Iris Green, Unseen

by Louise Finch

From the highly-acclaimed author of The Eternal Return of Clara Hart comes a devastating heartbreak romance with a speculative twist. When Iris Green discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her with one of her best friends, she doesn’t just feel invisible – she actually becomes invisible. And the less she can be seen herself, the more she sees about the people around her, discovering uncomfortable truths about them … and herself.

Can she find her way back to being fully present in her own life, before it’s too late and she disappears altogether?

A powerful novel about self discovery in the wake of a traumatic event
The Eternal Return of Clara Hart was shortlisted for the YA book prize in 2023, the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and the Branford Boase Award Perfect for fans of Laura Nowlin's If He Had Been With Me and Dustin Thao's You've Reached Sam

Genres: Young Adult, Magical Realism, Fiction, Contemporary

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2024

Reviews

[Emily May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would anyone notice if I never came back?

Louse Finch has been on my radar ever since her debut-- The Eternal Return of Clara Hart --captivated me in January and propelled her future books to the top of my TBR. Iris Green, Unseen definitely hit different to Clara, but it was an equally powerful read.

The experience of reading this book was not a pleasant one. Iris experiences one of the worst forms of betrayal, and the damage it does to her self-esteem impacts virtually every area of her life. There was something very depressing and very relatable about being inside Iris's mind as she constantly doubts herself, worries her place in the world is as someone unremarkable, unworthy of love and happiness.

As Iris feels increasingly unimportant and invisible, the author adds a touch of magical realism by having her literally disappear.

At times, it was a very frustrating book. I longed for Iris to speak up for herself, scream and shout, tell Theo to go fuck himself, and stop finding her value through Baker, but Iris's growth was slow burn and I think perhaps this narrative will be important for teens like Iris who haven't yet found the strength to stand up for themselves.

You know, looking back, this book feels honest, and sometimes that meant going in directions I didn’t want it to. I didn't decide how I felt about the book until the very last minute… I could easily imagine myself writing a very different review because… well, I think it’s because Finch offers up a story that favours honesty over satisfaction. Much in this book is frustrating and unsatisfying, but it felt true.

It is ultimately a message about letting go of sadness and anger for yourself because others may never learn. How letting things go can be a powerful tool in moving on for yourself. It’s not fair, of course, and often the bad guys don’t get punished, but why sacrifice all of your future happiness on them?

[Amb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me intrigued from just reading the blurb and brief description, cause I’d never read anything like it. I absolutely loved the author’s note too, it added even more to the story. I also love the cover so much

I loved watching Iris grow in this book, finding her voice and setting boundaries and becoming an ex recovering people pleaser, she reminded me a lot of myself when I was younger and not mentally in a good place. Setting boundaries and cutting out people in your life who are toxic and have a negative impact is hard, because loss is, but so important too

How she describes photography and taking pictures was really beautiful. Art is incredible and so important and I love seeing it spoke about in books.

[vanessa ⋆.☕︎ [semiᝰia]]

🩰˚˖𓍢 🦢✧˚.🎀 This feels like one of those quietly devastating, introspective stories that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go. Soft on the surface, a little magical, but clearly hiding something much heavier underneath. It’s giving emotional realism wrapped in a speculative twist, the kind that makes you question how often people fade into the background without anyone noticing.

I’m expecting a very character-driven read, intimate, uncomfortable at times, but honest. One of those books that isn’t loud, yet somehow says everything. I don’t know if this will hurt me or heal me (probably both), but I’m here for the self-reflection, the quiet revelations, and that slow journey back to feeling seen. No big expectations… just vibes, feelings, and maybe a little emotional wreckage. <𝟑 .ᐟ

[DJBookgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book with an FMC who is quieter, needs to find her voice, and is learning how to process events in her own way.

Iris Green feels more and more invisible with every crap event that happens. Her friends aren't as loyal as she'd hoped, her bf isn't as trustworthy as she believed and her family circumstances aren't as easy to navigate as she thought.

I really love that this YA book is very much about self-care and learning how not to be invisible with feelings.

The romance is adorable and it would appeal to anyone who'd happily turn invisible instead of dealing with overwhelming confrontations.

[Lauren Elkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ a nice easy YA read to start the year off!

[Shelly Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to @loufinchwrites and @scholastic_uk for an early copy of this absolute flawless read!

Iris Green Unseen is the perfect title. A girl who feels like she has to be something else for other people; so much so, she feels unseen; invisible.

