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Once Removed
Suspecting self-harm, newly qualified teacher, Abriella Garside, risks everything for a troubled pupil. An incident with a craft knife and unexplained injuries are not enough to secure help for the girl. Unsure whether Beth is being bullied or has problems at home, Abby tries to win her trust and the two begin a friendship. But has the teacher gone too far? In the midst of Abby's own complicated life, Beth disappears. Rumour and suspicion ignite, fanned into an inferno with Abby at its heart. Two lives hang in the balance.
- GenresFiction
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2012
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Walker
3 books20 followersA storybook romance swept me from my American childhood to marriage, life and a teaching career in Yorkshire. Becoming an author seemed as likely as being a princess or an astronaut but after twenty years at the chalk-face, I left schools behind and set my mind to the dream. I've had several poems, short stories and articles published, won a handful of local prizes, as well as being invited to speak at events in the UK and US.
My two grown up sons have left home now but in 1996, fifteen year old James was diagnosed with cancer and survived angainst the odds. A Life Less Lost, my memoir of that experince, was published in 2009.
An experience in high school sparked the idea for my novel, Once Removed.
A foodie, I recently discovered the joys of grow-your-own, love ‘doing up’ old houses, reading, badminton, skiing and various crafts. Still captivated by the British countryside, I also enjoy bracing walks with my dog.
My two grown up sons have left home now but in 1996, fifteen year old James was diagnosed with cancer and survived angainst the odds. A Life Less Lost, my memoir of that experince, was published in 2009.
An experience in high school sparked the idea for my novel, Once Removed.
A foodie, I recently discovered the joys of grow-your-own, love ‘doing up’ old houses, reading, badminton, skiing and various crafts. Still captivated by the British countryside, I also enjoy bracing walks with my dog.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 18, 2016
This is an easy to read book which is hard to put down.
The Author really gets into the head of an abused teenager with low self esteem.
The two intertwined storylines deal with fear and self loathing various forms of bulling and pressure to please others.
Centred upon a young schoolteacher and a troubled teacher.
The story is based in a small town as a growing friendship between a teacher and pupil is watched with suspicion but then Beth disappears and Abby becomes the target of a campaign by her neighbours and the press.
I recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and Publisher for a chance to read this book.
The Author really gets into the head of an abused teenager with low self esteem.
The two intertwined storylines deal with fear and self loathing various forms of bulling and pressure to please others.
Centred upon a young schoolteacher and a troubled teacher.
The story is based in a small town as a growing friendship between a teacher and pupil is watched with suspicion but then Beth disappears and Abby becomes the target of a campaign by her neighbours and the press.
I recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and Publisher for a chance to read this book.
May 28, 2012
*Full disclosure: the author sent me a copy of this novel in the hope that I would review it. All opinions are my own.*
I was excited to read this novel as I instantly realised it would touch on some very topical, sensitive themes and I was curious to see how the author would handle them.
This is the story of newly-qualified teacher Abriella (Abby), a woman with a bit of an emotional background of her own, and who recognises in twelve-year-old pupil Beth, that *something* is also amiss. Abby isn't sure if Beth is being bullied or if she is self-harming, but as she tries to get close to the girl and be her confidant, the repurcussions may have disastrous consequences for both of them...
I enjoyed the way the author tackled this story from various perspectives as it gave the reader a chance to understand more deeply what was happening in the narrative, which flowed very well. I feel that Beth's voice and emotions were depicted realistically and to be honest, my heart broke at what she was going though and at the secrets she was bottling up inside. Though I liked Abby enough, I have to confess that it took me a long time to warm to her, which I think was supposed to be the point as her background was slowly unravelled. Initially I felt her weak and unable to stand up for herself, with both her family and her abhorent boyfriend, though this frustration did eventually pass, and I found myself caring about what would happen to her too.
The settings felt authentic and the development of the main characters was solid, though I have to say that I didn't particularly warm to any of Abby's friends much- aside from Ryan. I also loathed most of her family, and low-self esteem issues aside, I still can't believe she put up with how they treated her! The 'witch hunt' was also well conveyed too- and put me in mind of a few recent British tabloid stories.
