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Growing Pains: A Working-Class Coming of Age Fiction Novel of Neglect and Family Dysfunction
Alexander is eleven years old - happy, kind, and surrounded by love. Until one day, he isn’t.
Set in 1990s England, Growing Pains is a raw, fictionalised memoir of a boy who goes from cherished son to silent observer in his own home. As his father's mood darkens, Alexander begins to realise that nothing he says or does is ever right, and worse, it may never have been.
What follows is a powerful coming-of-age story rooted in emotional one that explores the quiet trauma of emotional abuse, toxic masculinity, and the desperate need to be seen. As Alexander clings to school, football, and fleeting moments of normality, he tries to make sense of why love has turned to blame, and whether it’s even possible to fight back when silence is survival.
Inspired by real events, Growing Pains is the first in a bold new series from debut author Joseph Ball. Written entirely from the perspective of the child, this book refuses to explain away cruelty, instead, it immerses the reader in the raw confusion, fear, and resilience of a boy who just wants to be understood.
A portion of profits will be donated to child protection charities.
ADVANCE REVIEWS
''Growing Pains is profoundly affecting. This is social realism at its most urgent and humane.''
- Tommy Sissons (Editor GRASS Magazine)
''Growing Pains broke my heart in all the right places. Alex’s story is beautifully told and portrays how emotional abuse can echo through a lifetime. A stunning debut.’
- Ray Star – Bestselling Author.
Publisher Quote
“Growing Pains is the kind of book that stays with you. It's unflinching, emotionally honest, and gives a platform to a subject too often hidden behind closed doors. At Chronos, we publish stories that need to be told - this is one of them.”’
– Taryn Johnston – Founder – Chronos Publishing.
Set in 1990s England, Growing Pains is a raw, fictionalised memoir of a boy who goes from cherished son to silent observer in his own home. As his father's mood darkens, Alexander begins to realise that nothing he says or does is ever right, and worse, it may never have been.
What follows is a powerful coming-of-age story rooted in emotional one that explores the quiet trauma of emotional abuse, toxic masculinity, and the desperate need to be seen. As Alexander clings to school, football, and fleeting moments of normality, he tries to make sense of why love has turned to blame, and whether it’s even possible to fight back when silence is survival.
Inspired by real events, Growing Pains is the first in a bold new series from debut author Joseph Ball. Written entirely from the perspective of the child, this book refuses to explain away cruelty, instead, it immerses the reader in the raw confusion, fear, and resilience of a boy who just wants to be understood.
A portion of profits will be donated to child protection charities.
ADVANCE REVIEWS
''Growing Pains is profoundly affecting. This is social realism at its most urgent and humane.''
- Tommy Sissons (Editor GRASS Magazine)
''Growing Pains broke my heart in all the right places. Alex’s story is beautifully told and portrays how emotional abuse can echo through a lifetime. A stunning debut.’
- Ray Star – Bestselling Author.
Publisher Quote
“Growing Pains is the kind of book that stays with you. It's unflinching, emotionally honest, and gives a platform to a subject too often hidden behind closed doors. At Chronos, we publish stories that need to be told - this is one of them.”’
– Taryn Johnston – Founder – Chronos Publishing.
Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2026
This is a difficult but powerful read, told from the perspective of an eleven year old boy and inspired by true events. Experiencing the story through such young eyes wasn’t easy, but it made the narrative all the more emotional and unsettling. I truly felt Alexander’s confusion, fear and innocence, and how terrified he was of his father while still desperately trying to please him. Every action felt careful and calculated as he was constantly trying to avoid triggering his father’s moods. It was heartbreaking to see how permanently on edge he was and to witness the cruelty he endured.
Something that particularly got to me was how his sister took pleasure in deliberately getting him into trouble. My heart ached for Alexander as he spent his days trying to stay out of the way, leaving the house early in the morning, wandering the streets alone in the cold and rain or hiding out in the woods. The idea of a child feeling so unsafe in their own home is so upsetting. I just wanted to scoop him up and surround him with love and care.
The most painful part of the story for me was that just as Alexander begins to experience moments of happiness and gain a little bit of confidence, thanks to his Auntie and Uncle, it is all ripped away again.
Growing Pains is a deeply sad and emotional story and I am fully invested in reading the rest of Alexander’s story in this series.