Finch has knocked it out the park again with her stunning voice. Iris is a very relatable character and the hectic roller coaster she is on will truly resonate with readers. The writing is so raw and exposed, I felt like I was right there in the story. The feeling, the need to be invisible, was written with such conviction and the added dimension of Iris becoming invisible gave this book a speculative bang! There were times when I was at school and used to hide in the bathroom, wishing I was invisible. It is and always will be the superpower I would choose.

This book shows how everyone has demons and we need to not let their demons become our demons. It was also a study in human complexity and understanding the flaws we experience are natural and real.

Everyone needs a Baker in their life. I loved his perspective and how he encouraged Iris to unravel from grief to hope. I saved so many moments. Here is one of my favourites...

"Why on earth would I ever stop talking to you, Iris
Green?"

Baker holds up his hand, little finger crooked towards me un an offer, an old-fashioned promise. I wind my own little finger round it. That's how we stay, all the way to London."

Finch transports me elsewhere in her writing. I thought this was a masterclass in human behaviour and a book everyone should read. I have pre ordered for my permanent collection and can't wait for Iris to sit alongside Clara.

Everyone please pre order Iris Green Unseen - release date is 9th May 2024.

I finish with a chef's kiss... Perfection!
.
.
#irisgreenunseen #yacontemporary

[Georgina Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Green, Unseen
by Louise Finch
Genre: YA
Format: Book
Publication date: 7th May 2024
🌟 5/5

"When Iris Green discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her with one of her best friends, she doesn’t just feel invisible – she actually becomes invisible. And the less she can be seen herself, the more she sees about the people around her, discovering uncomfortable truths about them … and herself.

Can she find her way back to being fully present in her own life, before it’s too late and she disappears altogether?"

I think we have all felt like we wanted to dissapear at one time or another in our lives and Iris Green, Unseen captures this feeling perfectly while telling a story about a girl who actually becomes invisible after witnessing a huge betrayal. While the book is YA i think it's so well written it's not hard to relate to feeling like that, it put me in the mind set i remember feeling as a teenaged girl. I think this book would of been such a great read when i was that age.

Full of self doubt, Iris always feels like she's not quite good enough, not pretty enough, not interesting enough, she loves photography but questions her own abilities and never wants to be in the spotlight. My favourite part of this book was watching Iris grow into herself.

The book is full of intersesting characters and explores friendship, loneliness, self confidence and identity in a way that makes it easily relateable and entertaining. I felt so much for Iris, i just wanted to give her a hug and tell her i know how this feels and it will get better, thats the power of a good writer when they can bring a charchter to life for me as the reader.

[Tatiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the MC exasperating - insecure and vapid. And I don’t really mind an unlikeable narrator, but I never got to understand Iris, and that’s the author’s fault. A weak sophomore novel. Holly Bourne has written this kind of story much better.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

’It’s easy to love someone until they’re inconvenient.
And I am so very inconvenient right now.’

A beautiful, thoughtful depiction of loneliness and a book that I needed when I was a teenager!

I saw so much of myself in Iris and felt so close to her throughout the book because of her candid stream of consciousness narration.

This is truly a book for anyone of any age who has ever questioned themselves, felt alone or worried about what comes next.

[Kate S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite authors! Louise Finch tackles human emotion with such sincerity and empathy that I get utterly absorbed. Many readers will relate with Iris Green and that feeling of not being enough. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

[Riddhi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Iris, his behaviour is a reflection of his own character, not yours. The things he said to you, the way he made you feel, would you tell someone that or make them feel that? Your friend? Your ex-boyfriend, even – anyone?”

“No.”

“And why not?”

This book is beautiful. I wish I could have read this book 10 years ago.

Initially, it was almost frustrating to see Iris shrink herself, purposely underplay her work, not speak up when she should and repeating the same self-defeating patterns. But gradually you might start seeing some of your own deepest, darkest insecurities reflected in Iris's thoughts and you will ask yourself why is it so easy to think logically for other people and not for yourself. Why is it harder to show ourselves the same compassion and support we can feel for others? That is how I can sum up my experience of reading Iris Green, Unseen. You will spend the entire time rooting for Iris and willing her to snap out of it and stop being so afraid to fail, and learning that this is exactly how you are supposed to root for yourself in real life. It is cathartic to finally witness Iris learning to be visible - all of her, the good, the bad and also the average.