Though the story is indeed written well, there were a few lapses in tense towards the end of the story- between first and third person, which I found a bit jarring. I also think that some of the subject matter was a bit glossed over in points- i.e. a particular situation with loss and grieving could have been handled more comprehensively, it felt just a bit rushed within the storyline and certain feelings therein didn't seem to be elaborated on to a great extent.
Generally, this was a well-written, fast-paced novel that sensitively and accurately handled some strong, emotional themes and the author should be commended for that. I would welcome reading more from her again in future and would recommend trying this book if you enjoy novels of depth that aren't afraid to tackle some controversial subject matters that other writers might shy away from.
I was excited to read this novel as I instantly realised it would touch on some very topical, sensitive themes and I was curious to see how the author would handle them.
This is the story of newly-qualified teacher Abriella (Abby), a woman with a bit of an emotional background of her own, and who recognises in twelve-year-old pupil Beth, that *something* is also amiss. Abby isn't sure if Beth is being bullied or if she is self-harming, but as she tries to get close to the girl and be her confidant, the repurcussions may have disastrous consequences for both of them...
I enjoyed the way the author tackled this story from various perspectives as it gave the reader a chance to understand more deeply what was happening in the narrative, which flowed very well. I feel that Beth's voice and emotions were depicted realistically and to be honest, my heart broke at what she was going though and at the secrets she was bottling up inside. Though I liked Abby enough, I have to confess that it took me a long time to warm to her, which I think was supposed to be the point as her background was slowly unravelled. Initially I felt her weak and unable to stand up for herself, with both her family and her abhorent boyfriend, though this frustration did eventually pass, and I found myself caring about what would happen to her too.
The settings felt authentic and the development of the main characters was solid, though I have to say that I didn't particularly warm to any of Abby's friends much- aside from Ryan. I also loathed most of her family, and low-self esteem issues aside, I still can't believe she put up with how they treated her! The 'witch hunt' was also well conveyed too- and put me in mind of a few recent British tabloid stories.
Though the story is indeed written well, there were a few lapses in tense towards the end of the story- between first and third person, which I found a bit jarring. I also think that some of the subject matter was a bit glossed over in points- i.e. a particular situation with loss and grieving could have been handled more comprehensively, it felt just a bit rushed within the storyline and certain feelings therein didn't seem to be elaborated on to a great extent.
Generally, this was a well-written, fast-paced novel that sensitively and accurately handled some strong, emotional themes and the author should be commended for that. I would welcome reading more from her again in future and would recommend trying this book if you enjoy novels of depth that aren't afraid to tackle some controversial subject matters that other writers might shy away from.
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May 19, 2012I loved this book! I didn't want to put it down until I was done, and then I wanted to read another by the author. I particularly liked the character development, the plot, the ethical issues and the resolution, which was a bit unexpected. It's a good read!
July 19, 2012
'Like unlocking the valve of a pressure cooker, opening her skin released the dementing force.'
Abby (Abriella) Garside is a newly qualified secondary school teacher in a small town in Yorkshire. Beth is a pupil at the school. Abby notices Beth involved in an incident with a craft knife. She resolves to keep an eye on Beth and tries to help integrate her more in her lessons. Beth comes to trust Abby.
Abby has a difficult relationship with her family throughout her life. Thinking back to when she was just a girl, she admits to a deep loneliness, to feeling pushed aside; 'I knew even then I didn't fit in my family, didn't really belong.' The feeling of feeling as if she doesn't quite fit in is one which lingers in her mind; 'Once at a distant relative's wedding, I'd been introduced to a cousin once removed. The phrase intrigued me and seemed to describe my position in our family.' She has a relationship with a man called Jeff, but as we learn more about them, it appears she is settling for him rather than it being a healthy relationship. Beth similarly suffers from a sense of isolation, feeling a 'screaming loneliness'. She cuts herself, and describes how she feels afterwards, as 'A satisfying pain pierced through the noise in my brain, giving voice to my silent cry.'
