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The Youngster
FROM THE LUCY CAVENDISH 2020 FICTION PRIZE SHORTLISTED AUTHOR OF THE WATCH
NO ONE COMES BETWEEN THIS MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
Georgie and her mother Cherry have had their ups and downs. But now they're devoted to each other – and when Cherry learns that she’s in the early stages of dementia, Georgie is with her every step of the way…
…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.
In turns deeply moving and deeply chilling, The Youngster is about one woman's spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by a damaged younger man.
NO ONE COMES BETWEEN THIS MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
Georgie and her mother Cherry have had their ups and downs. But now they're devoted to each other – and when Cherry learns that she’s in the early stages of dementia, Georgie is with her every step of the way…
…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.
In turns deeply moving and deeply chilling, The Youngster is about one woman's spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by a damaged younger man.
274 pages, Hardcover
Published July 17, 2025
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 31, 2025
Read via Kindle Unlimited after seeing a rave review on Instagram. I devoured it in only a couple of breathless sittings. My nerves are shredded and I still feel like the book is in my bones.
Set during the eerie stillness of the first 2020 lockdown, The Youngster is an unnervingly believable domestic noir that burrows under your skin. It follows Georgie, a civil servant whose fierce bond with her mum Cherry — a charismatic, stubborn lady newly diagnosed with dementia — is threatened by a stranger who exploits their forced separation. The creeping horror? It’s plausible. Too plausible.
What begins as an empathetic look at illness, caregiving, and fractured systems sharpens into something darker: coercive control, paranoia, and isolation all feeding into the same slow, stomach-knotting spiral. It’s a brutal, heartbreaking portrait of vulnerability, told with aching realism and ice-cold dread. The “Youngster” himself? A walking red flag, and the more his influence grows, the more suffocating the tension becomes. The way Berki explores dementia is devastatingly honest; she doesn’t flinch from the confusion or grief. Her portrayal of lockdown-era life is equally impactful — all the hollow silences, the eerie stillness, the unsettling quiet of empty parks and shut front doors. The suspense is masterfully handled, with a gradual, almost imperceptible shift from concern to horror as the plot unspools.
This is not your typical thriller. It’s subtle and simmering, and that is what makes it so disturbing. The writing is tightly controlled, emotionally resonant, and riddled with tension. I’d argue it’s more of a literary psychological horror, and I loved it all the more for that.
The fear? It’s not just about what happens, but about how easily it could. This isn’t outlandish fiction; it’s a chilling possibility. The sense of place, the drawn curtains, the hush of uncertainty, all felt hauntingly real.
If you loved The Push by Ashley Audrain or are drawn to psychological thrillers with social commentary and emotional depth, you must read this. Quiet horror. Razor-sharp tension. A book that lingers.
Set during the eerie stillness of the first 2020 lockdown, The Youngster is an unnervingly believable domestic noir that burrows under your skin. It follows Georgie, a civil servant whose fierce bond with her mum Cherry — a charismatic, stubborn lady newly diagnosed with dementia — is threatened by a stranger who exploits their forced separation. The creeping horror? It’s plausible. Too plausible.
What begins as an empathetic look at illness, caregiving, and fractured systems sharpens into something darker: coercive control, paranoia, and isolation all feeding into the same slow, stomach-knotting spiral. It’s a brutal, heartbreaking portrait of vulnerability, told with aching realism and ice-cold dread. The “Youngster” himself? A walking red flag, and the more his influence grows, the more suffocating the tension becomes. The way Berki explores dementia is devastatingly honest; she doesn’t flinch from the confusion or grief. Her portrayal of lockdown-era life is equally impactful — all the hollow silences, the eerie stillness, the unsettling quiet of empty parks and shut front doors. The suspense is masterfully handled, with a gradual, almost imperceptible shift from concern to horror as the plot unspools.
This is not your typical thriller. It’s subtle and simmering, and that is what makes it so disturbing. The writing is tightly controlled, emotionally resonant, and riddled with tension. I’d argue it’s more of a literary psychological horror, and I loved it all the more for that.
