The First Stone

by Cathy Donald

Charlie, a teenager from central London, is framed at a party when drugs are planted in her backpack. To avoid sending her to juvenile detention, the magistrate allows her to be remanded into the custody of her maiden great-aunt, deemed to be more responsible than her mother.
This bitter old spinster, who teaches at the local school in a village not far from London, is regarded as a resentful schoolmarm. Life for Charlie becomes unbearable in her new surroundings, except for her friendship with Billy, the boy who is working next door.
But Charlie’s frustration and boredom are relieved by the arrival of a fugitive from justice in the form of Marta, a vulnerable, pregnant and emotionally abused wife, who hides in Sophie’s tool shed and is discovered by Charlie and Billy. When, after befriending the duo, she makes another run for it, Charlie fears for Marta’s safety and her child’s wellbeing. In a major turn of events and for a number of reasons, unknown to Charlie, Sophie reluctantly agrees to accompany Charlie on a quest to find her and persuade her to do the right thing.
What started as an extremely difficult journey for both Charlie and Sophie became in time more about the inward journey that both of them unconsciously took towards understanding each other and learning to reserve judgement.

302 pages, Paperback

Published August 30, 2023

About the author

I was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and from earliest childhood had a great love of reading and also of writing my own stories. I also enjoyed the dramatic arts and qualified with a diploma in Speech and Drama in 1976. I attended the University of the Witwatersrand where I studied Medicine and qualified as a medical doctor in 1984. Since then I have practiced medicine in urban and rural settings and currently have my own practice in Somerset West. Through the years I have continued writing, mainly scripts for musical productions for schools and youth groups. My husband, Roy, is also a doctor and I have three adult children, two sons and a daughter. As my children have grown and left home, I have had more time to indulge my passion for writing. My first novel, 'The Reluctant Cuckoo', was published in 2016 and my second, 'Miles to Go', in 2018

Reviews

[Beryl Eichenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so glad that those teenage years are well behind me, the insecurities, self-doubt, and, in Charlie’s case the lack of a responsible parent to guide her. However old one may be those years sometimes rise to the surface, when, as an adult one sees the silly choices, the moods, the defiance and the consequences in a clearer perspective. Local author Cathy Donald introduces us to Charlie in ‘The First Stone’, her fifth novel, and she captures all of the above in a story that while in many ways predictable, leaves us with some important life lessons. While I felt it was more a coming-of-age Young Adult novel I enjoyed the easy read and the relevant situations in which Donald places her, which will resonate whatever age you are.
At the core is that many headed beast – judgement! Oh boy, kids and older generation family can be super judgmental – if you don’t look right, say the right things, wear the right clothes – well, life can be difficult enough with your peers but convincing an older member of the family that you are worthy can be a fruitless task. Poor Charlie, her life has been turned upside down. While never perfect with her narcissistic, self-absorbed, childish mother, at least she knew what the score was.
A party in London sees Charlie’s boyfriend dump drugs in her backpack and then take the rap after a police raid. Avoiding juvenile detention, even though she was framed, Charlie is now under the guardianship of her embittered spinster Great Aunt Sophie, teacher at the local school. She has to endure the sharp discipline of a woman whose life has gone very sour. Whose past does not allow her to live in the present. Removal from her dysfunctional single mother into the care of this upstanding relative away from the city lights is the court’s decision. One need hardly explore the resentment, difficulties in communicating and the underlying fear that Charlie endures – we’ve been there.
Donald brings us a heartfelt story where she separates the good guys from the bad but allows the reader to take an inward journey alongside her characters. When a runaway, pregnant, emotionally abused wife in the shape of Marta takes refuge in Sophie’s garden shed she is discovered by Charlie and Billy, the thoroughly nice boy next door who has become Charlie’s friend. The pair spring into action when Marta flees again but they need Sophie’s help and that might be a challenge. But, while all is not that simple, it is the empathy, resourcefulness, kindness of strangers and a re-awakening that starts to repair the broken lives.
Donald weaves a good story using our contemporary life, resistance to change, events that have changed lives, family dynamics and our perception of others. We are quick to jump to connclusions but the lesson here is to learn to reserve judgement – to look beyond the obvious. Even when you are struggling through youth, opening your eyes and listening are important skills to learn. We all learn from each other and it is no different in each generation – the elders have much to teach youth but vice versa applies. Exercising empathy and patience in the face of dire circumstances are tools on our individual journeys and sometimes we have to mine deeply to find that common ground and change the way we see others. Donald states this well and leaves the reader with much to think about.