The first person narratives from both of the main two characters run alongside each other and give us an intimate depiction of the daily lives and struggles of them both as two separate individuals, and also as two people whose paths come together. Short passages in italics at the start of some chapters hint at one person's secret history and draw us further into the narrative. The characters are well drawn, from Abby and Beth, Aunt Frieda and Ryan, down to the minor characters like Mrs Billington. Abby has mannerisms which she repeats and this added to the realism of the character for me. There is real growth and development in plot and characters.
There is an intelligent exploration here of the notion of someone who feels like they don't quite fit, like they are different, and struggling both to be accepted by others, and to accept themselves as they are. I felt the pain being endured by both Abby and Beth really came across in the writing. Abby feels inadequate and out of place at times, lacking in confidence.
The book deals well with how people have little confidence, sometimes because of past hurt, and the strength that can need to be found to continue, to believe in oneself and realise that you are deserving of kindness and love, from others, but most importantly from yourself. It was wonderful to read a story dealing with this. The book also follows through and looks at what happens when someone tries to help and it is misconstrued, resulting in rumour, speculation, incorrect judgments formed without knowledge of the truth, and retribution.
The story kept me thinking whilst reading and each time I put the novel aside I was thinking about the characters. The author shows insight into what is going on here, within destructive or cruel family relationships. The plot developed in a satisfying way. I empathised with Abby and was angered by how members of her family behaved towards her. It is a believable portrayal of sadness and hurt and although there are distressing moments and there is unhappiness, there is also friendship, joy and hope.
I found this a very moving, emotional book, and I felt that the sensitive and challenging subject matter, including self-harm, was carefully handled by this author. Empathy is created, the friendship between teacher and pupil is believable and it is carefully and beautifully portrayed.
I would recommend this book and I will be looking out for future work by this author.
I was sent a copy of this novel by the publisher to read and give an honest review.
4.5 stars
Abby (Abriella) Garside is a newly qualified secondary school teacher in a small town in Yorkshire. Beth is a pupil at the school. Abby notices Beth involved in an incident with a craft knife. She resolves to keep an eye on Beth and tries to help integrate her more in her lessons. Beth comes to trust Abby.
Abby has a difficult relationship with her family throughout her life. Thinking back to when she was just a girl, she admits to a deep loneliness, to feeling pushed aside; 'I knew even then I didn't fit in my family, didn't really belong.' The feeling of feeling as if she doesn't quite fit in is one which lingers in her mind; 'Once at a distant relative's wedding, I'd been introduced to a cousin once removed. The phrase intrigued me and seemed to describe my position in our family.' She has a relationship with a man called Jeff, but as we learn more about them, it appears she is settling for him rather than it being a healthy relationship. Beth similarly suffers from a sense of isolation, feeling a 'screaming loneliness'. She cuts herself, and describes how she feels afterwards, as 'A satisfying pain pierced through the noise in my brain, giving voice to my silent cry.'
The first person narratives from both of the main two characters run alongside each other and give us an intimate depiction of the daily lives and struggles of them both as two separate individuals, and also as two people whose paths come together. Short passages in italics at the start of some chapters hint at one person's secret history and draw us further into the narrative. The characters are well drawn, from Abby and Beth, Aunt Frieda and Ryan, down to the minor characters like Mrs Billington. Abby has mannerisms which she repeats and this added to the realism of the character for me. There is real growth and development in plot and characters.
There is an intelligent exploration here of the notion of someone who feels like they don't quite fit, like they are different, and struggling both to be accepted by others, and to accept themselves as they are. I felt the pain being endured by both Abby and Beth really came across in the writing. Abby feels inadequate and out of place at times, lacking in confidence.