The fear? It’s not just about what happens, but about how easily it could. This isn’t outlandish fiction; it’s a chilling possibility. The sense of place, the drawn curtains, the hush of uncertainty, all felt hauntingly real.
If you loved The Push by Ashley Audrain or are drawn to psychological thrillers with social commentary and emotional depth, you must read this. Quiet horror. Razor-sharp tension. A book that lingers.
July 18, 2025
Not me looking for good summer reads and finding only distressing, desperately sad books about older people that have completely enthralled and destroyed me. Eek.
Fans of Leila Slimani's Lullaby or more generally literary noir will enjoy this new novel from writer Bibi Berki who was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize in 2020.
Set against the backdrop of the pandemic and the first lockdown in 2020 (too soon?), Georgie is a lawyer working for the government, married to government adviser Sam and the only daughter of single mum Cherry, who has just been diagnosed with dementia.
Georgie and Cherry have an extremely close relationship, which is brought to a sudden halt when Georgie is struck down with the virus and becomes seriously ill. Into the vacuum left by Georgie moves the titular "Youngster", a man who Georgie knows Cherry has chatted to in the local park but who Georgie does not trust. What unfolds is frankly a story that will leave you with chills. This is psychological, domestic noir that will haunt you. I can imagine it being made into a film.
What the author does really well is evoke the confusion, frustration, isolation and sheer oddness of the time. There are some odious characters in the story and what is most impactful is how close to reality it seems. While lockdowns brought about a renewed sense of community for many, for others it brought about untold heartache and loneliness that unsavoury actors were all too eager to exploit. A memorable, frightening tale that filled me with helplessness and horror. 4/5 stars
The Youngster was published 17 July (yesterday) by Deixis Press and I read an e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I've just noticed it's available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited for subscribers.
Fans of Leila Slimani's Lullaby or more generally literary noir will enjoy this new novel from writer Bibi Berki who was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize in 2020.
Set against the backdrop of the pandemic and the first lockdown in 2020 (too soon?), Georgie is a lawyer working for the government, married to government adviser Sam and the only daughter of single mum Cherry, who has just been diagnosed with dementia.
Georgie and Cherry have an extremely close relationship, which is brought to a sudden halt when Georgie is struck down with the virus and becomes seriously ill. Into the vacuum left by Georgie moves the titular "Youngster", a man who Georgie knows Cherry has chatted to in the local park but who Georgie does not trust. What unfolds is frankly a story that will leave you with chills. This is psychological, domestic noir that will haunt you. I can imagine it being made into a film.
What the author does really well is evoke the confusion, frustration, isolation and sheer oddness of the time. There are some odious characters in the story and what is most impactful is how close to reality it seems. While lockdowns brought about a renewed sense of community for many, for others it brought about untold heartache and loneliness that unsavoury actors were all too eager to exploit. A memorable, frightening tale that filled me with helplessness and horror. 4/5 stars
The Youngster was published 17 July (yesterday) by Deixis Press and I read an e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I've just noticed it's available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited for subscribers.
August 15, 2025
Told over two parts this story is beautifully written throughout the pandemic, it really captures that feeling of loneliness, resilience and isolation during that period. The in depth characterisation of both Cherry and Georgie allows you to fully immerse yourself in their story, feeling emotions as they feel them. This is a captivating story of love and of loss, the role of parent vs child and how that changes through time.
August 8, 2025
This was a tense book to read, and it had me holding my breath at times.
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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February 12, 2025
Book Review: Bibi Berki "The Youngster".
In The Youngster, the roles of Georgie and her mother, Cherry, have been reversed due to the Cherry's deteriorating health in her advanced years. Once the caretaker, Cherry now finds herself dependent on her daughter. Georgie, who is married with a child of her own, consistently prioritizes her mother over her own family. This dynamic is clearly evident in the novel, with Georgie even says her dedication to Cherry once. This role reversal highlights the profound bond between mother and daughter.
