beat faster in her most terrifying violent moments. Due to how well it was written, I felt scared with her.
The layout of the novel also reads as if she is being interviewed with the author (the Cafe sections of the novel) which although gives the story another element of how she overcame her tragic lifestyle, at times i feel as if they may be revealing too much at once after incidents. I think i would have preferred if her story read on and then there would i big Cafe section near the end of the novel to reveal bits and peices of her story in order to align things and have a 'click' moment for the reader which we then would have a better understanding.
Other than that, i loved the novel and how realsitic and raw her character was. At times i did find that the characters voice was not what you would imagine a 14 years olds tone as, but i had to remind myself the character is more mature than other 14 years olds due to her situation. I think this book is important as it demonstrates some reasons why people may choose the streets over a comfortable bed. The book also questions ideas on faith, religion and belief systems as the characters tries to hold hope in something or someone other than her books and knowledge.
NOTE: This novel is inspired by a young girl John Larkin met and is not based on a true story, which i thought was until i listened to this interview. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/john-larkin-the-shadow-girl/3587366
May 6, 2018
Shadow Girl stood out for me. It has very intriguing and different characters that bring together a beautiful piece of literature. It is a mix of thriller, mystery, adventure, tragedy and dark drama genres. It's a unique, and blackly funny novel with a witty, determined but damaged young main character. She has a wry sense of humour and very strong sense of determination, and her uncle, Creepo, is an awful main villain. It's a brilliant tale of innocence, and hope despite cruelty and neglect. Shadow Girl stays true to herself through all the sinister turns and lies that will take your breath away. The structure is very important in this novel. It's unusual the way Larkin has done it, but it is much more hopeful and interesting. He jumps back in time but because she is talking to her friend in the present, we know she survives all the terrible things that happen to her. We go to dark places, but stay hopeful and keep reading to find out how she finds her way back from being so along and homeless at only 14. The structure of the book take turns and is ultimately a much better path to take than the usual. It creates more depth with characters and their relations, new secrets, and understanding that most authors wouldn't have thought of.
September 27, 2017
This book was so good. I loved it so so so so so so so so so so so much. It was really amazing.
I don't know what other people thought but I kind of felt like the author was saying something in the book about how there may be bad people but there are so many good people. Like there was Ms Taylor, the principle, the random old lady, Alistair, the bus stop guy, Cinderella and so many more people who helped her. Even Aunt Serena could sort of be seen as a good person. I just loved this book so so so so so so much. And I think that everyone should read it.
I don't know what other people thought but I kind of felt like the author was saying something in the book about how there may be bad people but there are so many good people. Like there was Ms Taylor, the principle, the random old lady, Alistair, the bus stop guy, Cinderella and so many more people who helped her. Even Aunt Serena could sort of be seen as a good person. I just loved this book so so so so so so much. And I think that everyone should read it.
May 17, 2024
What the shit was that. Most difficult read of my life. Until now did I think sight was a virtue!!
"so it just bobs on the surface like something bobbing on top of something else"? OHH PLEASEEE sir, can we have some more?
This was just the most inauthentic portrayal of girlhood...like why did the publisher think that some old man would ever be able to do justice to the story.
"Homeboys" - thats crazy...
"Fortunately I'm as skinny as an anorexic broomstick"?!!!
"so it just bobs on the surface like something bobbing on top of something else"? OHH PLEASEEE sir, can we have some more?
This was just the most inauthentic portrayal of girlhood...like why did the publisher think that some old man would ever be able to do justice to the story.
"Homeboys" - thats crazy...
"Fortunately I'm as skinny as an anorexic broomstick"?!!!
June 15, 2024
Teen fiction always has the prospect of being exceptionally well written and also quite not hitting the mark. Personally I think ‘The Shadow Girl’ falls in the middle. The strength of the female protagonist in overcoming adversity through their own personal growth is endearing. However, even though it is based on true events, I just couldn’t envision the events transpiring. There were too many instances of ‘everything working out’ that just defies reality a bit too much.
July 29, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a very devastating story about a girl who lived on the streets and has multiple life-changing events. It was my first book that had big themes, language and sexual references, but when I finished I wanted more!
January 4, 2018
Heart wrenching, heart warming and beautifully written.
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