The book deals well with how people have little confidence, sometimes because of past hurt, and the strength that can need to be found to continue, to believe in oneself and realise that you are deserving of kindness and love, from others, but most importantly from yourself. It was wonderful to read a story dealing with this. The book also follows through and looks at what happens when someone tries to help and it is misconstrued, resulting in rumour, speculation, incorrect judgments formed without knowledge of the truth, and retribution.
The story kept me thinking whilst reading and each time I put the novel aside I was thinking about the characters. The author shows insight into what is going on here, within destructive or cruel family relationships. The plot developed in a satisfying way. I empathised with Abby and was angered by how members of her family behaved towards her. It is a believable portrayal of sadness and hurt and although there are distressing moments and there is unhappiness, there is also friendship, joy and hope.
I found this a very moving, emotional book, and I felt that the sensitive and challenging subject matter, including self-harm, was carefully handled by this author. Empathy is created, the friendship between teacher and pupil is believable and it is carefully and beautifully portrayed.
I would recommend this book and I will be looking out for future work by this author.
I was sent a copy of this novel by the publisher to read and give an honest review.
4.5 stars
May 10, 2012
K.B. Walker is a very good storyteller and Once Removed is, I felt, a story close to her heart. When I read the author’s notes after I’d finished the book, I understood why.
The two main characters, Abriella and Beth, have very low self esteem and they have developed similar ways to cope with their self-loathing. However, Abriella Garside is ten years older than Beth, and recognises the emotional pain and signs of self abuse that she sees in the girl. Abriella is desperate to help Beth, but finds that, as her teacher, her efforts are often misconstrued.
I was totally absorbed. This is not the sort of novel that I would normally read, but I was quickly drawn in by the characters and the plot. Having worked in schools for many years until retirement, the setting and dialogue had a real authenticity for me. It was not only a book about abuse, self abuse and how to deal with these terrible problems, but also about making judgements on people without knowing the whole story. We are all guilty of this at some time or other and it does no harm to be reminded of this.
Once Removed is a well-constructed, absorbing novel, which I recommend to anyone who likes real life, gritty stories.
The two main characters, Abriella and Beth, have very low self esteem and they have developed similar ways to cope with their self-loathing. However, Abriella Garside is ten years older than Beth, and recognises the emotional pain and signs of self abuse that she sees in the girl. Abriella is desperate to help Beth, but finds that, as her teacher, her efforts are often misconstrued.
I was totally absorbed. This is not the sort of novel that I would normally read, but I was quickly drawn in by the characters and the plot. Having worked in schools for many years until retirement, the setting and dialogue had a real authenticity for me. It was not only a book about abuse, self abuse and how to deal with these terrible problems, but also about making judgements on people without knowing the whole story. We are all guilty of this at some time or other and it does no harm to be reminded of this.
Once Removed is a well-constructed, absorbing novel, which I recommend to anyone who likes real life, gritty stories.
June 4, 2012
I must admit that I was kind of skeptical going into this 133 page book that it would be as good as the reviews that it was receiving on Goodreads. Reviewers were dead on. In this short book, the author was able to write a gut wrenching story which got into my heart! I loved how the 12 year old, Beth was described and the rawness of her emotions were written. There were times that I was on the edge of my seat and just wanted to wrap my arms around her and take away her pain. I absolutely love books that have the ability to accomplish that with me. It is a rare occurrence. I was impressed because the story was compact but didn't carry itself that way.
June 25, 2012
An excellent book. Read it on a recommendation from a friend and although the book is a little different to what I normally read I couldn't put it down. It takes you into the very heart and soul of some of the characters. Definitely well worth reading.
August 31, 2012
Great fictional short read, handled subject with care... Read more of my review at http://specsandginger.wordpress.com
March 19, 2017
I received a copy from NetGalley and Crooked Cat Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, this book should come with a very large, in your face, trigger warning. For those suffering or recovering from self harm and eating disorders, it should not be taken lightly, if at all. This is a story of the lengths we go to protect the ones we love despite the cost to ourselves. I felt it was lacking in regards to the severity of the situation and perhaps was not handled with the delicacy such circumstances deserve. It is not a book for everyone.