[Lesley King Vieler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautifully crafted novel by Cathy Donald, once again giving us an insight into seeing things from different points of view and not judging people on what you see and think you know.
" It was easy,really. We just started talking to each other. Really talking. It's easy to understand someone when you know what they have been through.". " When you stop critcising and get to know someone properly, you start to understand them. And then the differences don't matter so much."

This book has a way of connecting different generational views too and is a great novel for all ages.

It also exemplifies the value of true friendships. "Your friends are the people who stand by you, warts and all. That's your true family."

The book deals with many stigmas in our society and brings them into the spotlight and challenges one on so many levels.

[Calista Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie’s struggles as a teenager wrongfully judged felt raw and real, and her clash with Sophie, the stern great-aunt, added so much depth to the narrative. What really stood out to me was how the characters slowly grew to understand each other something that felt very authentic and relatable. Marta’s storyline was both heartbreaking and eye-opening, reminding me of how fragile yet strong people can be in the face of hardship.

[Leah Michal · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The First Stone” surprised me with how gently it handles some very tough themes. Charlie and Sophie start off like flint and steel, and watching their relationship soften felt incredibly real. Marta’s storyline grabbed my heart the most, it’s written with so much empathy that I found myself pausing just to breathe. Cathy Donald manages to weave teenage frustration, trauma, and redemption into a story that feels both intimate and quietly powerful. A beautifully layered read.

[Matilda S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to like Sophie at first, she’s introduced as harsh, rigid, and honestly a bit unlikeable. But by the end, she was one of my favourite characters. Charlie’s arc felt authentic, especially the mix of rebellion, fear, and tenderness she shows toward Marta. The book balances suspense with personal growth in a way that kept me turning pages. I finished it in two sittings and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories.

[Marie M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts off feeling like a classic “punished teenager shipped off to the countryside,” but it becomes so much more. Charlie is messy in the best way, Billy is a sweet grounding presence, and Marta’s situation brings real tension and compassion. The biggest twist, though, is how much Sophie changes quietly, reluctantly, and believably. By the end, it’s less about chasing a fugitive and more about how three very different people save each other. Unexpectedly heartfelt.

[Elizabeth Wilborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We at MaryBookReaders appreciate books that highlight everyday courage. The First Stone shows three women overcoming fear, trauma, and misunderstanding with compassion and unexpected strength. It’s a simple story, but emotionally meaningful and full of heart.
MaryBookReaders would love to read more of Cathy Donald’s work.

[Stella Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the perspective of MaryBookReaders, this book shines because of its emotional honesty. Charlie and Sophie’s evolving relationship felt authentic, and Marta’s situation brings real humanitarian depth. Cathy Donald writes with quiet warmth and understanding.
We at MaryBookReaders look forward to reading more from her.

[Edward Devie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, The First Stone had us hooked. The injustice Charlie faces, the mystery around Sophie, and the desperation Marta carries all collide into a journey that is both outward and inward. By the end, we were rooting for every character in their own way.
At @Marybookreaders, we wholeheartedly recommend this book, it’s heartfelt, wise, and unforgettable.

[Stephen Bail · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something incredibly powerful about the humanity in this book. Charlie’s anger, Sophie’s loneliness, Marta’s fear — each emotion is handled with truth and care. As a reading community at @Marybookreaders, we felt every moment deeply.
This story shows how judgement fades once we finally understand what someone has been carrying.

[Handerson Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing feels incredibly human. Cathy Donald doesn’t rush any emotion, she lets every wound, every hope, every moment breathe.”

I love how the story flips what you expect. Instead of Charlie being ‘saved’ by Sophie, they slowly end up saving each other.”

[Bailey Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The First Stone captures the hidden struggles people carry and how small acts of compassion can change everything. Marta’s journey is emotional and real, and the character growth feels honest throughout. Beautifully written.

[Matilda Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle, heartfelt story about three women learning to understand one another. Cathy Donald handles themes of judgement, abuse, and healing with care. A quiet but meaningful read that stays with you long after.

[Gabrielle Provini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A touching exploration of how unlikely connections can lead to healing. The characters feel real, their struggles relatable, and the message is timeless—everyone deserves empathy and a second chance

[Samuel Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow, these book is so amazing, I wished Marybookreaders would let us read more of your books, keeping on doing it Cathy 😘

[Scott Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Donald blends urgency and emotion with remarkable skill. Marta’s storyline added a gripping pulse to the book, keeping us turning pages late into the night. Charlie and Billy’s friendship felt genuine, and Sophie’s gradual softening was one of the most rewarding transformations we’ve read this year.
At @Marybookreaders, we all agreed: this story stays with you long after you finish

I would really love of we could read more of your books 😅