However, as Cherry begins to experience memory loss and confusion, it becomes Georgie’s responsibility to care for her. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Georgie herself becomes ill and is hospitalized for an long period, leaving her unable to be there for her mother in her time of need. And, The Youngster, a mysterious figure who suddenly becomes involved in Cherry’s life. Who is he? What is her connection to Cherry? Why has he appeared now?
The novel delves into themes of responsibility and regret, capturing the complexity of family relationships and the weight of obligations.
Unfortunately, it didn’t leave a strong impression on me. I had expected a more suspenseful storyline. However, if you are into contemporary literature about confusion, delusions, illness, isolation, and the shifting nature of family, you can add this book to your list, too.
Thanks #NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.
(Pub day: july 2025)
In The Youngster, the roles of Georgie and her mother, Cherry, have been reversed due to the Cherry's deteriorating health in her advanced years. Once the caretaker, Cherry now finds herself dependent on her daughter. Georgie, who is married with a child of her own, consistently prioritizes her mother over her own family. This dynamic is clearly evident in the novel, with Georgie even says her dedication to Cherry once. This role reversal highlights the profound bond between mother and daughter.
However, as Cherry begins to experience memory loss and confusion, it becomes Georgie’s responsibility to care for her. Yet, in an unexpected twist, Georgie herself becomes ill and is hospitalized for an long period, leaving her unable to be there for her mother in her time of need. And, The Youngster, a mysterious figure who suddenly becomes involved in Cherry’s life. Who is he? What is her connection to Cherry? Why has he appeared now?
The novel delves into themes of responsibility and regret, capturing the complexity of family relationships and the weight of obligations.
Unfortunately, it didn’t leave a strong impression on me. I had expected a more suspenseful storyline. However, if you are into contemporary literature about confusion, delusions, illness, isolation, and the shifting nature of family, you can add this book to your list, too.
Thanks #NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.
(Pub day: july 2025)
February 16, 2025
"The Youngster" embodies a delicious balance of chaos, frustration and desperation. The novel is aptly devised with all the right emotional material to evoke a profound sense of existential crisis. It offers a precise and unflinching introspection into the strength of human connection, diving deeper into the complexities of relationships with remarkable depth. The fondness, resentment, and regrets we often reserve for those we love are beautifully portrayed here. "The Youngster" brilliantly captures the raw vulnerability of both being loved and loving someone. The writing is sharp, evocative and unflinching. The philosophical exploration of life added with a hint of mystery to reach an epiphany was absolutely brilliant.
Thank you, NetGalley for the copy of this book.
Thank you, NetGalley for the copy of this book.
July 19, 2025
Sometimes a book in an unsuspecting, unassuming cover completely takes you by surprise. This is what happened for me with this book. Georgie Greenfield’s mum Cherry has the start of dementia. Theirs has never been the perfect mother/daughter relationship but someone intervenes to ensure that the relationship is compromised further. The story is about family, dementia, pandemic, possessions, predation. I could not stop reading it despite tears of anger and sadness. This is a very special book that will resonate deeply with some and provide an awareness to others. For me, it will stay both in my heart and my head for some time to come.
July 14, 2025
BOOK TOUR REVIEW
Fiction | Paperback
This novel is set in the pandemic and focuses on the family dynamic, declining health and the bond between mother and daughter. The book poses the question of what happens to our relatives when we are not there to care for them?
Cherry has always had a close bond with her daughter but as she ages their roles are reversed and Georgie becomes the care giver. Georgie becomes ill and is hospitalised and in her place comes The Youngster. We ask ourselves who is he, what does he want and what is his connection to the family?
This book is chilling with surreal moments but I don’t think can be classed as a typical thriller. The ending was not what I expected but that’s not always a bad thing.
Book sent as an ARC by @novel.tours and all thoughts and opinions are my own. @deixispress
#theyoungster #bibiberki #fiction #paperback #bookreview #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #dexipress #noveltours #arcreview
Fiction | Paperback
This novel is set in the pandemic and focuses on the family dynamic, declining health and the bond between mother and daughter. The book poses the question of what happens to our relatives when we are not there to care for them?