First and foremost, this book should come with a very large, in your face, trigger warning. For those suffering or recovering from self harm and eating disorders, it should not be taken lightly, if at all. This is a story of the lengths we go to protect the ones we love despite the cost to ourselves. I felt it was lacking in regards to the severity of the situation and perhaps was not handled with the delicacy such circumstances deserve. It is not a book for everyone.
August 29, 2014
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our YA readers thought:
FEEDBACK
Title
Once Removed
Author
K B Walker
COVER 6/10
Generally, the readers thought the cover was well put together and professional-looking. However, they all thought it was rather ‘boring’. One reader put in her feedback, ‘The cover is probably perfect for the subject matter but there’s so much grey. Grey is not a very enticing colour.’ They thought the blurb was well written and enticing although perhaps a little short.
EDITING 8/10
The readers thought this book was well edited and discovered no problems with spelling, punctuation or grammar. However, they did feel parts of the story were a little slow, particularly at the beginning.
THEME 7/10
The readers very much enjoyed the plot of this book. They felt the author worked well with ‘self harm’ and the ways many people refuse to see what is right in front of them, One reader (girl, aged 15) put in her feedback, ‘I was asked to read this story over the weekend by my teacher. On the Monday I discussed it with her and two other girls who had read it. It was a very lively chat. Everybody enjoyed it and we all thought it helped us to understand self harm and how to look for signs of it.’
They also thought the two central characters, Beth and Abby, were well constructed and interesting to follow. One reader (boy, aged 14) put, ‘This story was hard work for me. It was soooo slow. But the characters were interesting and what they went through was well described. This author is a good author. Hopefully he/she will write a book with dragons in it. That’s more me.’
STYLE 8/10
This is where the book scored most highly. The readers thought the author had the ability to describe how a girl feels when dealing with such a terrible problem. One reader (girl, aged 14) put in her feedback, ‘The book is a little slow but I did feel for Beth. In fact, the story made me fell very sad. Is that how the author wants me to feel? If she did, it worked. But I guess it’s important to know about stuff like this. Too many people seem to put heads in sand and hope it will go away just like many of the characters in the story.’
STATS 29/40
Of the 16 readers,
16 felt the cover needed a little colour.
12 felt the best part of the book was the topic of self-harm it covered.
3 felt the best part of the book was the writing style.
1 felt the best part of the book was the way the author worked with the two central characters and how she showed the emotion they felt.
10 would read like to another book by this author.
6 would not (all boys)
‘This story looks at the difficult topic of self-harm in a sensitive and highly interesting way. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
FEEDBACK
Title
Once Removed
Author
K B Walker
COVER 6/10
Generally, the readers thought the cover was well put together and professional-looking. However, they all thought it was rather ‘boring’. One reader put in her feedback, ‘The cover is probably perfect for the subject matter but there’s so much grey. Grey is not a very enticing colour.’ They thought the blurb was well written and enticing although perhaps a little short.
EDITING 8/10
The readers thought this book was well edited and discovered no problems with spelling, punctuation or grammar. However, they did feel parts of the story were a little slow, particularly at the beginning.
THEME 7/10
The readers very much enjoyed the plot of this book. They felt the author worked well with ‘self harm’ and the ways many people refuse to see what is right in front of them, One reader (girl, aged 15) put in her feedback, ‘I was asked to read this story over the weekend by my teacher. On the Monday I discussed it with her and two other girls who had read it. It was a very lively chat. Everybody enjoyed it and we all thought it helped us to understand self harm and how to look for signs of it.’
They also thought the two central characters, Beth and Abby, were well constructed and interesting to follow. One reader (boy, aged 14) put, ‘This story was hard work for me. It was soooo slow. But the characters were interesting and what they went through was well described. This author is a good author. Hopefully he/she will write a book with dragons in it. That’s more me.’