Something that particularly got to me was how his sister took pleasure in deliberately getting him into trouble. My heart ached for Alexander as he spent his days trying to stay out of the way, leaving the house early in the morning, wandering the streets alone in the cold and rain or hiding out in the woods. The idea of a child feeling so unsafe in their own home is so upsetting. I just wanted to scoop him up and surround him with love and care.
The most painful part of the story for me was that just as Alexander begins to experience moments of happiness and gain a little bit of confidence, thanks to his Auntie and Uncle, it is all ripped away again.
Growing Pains is a deeply sad and emotional story and I am fully invested in reading the rest of Alexander’s story in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt called out by this book, connecting to Alex a lot personality wise! Especially being the "shy, quiet" younger sibling with the "cool" older sister (she'll say she isn't cool, but she was to a 11 year old me!).
I was much luckier, however, in the fact that my parents were the exact opposite of Alex's father. I felt myself hating a fictional character as if he was stood in front of me!
This book was beautifully written from a young boys perspective of growing up "not good enough" in an abusive home. The slow realisation that Alex went through, learning that what he was living through wasn't normal was so wonderfully done. I had mixed feelings for Alex's mum, Helen, as she was a victim herself in a way, yet she was letting her son suffer.
I felt that the author dealt with many issues of abuse in a way that was informative yet respectful to I felt called out by this book, connecting to Alex a lot personality wise! Especially being the "shy, quiet" younger sibling with the "cool" older sister (she'll say she isn't cool, but she was to a 11 year old me!).
I was much luckier, however, in the fact that my parents were the exact opposite of Alex's father. I felt myself hating a fictional character as if he was stood in front of me!
This book was beautifully written from a young boys perspective of growing up "not good enough" in an abusive home. The slow realisation that Alex went through, learning that what he was living through wasn't normal was so wonderfully done. I had mixed feelings for Alex's mum, Helen, as she was a victim herself in a way, yet she was letting her son suffer.
I felt that the author dealt with many issues of abuse in a way that was informative yet respectful to the victims.
!!
I was much luckier, however, in the fact that my parents were the exact opposite of Alex's father. I felt myself hating a fictional character as if he was stood in front of me!
This book was beautifully written from a young boys perspective of growing up "not good enough" in an abusive home. The slow realisation that Alex went through, learning that what he was living through wasn't normal was so wonderfully done. I had mixed feelings for Alex's mum, Helen, as she was a victim herself in a way, yet she was letting her son suffer.
I felt that the author dealt with many issues of abuse in a way that was informative yet respectful to I felt called out by this book, connecting to Alex a lot personality wise! Especially being the "shy, quiet" younger sibling with the "cool" older sister (she'll say she isn't cool, but she was to a 11 year old me!).
I was much luckier, however, in the fact that my parents were the exact opposite of Alex's father. I felt myself hating a fictional character as if he was stood in front of me!
This book was beautifully written from a young boys perspective of growing up "not good enough" in an abusive home. The slow realisation that Alex went through, learning that what he was living through wasn't normal was so wonderfully done. I had mixed feelings for Alex's mum, Helen, as she was a victim herself in a way, yet she was letting her son suffer.
I felt that the author dealt with many issues of abuse in a way that was informative yet respectful to the victims.
!!
February 13, 2026
I have well and truly had my heart shattered. 💔
I knew this was going to be an emotional read but I didn’t count on how much it would affect me. 😢 Even if this were a complete work of fiction, (it is based on real events), this is happening every day to children across the world and it breaks me.
Alex completely stole my heart. I just wanted to show him what real parental love is. I’m not professing to be perfect but no child should have to go through what’s portrayed here.
I love that it is told through Alex’s eyes because it made it that more emotional and actually took me back to my own childhood, where I was able to reflect on my experiences and feelings through older, slightly wiser eyes. 🥰
Alex does show growth, understanding and strength after being surrounded by a loving family but I fear that will be destroyed in the next part of his journey.
I have a love/hate relationship with Helen. She is stronger than I expected but it still upset me on how complicit she is in allowing the emotional abuse Alex suffers. (Alex has to adapt and change his behaviour and walk on eggshells around his own father).
Jean and Stephen are the hope I was praying for. I can’t say I know what will happen next, and that scares me but, it warmed my heart that Alex could finally breathe.
I know there’s more books to come and I understand why it stopped at that point, I’m just greedy and didn’t want it to end.