Cherry has always had a close bond with her daughter but as she ages their roles are reversed and Georgie becomes the care giver. Georgie becomes ill and is hospitalised and in her place comes The Youngster. We ask ourselves who is he, what does he want and what is his connection to the family?
This book is chilling with surreal moments but I don’t think can be classed as a typical thriller. The ending was not what I expected but that’s not always a bad thing.
Book sent as an ARC by @novel.tours and all thoughts and opinions are my own. @deixispress
#theyoungster #bibiberki #fiction #paperback #bookreview #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #dexipress #noveltours #arcreview
February 12, 2025
I can see what this book was trying to do, but I think there was too much going on at points and it was hard to understand the different aspects. Cherry, as a character, was so interesting and I wish we got to see more of her. I also found the inclusion of the Covid pandemic to be an interesting addition, especially with Georgie suffering from long Covid and all the other complications that came along with the pandemic. However, at a certain point I found myself disinterested and confused by all the various plot lines. The ending was also a little underwhelming, as was The Youngsters character as a whole.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheYoungster #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheYoungster #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2025
Georgie and her mother Cherry have had their ups and downs. But now they're devoted to each other – and when Cherry learns that she’s in the early stages of dementia, Georgie is with her every step of the way…
…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.
In turns deeply moving and deeply chilling, The Youngster is about one woman's spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by a damaged younger man.
…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.
In turns deeply moving and deeply chilling, The Youngster is about one woman's spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by a damaged younger man.
October 14, 2025
Holy shit that was a hard, damaging, upsetting read.
September 17, 2025
This was a gripping read, a psychological domestic drama about the relationship between a mother and daughter set during the Covid pandemic. It is poignant in its depiction of family, dementia, love and loss, and then it becomes something darker and disquieting. I could not put it down.
May 19, 2025
🌱 The Youngster by Bibi Berki
A raw, unflinching dive into youth’s reckless abandon—where rebellion and vulnerability collide like a fist against glass.
✨ Review
**🔥 Protagonist on the Edge: A young, defiant lead whose choices walk the razor’s edge between self-destruction and salvation. Their voice? Equal parts venom and velvet.
**🏙️ Gritty Urban Backdrop: The city isn’t just a setting—it’s a character. Alleyways pulse with danger; neon lights expose every flaw.
**💔 Emotional Bruises: Family tensions simmer beneath surface politeness. One dinner-table argument will leave your nails dug into your palms.
**⚡ Pacing Like a Sprint: Short, sharp chapters mirror the protagonist’s restless energy. (That midnight escape scene? Heart-in-throat.)
**🎭 Moral Ambiguity: No easy heroes or villains here. Even the most toxic relationships glimmer with fleeting tenderness.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0–5)
Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (A layered lead, though side characters crave more spotlight.)
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (You’ll smell cigarette smoke and cheap perfume.)
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Familiar coming-of-age beats, but electrified by fresh prose.)
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) (The ending lingers like a phantom ache.)
Prose Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Berki’s sentences jab and weave—occasionally too sparse.)
Overall: 4.3/5 - Like a stolen car ride at 3 AM—thrilling, reckless, and over too soon.
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley and Bibi Berki for the advance copy. This novel is a testament to youth’s messy, magnificent chaos.
(Note: Best read with a strong coffee and a disregard for curfews.)
A raw, unflinching dive into youth’s reckless abandon—where rebellion and vulnerability collide like a fist against glass.
✨ Review
**🔥 Protagonist on the Edge: A young, defiant lead whose choices walk the razor’s edge between self-destruction and salvation. Their voice? Equal parts venom and velvet.
**🏙️ Gritty Urban Backdrop: The city isn’t just a setting—it’s a character. Alleyways pulse with danger; neon lights expose every flaw.
**💔 Emotional Bruises: Family tensions simmer beneath surface politeness. One dinner-table argument will leave your nails dug into your palms.