STYLE 8/10
This is where the book scored most highly. The readers thought the author had the ability to describe how a girl feels when dealing with such a terrible problem. One reader (girl, aged 14) put in her feedback, ‘The book is a little slow but I did feel for Beth. In fact, the story made me fell very sad. Is that how the author wants me to feel? If she did, it worked. But I guess it’s important to know about stuff like this. Too many people seem to put heads in sand and hope it will go away just like many of the characters in the story.’
STATS 29/40
Of the 16 readers,
16 felt the cover needed a little colour.
12 felt the best part of the book was the topic of self-harm it covered.
3 felt the best part of the book was the writing style.
1 felt the best part of the book was the way the author worked with the two central characters and how she showed the emotion they felt.
10 would read like to another book by this author.
6 would not (all boys)
‘This story looks at the difficult topic of self-harm in a sensitive and highly interesting way. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
September 17, 2016
--I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.--
This is a very quick book that certainly packs a punch and makes you wonder how far is too far when involved with a student. Abby and Beth are the two main characters of this book and are written fairly well, although I had a hard time really relating with either of them: I guess they just didn't gel too well with me or I had a hard time grasping some of the utter stupidity that they both tended to get into . None of the side characters like Ryan, Abby's siblings, or Abby's friend were really given much characterization, so I didn't really feel for them at all, although I did like Abby's aunt a lot.
Cutting and self harm after a trauma is actually used pretty well in this book and is handled very maturely. Sexual abuse and the possible ramifications were unfortunately very realistic (though not explicit) and I applaud this book for that. That said, this brings me to my biggest problem with the book: . That is a very dangerous statement and honestly doesn't alleviate Beth's guilt at all and has no real purpose even being included.
Overall, this book is very "middle-of-the-road" for me. It had some good ideas and some quite realistic portrayals of trauma and really does make the reader wonder what they would think from the outside looking in on the relationship Beth and Abby shared. I'm not sure if I would recommend it, as there are books I like better, but if the synopsis sounds intriguing to you, I would say you should give it a shot.
This is a very quick book that certainly packs a punch and makes you wonder how far is too far when involved with a student. Abby and Beth are the two main characters of this book and are written fairly well, although I had a hard time really relating with either of them: I guess they just didn't gel too well with me or I had a hard time grasping some of the utter stupidity that they both tended to get into . None of the side characters like Ryan, Abby's siblings, or Abby's friend were really given much characterization, so I didn't really feel for them at all, although I did like Abby's aunt a lot.
Cutting and self harm after a trauma is actually used pretty well in this book and is handled very maturely. Sexual abuse and the possible ramifications were unfortunately very realistic (though not explicit) and I applaud this book for that. That said, this brings me to my biggest problem with the book: . That is a very dangerous statement and honestly doesn't alleviate Beth's guilt at all and has no real purpose even being included.
Overall, this book is very "middle-of-the-road" for me. It had some good ideas and some quite realistic portrayals of trauma and really does make the reader wonder what they would think from the outside looking in on the relationship Beth and Abby shared. I'm not sure if I would recommend it, as there are books I like better, but if the synopsis sounds intriguing to you, I would say you should give it a shot.
December 15, 2012
Once Removed is an incredibly powerful book dealing with great sensitivity issues that shocked, moved and saddened me by turns. It is an astounding debut by KB Walker.
The storyline follows two main characters, schoolgirl Beth and her teacher, Abby. Their two strands are told in alternating points of view as Abby, believing her pupil to be self-harming, reaches out to Beth.
Based in a small town, the growing friendship between teacher and pupil is watched with suspicion and, when Beth disappears, Abby becomes the target of a hate campaign by her neighbours and the local press.
The two intertwined storylines deal with fear and self-loathing, dysfunctional families and various forms of bullying and pressure to please others, but the novel also makes the reader look critically at the way society and individuals are quick to jump to damaging conclusions without being in possession of all the facts.
Without including spoilers it is difficult to say more, but what I will say is this: when I woke I reached out for my kindle before my eyes were properly open. I finished the book this morning and have not been able to get the characters and their lives out of my head ever since. Abby, Beth, their family and friends, became so real to me that I find myself hoping they each find their own way to redemption and healing.