I truly can’t wait to read more of Alex’s story. I know there’s more heartache in his (and my) future but I know they’ll be love, hope and happiness, too! (Fingers crossed).
This is beautifully written with a real, authentic voice, an honest representation of the era’s attitudes/language and handles sensitive topics respectfully.
Thank you, Joseph & Love Books Tours for having me on this tour. ♥️
I knew this was going to be an emotional read but I didn’t count on how much it would affect me. 😢 Even if this were a complete work of fiction, (it is based on real events), this is happening every day to children across the world and it breaks me.
Alex completely stole my heart. I just wanted to show him what real parental love is. I’m not professing to be perfect but no child should have to go through what’s portrayed here.
I love that it is told through Alex’s eyes because it made it that more emotional and actually took me back to my own childhood, where I was able to reflect on my experiences and feelings through older, slightly wiser eyes. 🥰
Alex does show growth, understanding and strength after being surrounded by a loving family but I fear that will be destroyed in the next part of his journey.
I have a love/hate relationship with Helen. She is stronger than I expected but it still upset me on how complicit she is in allowing the emotional abuse Alex suffers. (Alex has to adapt and change his behaviour and walk on eggshells around his own father).
Jean and Stephen are the hope I was praying for. I can’t say I know what will happen next, and that scares me but, it warmed my heart that Alex could finally breathe.
I know there’s more books to come and I understand why it stopped at that point, I’m just greedy and didn’t want it to end.
I truly can’t wait to read more of Alex’s story. I know there’s more heartache in his (and my) future but I know they’ll be love, hope and happiness, too! (Fingers crossed).
This is beautifully written with a real, authentic voice, an honest representation of the era’s attitudes/language and handles sensitive topics respectfully.
Thank you, Joseph & Love Books Tours for having me on this tour. ♥️
February 16, 2026
have so many thoughts about this book.
It’s set in the late 90s, when I was roughly the same age as Alex. The setup was familiar too, 2 parents like passing ships, working to earn money, tiptoeing around sleep schedules. I remember being told to be quiet while my dad caught up on sleep… although I absolutely wasn’t, and he never complained so that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
I’ve read books about child neglect and abuse before, but this wasn’t what I expected. There’s no big dramatic scenes of being locked away or starved. The abuse is clever but in plain sight and psychological. One incident might be brushed off, but this is a catalogue of small and big moments that quietly do lasting damage.
I felt frustrated for Alex, so many caring and loving adults around him and (so far) I didn't see them do enough to protect him.
And as a PC gamer myself, there is a gaming disc incident that genuinely hurt my heart 💔🎮
Reading this as a parent also hit hard. I have an 11 year old son whose interests don’t always fit the mould, and it broke my heart to see Alex discouraged from his love of comics and forced into interests that weren’t his own. It did make me grateful that we now live in a world where loving comics, gaming, or books is welcomed.
An interesting, heartbreaking read that's worth your time!
It’s set in the late 90s, when I was roughly the same age as Alex. The setup was familiar too, 2 parents like passing ships, working to earn money, tiptoeing around sleep schedules. I remember being told to be quiet while my dad caught up on sleep… although I absolutely wasn’t, and he never complained so that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
I’ve read books about child neglect and abuse before, but this wasn’t what I expected. There’s no big dramatic scenes of being locked away or starved. The abuse is clever but in plain sight and psychological. One incident might be brushed off, but this is a catalogue of small and big moments that quietly do lasting damage.
I felt frustrated for Alex, so many caring and loving adults around him and (so far) I didn't see them do enough to protect him.
And as a PC gamer myself, there is a gaming disc incident that genuinely hurt my heart 💔🎮
Reading this as a parent also hit hard. I have an 11 year old son whose interests don’t always fit the mould, and it broke my heart to see Alex discouraged from his love of comics and forced into interests that weren’t his own. It did make me grateful that we now live in a world where loving comics, gaming, or books is welcomed.
An interesting, heartbreaking read that's worth your time!
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I had a strong dislike to Sarah the sister from chapter 2 and as soon as Alex overheard why his dad starting acting different to him, you know things are going to go from bad to worse.
Alex has had to grow up too fast and shouldn't have the burdens that he does.
The book is hard hitting and hard to read in parts especially scenes such as Christmas which was very upsetting to read.