Another character I ended up deeply caring about, and the one who does not get much attention, is Olivia. She does kiss her best friend's boyfriend and there is no denying the gravity of her betrayal. This is not the kind of mistake one can look past. But in the moment when she admits that what attracted her to Theo was not him but that feeling of being wanted by a person who already had a partner, her vulnerability makes my heart break a little.

"I think this tiny part of me liked that he had a girlfriend. And he still wanted me. Because I must have been so irresistible … and that was irresistible. That feeling. Even more than him."

So many people grow up not feeling loved enough. All they really want is to be deeply loved and accepted by someone but not really knowing what that love looks like or how to feel that love when they finally have it in their life. This is true for both Iris and Olivia. Olivia wants to feel like she matters and she keeps looking for that feeling with different boys and even men a lot older than her. She never really wanted to hurt Iris but her intrinsic need to feel irresistible to someone made her blind to the consequences of her actions. And while in the initial part of the story Olivia does come across as slightly flippant, by the end of the story she is apologetic and reflective, and is developing an awareness of herself. Iris feels sorry for her and she understands but, as someone who is learning to prioritize her own feelings of pain over others' comfort, she does not think she can go back to being friends with Olivia. She forgives Olivia but they cannot be friends anymore and Iris wants Olivia to stop feeling sorry about it.

All this to only say that sometimes our own skewed up ways to feel like we matter may lead us to cause damage we will not be able to reverse even when we genuinely want to make repairs. Iris does not owe anything to Olivia. But I still feel sad for her because more difficult than learning to take accountability for your mistakes is having to live with the guilt. But I guess that's how life is.

Like I said, this book is beautiful and honest.

[Becca ♡ PrettyLittleMemoirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris has been struggling lately. From bathroom stall Sharpie calling her Grey to feelings of being an inadequate girlfriend, friend and daughter, she’s had nothing but overwhelming thoughts threatening to drown her entirely. And when she catches the biggest betrayal of all—her boyfriend kissing her one of her best friends—she wishes she were invisible. Then, as if by law of pure frustration, she is invisible. At first, Iris can’t believe it. But sure enough, armed with her trusted camera, it is but a floating object in her snapshot. Sure enough, she’s back before she knows it, but what does this new phenomenon mean?

Theo, her now ex-boyfriend, is determined to get her back. But now estranged friend Olivia is vying for his attention, too, putting a chasm between Iris and her other friend, Bert. The school dark room, her safe haven, offers up a new face: Baker, a boy that despite multiple advances of wanting to be her friend, is being pushed away by the gnawing thoughts in Iris’s head that he pities her. But with her new invisible attire, she uses it to her advantage, listening in on conversations she shouldn’t, hearing and seeing things she wishes she hadn’t in the form of curiosity. Home life doesn’t offer any respite either, torn between her overworked mother and absent father, alone most nights with her spiralling thoughts. Some moments Iris wishes she could stay invisible to avoid all the hurt—but with Baker pushing her toward her love of photography, opening new doors she hadn’t seen through the smoke, Iris knows she has a lot of hurt to walk through to become whole again: but it just might be worth the journey.

Overall, Iris Green, Unseen was noteworthy, standout and incredibly significant in our current society. Iris was a character that I warmed to instantly, and more than often I wished I could give her a hug. Her story is devastatingly hopeless at times, but there is happiness in the shape of new beginnings and fresh faces that allow the reader to see her off and heal the little parts of us that broke with her. Louise has this unflinchingly effective way of showing a story’s raw heart, whilst keeping it unpredictable. For me, the friendship loss felt more painful as someone that’s felt betrayal from friends in other forms, and I love how Louise honours the pain of it without sweeping it up into a neat little bow. Similarly with Iris’s self-doubt and heartbreak, how it’s not magically fixed overnight, and that seeking help or changing habits can take time. I didn’t want the story to end, and will be counting the days until I can read more from Louise. A breathtakingly brave novel that I highly recommend to the readers that like their books with all the feels.

[Kristel Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this book for review.


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Iris Green has trouble dealing with everyday life. She shies away from conflict, resolving personal issues and is deeply self-deprecating. Her passion is photography, yet she lets her pushy father talk her into studying history instead. Iris doesn’t value her work and her default setting is to hide away from life. Her boyfriend Theo seems to love her even though she doesn’t think she is good enough for him. Iris’ best friends Olivia and Bert are always encouraging her, but she worries they will grow bored with her problems.