Characters living on after the book is finished? That’s the sign of a first-rate author in control of her material.
The storyline follows two main characters, schoolgirl Beth and her teacher, Abby. Their two strands are told in alternating points of view as Abby, believing her pupil to be self-harming, reaches out to Beth.
Based in a small town, the growing friendship between teacher and pupil is watched with suspicion and, when Beth disappears, Abby becomes the target of a hate campaign by her neighbours and the local press.
The two intertwined storylines deal with fear and self-loathing, dysfunctional families and various forms of bullying and pressure to please others, but the novel also makes the reader look critically at the way society and individuals are quick to jump to damaging conclusions without being in possession of all the facts.
Without including spoilers it is difficult to say more, but what I will say is this: when I woke I reached out for my kindle before my eyes were properly open. I finished the book this morning and have not been able to get the characters and their lives out of my head ever since. Abby, Beth, their family and friends, became so real to me that I find myself hoping they each find their own way to redemption and healing.
Characters living on after the book is finished? That’s the sign of a first-rate author in control of her material.
December 28, 2012
'Once Removed' touches on a difficult subject with great insight and sensitivity. The novel brilliantly examines how children respond to being abused or exploited - in a range of ways - by selfish, ignorant adults, and then how it affects their self-esteem or even their self-value as an individual. We also get to see how some adults fail to cope with emotionally damaging memories from their own childhood. This is definitely a 'crossover' novel that teenagers and adults would benefit from reading.
With its dual first-person narrative, 'Once Removed' allows us into the mind of a young female teacher as well as that of a teenage girl. Both characters possess emotional depth. Abby is a compassionate soul with a genuine sense of vocation and developed sense of empathy, whose only real flaws are her own naivety and understandable insecurity. Beth is a teenager trying to make sense of a world dominated by uncaring and ignorant adults. Other characters also blaze across the pages: struggling parents; egotistic boyfriend; school bully; suspicious neighbours; plus a range of various 'bystanders' who could have done something, but stood back in denial.
As a teacher myself, I fully recognise the world, characters and situations depicted here. K.B. Walker has written an important novel which teachers, parents and teenagers need to read. 'Once Removed' is poignant, moving and challenging like great literature should be.
With its dual first-person narrative, 'Once Removed' allows us into the mind of a young female teacher as well as that of a teenage girl. Both characters possess emotional depth. Abby is a compassionate soul with a genuine sense of vocation and developed sense of empathy, whose only real flaws are her own naivety and understandable insecurity. Beth is a teenager trying to make sense of a world dominated by uncaring and ignorant adults. Other characters also blaze across the pages: struggling parents; egotistic boyfriend; school bully; suspicious neighbours; plus a range of various 'bystanders' who could have done something, but stood back in denial.
As a teacher myself, I fully recognise the world, characters and situations depicted here. K.B. Walker has written an important novel which teachers, parents and teenagers need to read. 'Once Removed' is poignant, moving and challenging like great literature should be.
February 8, 2016
This was an interesting novel, though my experience with Y.A. writing is limited. K.B. Walker does a super job in depicting a difficult topic-that of self-harm. The writer tackles the emotional aspects very well and highlights the dangers a teacher can face in befriending a pupil, especially one who is seen to have obvious bonding problems with her peers, as Beth does. Beth’s degree of harm is the big question throughout most of the novel. I wanted to identify more with Abby, but couldn’t, and found aspects of her character that didn’t quite gel for me. Ryan is a very likeable character but I found it difficult to relate to Yasmin’s sudden volte-face. The families involved wore blinkers in their own damaged way, with the exception of Aunt Frieda- all contributing to the emotional plights of both Abby, and Beth. The small town/large village Yorkshire setting is excellent. It stresses the narrow-mindedness, and wrong assumptions people often make too quickly without knowing all facts. Those things aside, this was a very well written novel which I rate a very strong 4.5 .