**⚡ Pacing Like a Sprint: Short, sharp chapters mirror the protagonist’s restless energy. (That midnight escape scene? Heart-in-throat.)
**🎭 Moral Ambiguity: No easy heroes or villains here. Even the most toxic relationships glimmer with fleeting tenderness.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0–5)
Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (A layered lead, though side characters crave more spotlight.)
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) (You’ll smell cigarette smoke and cheap perfume.)
Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Familiar coming-of-age beats, but electrified by fresh prose.)
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) (The ending lingers like a phantom ache.)
Prose Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) (Berki’s sentences jab and weave—occasionally too sparse.)
Overall: 4.3/5 - Like a stolen car ride at 3 AM—thrilling, reckless, and over too soon.
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley and Bibi Berki for the advance copy. This novel is a testament to youth’s messy, magnificent chaos.
(Note: Best read with a strong coffee and a disregard for curfews.)
July 22, 2025
Cherry, my sweet Cherry.
I hope you didn’t think Georgie forgot you in the end. She didn’t. She never would. She was always there,in thought, in spirit, in love.
As I read Part One of The Youngster, I found myself slowly becoming Georgie. Her voice? Too familiar. Her reactions? Too real. Her banter with Cherry made me laugh out loud...it reminded me so much of my own mom, the way love and exasperation can exist side by side in the same breath.
Then came him. The one who creeps into the story like a whisper in the dark. I felt my frustration grow with every chapter, wanting to shake the pages, yell at Georgie to do something. But that’s the brilliance of Bibi Berki’s writing...you feel everything. The helplessness, the slow loss, the ache of watching someone you love disappear in plain sight.
Cherry’s dementia isn’t just an illness in the book...it’s a shadow that alters every dynamic. And when The Youngster inserts himself between them, the descent is heartbreaking. You question Georgie, you question Cherry, you even question yourself.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I found solace...not because it was easy, but because it was honest. This is one of those rare books that makes you pause and look at the people around you a little differently. After I finished, I wanted to hug my mum tighter (though let’s be honest, I’m not the affectionate type 😅). Still, this book stayed with me...and it will for a long time.
Bibi, thank you for writing a story that’s chilling yet tender, sharp yet soulful. A book that sneaks into your chest and sits there for a while. I’ll be keeping this one close to my heart.
I hope you didn’t think Georgie forgot you in the end. She didn’t. She never would. She was always there,in thought, in spirit, in love.
As I read Part One of The Youngster, I found myself slowly becoming Georgie. Her voice? Too familiar. Her reactions? Too real. Her banter with Cherry made me laugh out loud...it reminded me so much of my own mom, the way love and exasperation can exist side by side in the same breath.
Then came him. The one who creeps into the story like a whisper in the dark. I felt my frustration grow with every chapter, wanting to shake the pages, yell at Georgie to do something. But that’s the brilliance of Bibi Berki’s writing...you feel everything. The helplessness, the slow loss, the ache of watching someone you love disappear in plain sight.
Cherry’s dementia isn’t just an illness in the book...it’s a shadow that alters every dynamic. And when The Youngster inserts himself between them, the descent is heartbreaking. You question Georgie, you question Cherry, you even question yourself.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I found solace...not because it was easy, but because it was honest. This is one of those rare books that makes you pause and look at the people around you a little differently. After I finished, I wanted to hug my mum tighter (though let’s be honest, I’m not the affectionate type 😅). Still, this book stayed with me...and it will for a long time.
Bibi, thank you for writing a story that’s chilling yet tender, sharp yet soulful. A book that sneaks into your chest and sits there for a while. I’ll be keeping this one close to my heart.
July 24, 2025
“Georgie recognised and remembered the struggle, the fear of loving and being loved, the terror of impending responsibility.”