When Iris catches Theo cheating, the betrayal is made worse because he is kissing one of her best friends. Her fragile mental health crumbles and her tendency to fade away manifests into her body literally becoming invisible. This shocking situation leads Iris to uncover uncomfortable truths about her loved ones and herself. However, she does meet Baker, a fellow photographer and starts to open herself up to him and allow Baker to push her into developing her art. Becoming invisible in real life forces Iris to confront her darker thoughts and deal with the fallout from her disintegrating personal relationships both at home and school but will she overcome the trauma before she disappears forever?


I found this book compelling and heartbreaking. Iris has such a low sense of self-worth and is let down by those who should have made her feel safe. I wanted to hug her tight. Theo was human garbage/gaslighter and Iris was 1000% better off without him. The aftermath of the friend betrayal was an emotional read as Iris’ world unravelled and became smaller. I loved Baker, he was such a positive force of good in Iris’ life that he was a joy to read. I thought the literal translation of feeling invisible in life into actual invisibility was intriguing. It gave a new dimension to that mindset and also set Iris up to experience things in her life that she had previously avoided. I liked that the story didn’t have a happy ending as such but a hopeful one which was more realistic considering all that Iris was working through.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of this one had me sold! When Iris sees her boyfriend kissing her best friend she actually becomes invisible! The cover is stunning also.

I loved this book so much, I actually flew through it and read it in one sitting. I certainly found myself relating to Iris, in those times when you don’t feel seen. If you have ever felt like just want to be completely alone, then I’m sure you too could relate to Iris.

I loved the new found friendship between Iris and Baker, who was a great friend at a time when she needed it the most. I really liked Bert too.

This book totally has a hold on me, I think maybe sometimes you just read a book a time when maybe it resonates with you on a different level.

Anyway I totally recommend this one. Especially if you love YA! I need to read the authors other book now as it sounds amazing too!

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy of the book and Kaleidoscopic tours for having me on the tour.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I wanted and more!

The blurb on this novel quickly drew me in and I couldn't wait to devour this novel, and when I say I ate this up, I sat down to start this and didn't get up until I had finished. Finch does an amazing job of making you feel connected to her characters, I felt like I was Iris while reading this book, every emotion she felt I felt. Her connection with Baker really warmed my heart.

With detailed and descriptive writing you can picture every scene in every chapter that this author describes and with this you feel like you're living in this novel. I found the pacing perfect, it wasn't too fast or too slow, everything unraveled at the perfect time and I found myself more and more intrigued with every chapter that I finished and could not put this down for even a second. This is a movel I would recommend everyone to read even if you're not a YA fan!

[Toma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had some time to sit with this one and I have decided on 3 stars, not bad but just not for me.

If I was still 14 and it was 2014 I think this would have been it, but unfortunately, I am aging out of YA and it is no longer the iconic era of tumblr tweendom.

-This was a unique read! In a sea of vaguely similar releases, this story stood out to me which I give it props for.

- A few reviews called the FMC, Iris, "insecure and vapid" which may be true through the eyes of an adult with a fully formed prefrontal cortex, she acts as you would expect a teenager in the midst of figuring out life in the middle of an "earth shattering" breakup and friendship and family troubles to behave.

- The incorporation of film photography as a hobby threw me back to being a pretentious photography kid in high school, and that definitely would have had younger me obsessed with this book.

- The romance between Iris and Baker was sweet but also very high school. To present-day adult me, the whole finding her self worth through a boy thing is cringy, but me 10 years ago (ouch that hurt to say) would have probably been the same way.

All that to say, if you're 14, read this and feel seen. If you're 24, maybe skip this if you want something a little more "emotionally mature".

[nova · Rating 2 out of 5]

i need to stop reading books just bc i like the cover

[amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great book! i loved it so much and the message was extremely strong and clear. the characters are lovable and the situation feels realistic. iris and baker were an adorable couple. the only reason why i didn’t give a full 5 was because i found myself getting bored of some parts and skipping them

[Amy Beashel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore books about young women finding their voice and Iris Green, Unseen is that and then some, for Iris isn’t merely silenced, she’s rendered invisible too.

Tormented not only by her boyfriend’s betrayal but by her own self-doubt, Iris goes on a journey in which she must literally find herself. Thankfully, while her friendships are not uncomplicated, she’s not on her own. The cast of brilliantly drawn characters speaks to the power of allowing those you love to witness the real and sometimes messy heart of you. To truly letting yourself be seen.

[Jinny Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eternal Return of Clara Hart remains one of my favourite recent YA reads, so I was delighted to grab a sneaky early read of Iris Green, Unseen. When an author has such a stong debut as Clara Hart, there's a worry they won't be able to match it in a second novel, but Lou Finch has not let us down. Iris Green, Unseen, once again tackles a difficult yet common topic not just suffered by teens, by one that will resonate with so many adults too - feeling unseen and unimportant.