November 10, 2015
I found this story gripping (once I’d started reading I couldn’t put it down) but a truthfully sad reflection on modern life.
Set in a school the novel follows the lives of a teacher, Abriella and one of the pupils, Beth. As the story of their developing friendship unfolds so do their own individual internal stresses and concerns and the reader gradually learns that neither of these two characters is what they seem at the outset.
This is a cleverly constructed story that kept my attention to the very last word. It made me laugh, it also made cry and, most important of all, it made me think. Some of the issues raised in this story may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are relevant to the way we live our modern lives and are handled with great sensitivity. A thought-provoking but utterly readable story.
Set in a school the novel follows the lives of a teacher, Abriella and one of the pupils, Beth. As the story of their developing friendship unfolds so do their own individual internal stresses and concerns and the reader gradually learns that neither of these two characters is what they seem at the outset.
This is a cleverly constructed story that kept my attention to the very last word. It made me laugh, it also made cry and, most important of all, it made me think. Some of the issues raised in this story may not be to everyone’s taste, but they are relevant to the way we live our modern lives and are handled with great sensitivity. A thought-provoking but utterly readable story.
June 8, 2012
This book makes for a quick read even if the subject matter itself is anything but light. The true joy of the book comes in the structure of the narrative, passing perspective back and forth between Abby and Beth in a way that compels you to get further along so you can see what is happening to them next. Of course, none of that would matter if you didn't care about the characters but KB Walker manages to make both sympathetic characters full of life whose trials make you care and worry for them, thus propelling you through the story as your concern mounts for them. I quite enjoyed this book.
December 20, 2012
This is a poignant story, beautifully written, about two people afraid to cry out for help as they struggle to find a way through to each other. It touches chords of sympathy and makes you cringe with horror as it reaches to the core of secret problems and furtive attempts to cope.
“The shriek scraped down my spine”
“Beth singing to touch the ceiling”
“The gingery autumn colours and soft textures of the home-made plaited rug moistened Abby’s eyes and stole her words”
Abby and Beth, similar in so many ways, fumble through their separate damaged lives. False assumptions, complications and cruel accusations lead to a compelling climax.
I could not put it down…
“The shriek scraped down my spine”
“Beth singing to touch the ceiling”
“The gingery autumn colours and soft textures of the home-made plaited rug moistened Abby’s eyes and stole her words”
Abby and Beth, similar in so many ways, fumble through their separate damaged lives. False assumptions, complications and cruel accusations lead to a compelling climax.
I could not put it down…
March 14, 2013
'Once Removed' by KB Walker is a contemporary story dealing with what could be described as relationship issues. It is also a story of emotional redemption and growth, an adventure-thriller and a novel that is not afraid to look at the difficult themes of abuse and self-harm. KB Walker writes characters particularly well, with compassion and insight, so that even the 'baddies' are not all bad and the reader can appreciate how the two lead characters of Abby and Beth are torn, caught as they are in families where they feel to be at once removed from everyone else.
I was gripped throughout by this story and certainly cheered the 'main' character Abby on in her difficult life journey.
I was gripped throughout by this story and certainly cheered the 'main' character Abby on in her difficult life journey.
September 8, 2014
I was with both the main characters all the time. With their imperfections and mistakes, they seemed so plausible. I'm not sure the climax scene could really have happened as written, but by the time I got there, I was hooked and ready to believe everything in this story.
The characters and their problems have remained with me - a sign of a good story.
If possible, I'd have given it 4.9 stars due to the editing errors (lapses in tense and person), but the story is perfect.
The characters and their problems have remained with me - a sign of a good story.
If possible, I'd have given it 4.9 stars due to the editing errors (lapses in tense and person), but the story is perfect.
July 16, 2013
Written with sensitivity and perception this novel deals with the complex subject of self-harming. Through convincing characters and a wholly believable story line it examines the social and emotional issues involved.
October 12, 2016
i enjoyed this book couldnt put it down and finished it in one day recommended
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