The Youngster follows Georgie and her mother Cherry, as they navigate Cherry’s dementia diagnosis in the early stages of the pandemic. Georgie vows to be devoted to and there for her mother, until she becomes unwell and physically can’t be. And that's when ‘The Youngster’ steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering…
The Youngster is told over two parts, and is centred around the themes of family, responsibility and obligation. I found the writing style a little disorientating to begin with, however once I was used to it, I came to appreciate how effectively it conveys feelings of confusion, isolation, frustration, and fear throughout the narrative.
What drives The Youngster is the relationship between Cherry and Georgie. It’s the emotional heart of the novel and brings both depth and vulnerability to the narrative. There’s a lot of emotional truth in the depiction of the parent-child role reversal and the fear Georgie has of losing Cherry before she’s truly gone. The complexity of love under duress, existential desperation and gradual manipulation kept me turning the pages, however I would say it is a little restrained if you enjoy narratives and endings that are more dramatic, twisty, or traditionally psychological.
Thank you so much to Bibi Berki and Hannah for sending me this advanced copy of The Youngster to read and review. My opinions are my own.
The Youngster follows Georgie and her mother Cherry, as they navigate Cherry’s dementia diagnosis in the early stages of the pandemic. Georgie vows to be devoted to and there for her mother, until she becomes unwell and physically can’t be. And that's when ‘The Youngster’ steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering…
The Youngster is told over two parts, and is centred around the themes of family, responsibility and obligation. I found the writing style a little disorientating to begin with, however once I was used to it, I came to appreciate how effectively it conveys feelings of confusion, isolation, frustration, and fear throughout the narrative.
What drives The Youngster is the relationship between Cherry and Georgie. It’s the emotional heart of the novel and brings both depth and vulnerability to the narrative. There’s a lot of emotional truth in the depiction of the parent-child role reversal and the fear Georgie has of losing Cherry before she’s truly gone. The complexity of love under duress, existential desperation and gradual manipulation kept me turning the pages, however I would say it is a little restrained if you enjoy narratives and endings that are more dramatic, twisty, or traditionally psychological.
Thank you so much to Bibi Berki and Hannah for sending me this advanced copy of The Youngster to read and review. My opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
The Youngster
By Bibi Berki @bibiberki
Book Description
Georgie and her mother Cherry have had their ups and downs. But now they're devoted to each other – and when Cherry learns that she’s in the early stages of dementia, Georgie is with her every step of the way…
…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.
My thoughts
This domestic tale based during the time of covid and post-covid turns deeply moving and chilling, The Youngster moves in to an elderly womans home and her daughter cant help but experience a spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by the damaged younger man.
😱 Chilling and moving
😵 Shocking and sureal
🤎 Unwelcoming relationships
💔 Family heartbreak
🖤 Loss and Grief
This is by no means a happy tale, but it is a story that is believable and realistic.
Some people wander through life, unnoticed, unheard, and unloved. They fade into the background with no connections or care thrown their way. Sometimes, the choices they make can lead to an unknown darker path.
A sad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ tale. 🤓
By Bibi Berki @bibiberki
Book Description
Georgie and her mother Cherry have had their ups and downs. But now they're devoted to each other – and when Cherry learns that she’s in the early stages of dementia, Georgie is with her every step of the way…
…Until she can't be. And that's when he steps into her mother's life. The one who's been waiting, watching, whispering.
My thoughts
This domestic tale based during the time of covid and post-covid turns deeply moving and chilling, The Youngster moves in to an elderly womans home and her daughter cant help but experience a spiralling descent when her mother is taken away from her by the damaged younger man.
😱 Chilling and moving
😵 Shocking and sureal
🤎 Unwelcoming relationships
💔 Family heartbreak
🖤 Loss and Grief
This is by no means a happy tale, but it is a story that is believable and realistic.
Some people wander through life, unnoticed, unheard, and unloved. They fade into the background with no connections or care thrown their way. Sometimes, the choices they make can lead to an unknown darker path.
A sad ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ tale. 🤓
November 14, 2025
The Youngster by Bibi Berki - out on the 17th July! I was so pleased to be asked to read this one, and, although it was a quick read, it was brilliant! Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your book tour @Novel.Tours, @DeixisPress (AD-PR product).