Iris's anxiety and low self-esteem keep her in a spiral of invisibilty and doubt, in the dog-eat-dog world of high school life and the crippling uncertainties of being a teenager. Her own doubts are reinforced by the usual school nastiness of overheard conversations, toilet-door graffit, disloyal friendships, and so on, groundign this book firmly in a scene every reader will recognise and relate to. Iris expresses herself through her photography, but only to herself, as even in her obvious talent and passion for her art, she doesn't trust herself, and her days are spent hiding in the darkroom and perpetuating her disappearing act.

Slowly, slowly, through the support of patient friends (and oh my god I love Bert and Baker and if Lou is doing a follow-up (which I really hope she does) I want to read Baker's story), a gradual opening up to trusted adults, and her own steady determintion and Iris's own determination, she starts to realise that being grey is not necesarily a bad thing and there is room in this world for every shade of colour.

Iris is so beautifully-drawn it's easy to feel her emotional upheaval and root for her throughout the book, but the supporting cast of characters is also strong, with the tricky world of teenage angst, betrayals, friendship, and confusion depicted clearly.

I read this at a time in my life where I am feeling untethered and unseen, even at 50, and I 'got' Iris in a way that grabbed me by the heart and kept me turning pages way into the nigth untl my eyes couldn't stay open. Louise Finch writes exquisitely, with emotion and phrasing that puts the reader into the shoes of her protagonist, be it Clara Hart, Iris Green, or Spence (from The Eternal Return of Clara Hart) and makes us want the story to go on. I loved this book just as much as I loved Clara Hart (and I loved that a LOT) and will be recommending it to my teenage ESL students for sure. Also, this is not just a YA read - it's for anyone who has ever been a teenager, and those who are about to become one.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

4.5 stars

IRIS GREEN, UNSEEN is a moving tale of feelings of inadequacy and unimportance from peer pressure and pushy relations and friends.

This is a book that looks at the demands people place on others and the ways that makes people feel small and worthless. Iris' dad has left them but still expects her to do what he wants and badgers until he gets his way. Theo is a domineering boyfriend who cannot leave her alone once they've broken up and turns all the issues into her fault.

But equally, Iris doesn't handle her relationships with her best friends well. There is blame on all sides, but Iris retreats into herself (and into literal invisibility). It's a book of messy relationships, everyone hurt and unable to find a way forward as they've all hurt each other and are struggling to forgive as the other's hurt and reaction means the wound deepens.

I really liked how Iris' invisibility played into the story. It's such a powerful visual of how worthless she feels, how little she feels like she needs or should be somewhere. It means she can be somewhere and not, overlooked and able to see the side of people they don't show her. Plus she can use sneakily, though that doesn't go as she planned.

It's also a book about art and creative expression as a way to say the things you cannot put into words. Iris' medium is photography but doesn't like to show it in case she's seen and other people dismiss it. Her journey through the book about being comfortable showing that art and using it to take risks and really explore her feelings was really moving.

[poppy kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧, 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧
4☆ | @
🎨🌨️📚🪞

I was kindly gifted this for a book tour <3


·˚ ༘ ੈ✩‧₊˚

‘𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸.’

·˚ ༘ ੈ✩‧₊˚

❥ This book is about Iris Green, who discovers her boyfriend cheating on her.. with one of her best friends. She has always felt invisible but in that moment, she truly is.

It follows Iris on a journey through dealing with her ‘imposter syndrome’, crippling self esteem and her anxiety. The representation of anxiety of this book was portrayed so well and perfectly presented the feelings, experiences and loneliness teenagers can feel especially throughout school.

I saw myself in Iris so often and maybe that might be why I adored this book so much because I felt that Iris handled certain situations in the exact way I would have. She also beautifully commentates on how she feels in situations, dealing with her loneliness, panic attacks, isolation and lack of active parental support. It is so educational for those of us who maybe haven’t dealt with some of these issues as she realistically portrays these situations. This book felt so real and that’s one of the reasons I loved it.

Although this book was a YA book, I feel that so many people who don’t enjoy reading about teenagers will resonate with this book. I personally loved it and can’t wait to read more of the authors writing!

[Becky Jerams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, lyrical and thought-provoking novel about overcoming your inner doubts and finding your voice.

Iris Green is a shy teenage girl who finds herself suddenly turning invisible in moments of emotional pain. I absolutely loved her as a leading lady and I feel so many people will relate to her journey. Her moments of invisibility are dreamy and reflective, and I loved how her sudden power gave her so much insight into how the people in her life behaved when she wasn't around.

There are lots of scenes of photography in this story that are so artistic and inspiring, they truly make you want to pick up a camera and start snapping yourself! Baker makes for a wonderful, swoony love interest and Iris's friends Bert and Olivia are both fascinating for very different reasons. I loved how Iris navigated her changing friendship with Olivia and how maturely their storyline was written.

Iris's ex-boyfriend Theo is also an intriguing character - I think unfortunately we've all come across a Theo or two in our lives, and Iris finding the strength to finally stand up to him was incredibly compelling.

If you love gorgeous, reflective prose and a quiet but powerful leading lady, I cannot recommend this book enough. A beautiful YA that I will think about for years to come!

[Rebecca L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Louise Finch's first novel, The Eternal Return of Clara Hart, and Iris Green, Unseen, did not disappoint.

It's a very different novel, with a female MC struggling with difficulties that many teenage girls will thoroughly relate to: how to feel seen and accepted for who we are, the pressures of a world that validates us through the eyes of men, and navigating complex female friendships at a crucial time in our lives. Iris is a character with deep anxieties, who is so uncertain of her place in the world that she, literally, becomes invisible.

Iris' journey felt visceral and real, and I genuinely felt her pain and anxieties alongside her. I also really loved the ending of the book, and how Finch didn't try to tie everything up neatly and leave us with a message of 'it'll all be ok', but rather left us with the idea that we are all works in progress, that we all still have growing to do, and that being unfinished is ok. We are all just doing our best in a very challenging world, especially if we are growing up female.

Finch's narratives are complex, nuanced, thoughtful and, at times, uncomfortable. Iris Green is all of these things, in the best possible way. I'll be waiting in anticipation for Finch's next book!

[Pushpa Jhawar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was stoked about Finch’s second book. Her debut was amazing. This one, not so much.
I realise what was happening but to me Iris seemed extremely whiny. There are times when you have to take things in your hand and deal with them. I couldn’t seem to empathise with her, yeah there are shitty people in life, in every single person’s life. That’s like the primary fact of life, not everyone around you is going to be nice. She didn’t seem as if she was bullied, that according to me should have elicited some of the feelings she was having. Iris could never come up with a good reason for being how she was. She was expecting every one around her to rally about without her doing anything. A big let down in my opinion.
Credit where it’s due, the writing about her art was fabulous and a big draw in, I may have abandoned the book much earlier had there been no mention of the photography angle.
Anyway, waiting for a better fare from Finch. She is definitely one author to look out for.

[Tasha Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

When 16yo Iris Green sees her boyfriend kissing her best friend, she literally becomes invisible. That premise, along with its brilliant title, was enough to reel me in, hook, line and sinker. Iris’s new ability sends her on an unpredictable journey of self-discovery – and other discoveries – that kept me turning the pages until way past sensible o’clock. I loved the slow-burning connection with fellow photography student, Baker; the street photography backdrop; and, as with The Eternal Return of Clara Hart, the very satisfying ending. A beautifully written YA tale that I can’t recommend enough.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book about loneliness and feeling seen, self-steem and self-worth. i would have LOVED to read this when I was a teenager, but i did like it now. it feels nostalgic but current to me at the same time. the connection to art and passion warms my soul and the chance of a struggling teenager having access to mental health support gives me a feeling of hope. So glad Iris found someone too see her and love her right, aside from him.

[Lea Loves books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book so much!!

it's got the vibes of an alice osman book with amazing portrayals of feeling and friendship but with a slightly magic twist

I truly love everything about it from the incredible writing style filled with raw emotions and relatable characters to the super sweet romance aspects

i'll always eat up novels about photography but i really liked the way the art was described throughout the book and how it was so personal and heartfelt to the charactes

[Aislinn O'Loughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning! Iris Green, Unseen is a touching, insightful and surprisingly funny tale that puts a supernatural spin on important issues such as social isolation, betrayal and the complexities of teenage friendship. Iris Green might be invisible, but teens everywhere will see themselves in her story. Louise Finch has done it again.

[reyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

love. want to buy a copy for my younger sister. also a companion to self portrait with boy by Rachel Lyon. I feel so seen in her anxiety and flaws 😵‍💫 I wish I had rhis growing up, so happy it exists.