Fast-paced, short chapters which take you through events in the latter part of a mother’s life. A bit twisty and strange in places, and I felt the tension! Something about the mother was ‘off’ but all was revealed a little later in the book.
If I was wishing for things, I would have liked a bit more about each of the characters and their past, to give a bit more depth and insight into their life as it is now and how they arrived at this point.
Fast-paced, short chapters which take you through events in the latter part of a mother’s life. A bit twisty and strange in places, and I felt the tension! Something about the mother was ‘off’ but all was revealed a little later in the book.
If I was wishing for things, I would have liked a bit more about each of the characters and their past, to give a bit more depth and insight into their life as it is now and how they arrived at this point.
February 13, 2025
This book started off so strongly and I really thought this was going to be a 5 star for me. I thought that the relationship between Georgie and Cherry was so captivating.
Unfortunately, after the 50% mark it started feeling a bit flat and repetitive. I wish Cherry was explored more as she was my favourite character. She was so complex, so I feel like there was more that could’ve been done there.
Also just a personal niche thing but I am so bored of the pandemic being a setting for books. I think because it happened (relatively) recently, I’m disinterested in it and feel that the covid plot created some limitations.
Thanks NetGalley
Unfortunately, after the 50% mark it started feeling a bit flat and repetitive. I wish Cherry was explored more as she was my favourite character. She was so complex, so I feel like there was more that could’ve been done there.
Also just a personal niche thing but I am so bored of the pandemic being a setting for books. I think because it happened (relatively) recently, I’m disinterested in it and feel that the covid plot created some limitations.
Thanks NetGalley
March 4, 2025
I was very intrigued by the blurb of 'The Youngster' by Bibi Berki and was happy to be able to read this ARC. The mother-daughter-bond between Cherry and Georgie was interesting to read about, however I would have loved to find out more about Cherry as a person.
The book started off strong, I was drawn into the story up until I realised it was set during the pandemic. Personally, I don't really like reading about this era but I understand why it was important to the plot. I liked the mystery aspect of not knowing 'The Youngsters' intentions, overall the story fell a bit flat for me though. I have also been left confused by the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
The book started off strong, I was drawn into the story up until I realised it was set during the pandemic. Personally, I don't really like reading about this era but I understand why it was important to the plot. I liked the mystery aspect of not knowing 'The Youngsters' intentions, overall the story fell a bit flat for me though. I have also been left confused by the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
February 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐
There were times when I was SO frustrated with some of the characters in this book. That they did nothing. NOTHING.
the whole book started off strongly, really letting us in on the relationship between Cheryl and Georgie.
I spend a lot of the book wanting that back.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending.
Not what I wanted or expected.
But that's not a bad thing.
There were times when I was SO frustrated with some of the characters in this book. That they did nothing. NOTHING.
the whole book started off strongly, really letting us in on the relationship between Cheryl and Georgie.
I spend a lot of the book wanting that back.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending.
Not what I wanted or expected.
But that's not a bad thing.
December 26, 2025
A mother-daughter bond fractures during the first COVID lockdown when illness, dementia, and an unsettling stranger turn caregiving into a slow-burn psychological nightmare.
#BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #IndieBooks #AmReading #ReaderViews
Full review available on Reader Views
#BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #IndieBooks #AmReading #ReaderViews
Full review available on Reader Views
August 3, 2025
intense and seizing work filled with sorrow and solemnity. pretty interestingly done, and definitely a work I would recommend. 4 stars. tysm for the arc
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October 15, 2025Bibi Berki has given us a truly chilling literary domestic thriller, one that addresses a situation that many of us dread: what will happen to the most vulnerable in our lives if we can’t be there to help them? Cherry and Georgie are a believable mother/daughter duo, with a relationship that has mellowed as they have both grown older. When Georgie becomes ill, she leaves a vacuum, and we all know what is apt to happen to vacuums. Up-to-date, terrifying, page-turning, and, most of all, beautifully written.
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