I found myself longing for some one to see something and put a stop to it or for Alex to say something but at that age what can a child do?
Finding solace in the library made me cry a little knowing someone had his back and could see him and had suspicions of what was happening. it was just frustrating with what happened and how it was ruined for him.
I loved seeing Alex grow through his time in Devon and start to come out of his shell but there was a sense of apprehension as you know it is going to go back to how it was when he goes home even though you want it to change.
I can't wait to read the next installment to see what Alex chooses to do. I know what I want him to do.
Alex has had to grow up too fast and shouldn't have the burdens that he does.
The book is hard hitting and hard to read in parts especially scenes such as Christmas which was very upsetting to read.
I found myself longing for some one to see something and put a stop to it or for Alex to say something but at that age what can a child do?
Finding solace in the library made me cry a little knowing someone had his back and could see him and had suspicions of what was happening. it was just frustrating with what happened and how it was ruined for him.
I loved seeing Alex grow through his time in Devon and start to come out of his shell but there was a sense of apprehension as you know it is going to go back to how it was when he goes home even though you want it to change.
I can't wait to read the next installment to see what Alex chooses to do. I know what I want him to do.
February 5, 2026
This is the story of Alexander and his family - his dad Jason, mum Helen and sister Sarah. The book describes life at home for Alexander when he is 11-12 years old, his slow change into a loner, tentative, disengaging from everyone, afraid and anxious. I found his sister Sarah spiteful and manipulative and his mum Helen torn, caught in the middle between Jason, who is not popular locally and known for being a bully, and her son.
The tension builds as did my sadness and anger at Alexander’s homelife. The rarity of laughter when life at his age should have been continuously fun and carefree. There are pockets of light in the darkness - I was so heartened by Mrs Stewart the librarian and the relations in Devon, safe spaces with warmth and an opportunity for happiness and confidence re-building.
This is an extraordinarily powerful book and it left me feeling compelled to read the next one in the series of four. Genuinely, I am invested and I want to know what happens next for Alexander.
The tension builds as did my sadness and anger at Alexander’s homelife. The rarity of laughter when life at his age should have been continuously fun and carefree. There are pockets of light in the darkness - I was so heartened by Mrs Stewart the librarian and the relations in Devon, safe spaces with warmth and an opportunity for happiness and confidence re-building.
This is an extraordinarily powerful book and it left me feeling compelled to read the next one in the series of four. Genuinely, I am invested and I want to know what happens next for Alexander.
January 29, 2026
Wow what a book! this book has some hard hitting issues which some may find triggering with a focus on child neglect. However i thought it was so respectfully done, the author really captured the mind of Alex and told his story so well. At times i felt the anxiety and pain for Alex and i thought it was a hard subject to tackle. When you think of neglect you think of the physical, you don't necessarily think of the mental torture and anguish a child can feel. This was truely carried out so well and i look forward to reading the next book and finding out what life has in store for Alex i know which was i'm praying is that he comes out as a survivor and an amazing young man. I'm so invested in Alex as a character and feel as though i know him. I guess i will find out what life has in store for him in book 2
February 9, 2026
Growing Pains is set in the 90's and is the story of a 11 year old boy's struggles to find his way in a troubled family environment.
For most of his life, all is well, he's loved and family life is good, but all of a sudden, the dynamic completely changes and he's left feeling isolated as the tension in the home builds and he begins to question everything.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
The first in a series, it's a powerful tale of the complexities of families that's raw, emotional and hard hitting.
It addresses important issues that are far too often avoided in today's society, and that's good to see.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
For most of his life, all is well, he's loved and family life is good, but all of a sudden, the dynamic completely changes and he's left feeling isolated as the tension in the home builds and he begins to question everything.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
The first in a series, it's a powerful tale of the complexities of families that's raw, emotional and hard hitting.
It addresses important issues that are far too often avoided in today's society, and that's good to see.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
February 8, 2026
What a heartbreaking story of emotional and psychological abuse of an 11-year-old child by the one person in his young life he should be able to look up to instead of trying to make himself smaller and less noticeable. This is Book 1 of the Growing Pains series, and I’m hoping that we’ll get to read more about Alex and his journey in other books. While his story is one that hurts your heart to read it, I would love to know if he is able to find the safety he seeks. 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend!
February 13, 2026
Wow, what a heavy read. Gosh this book was so emotionally intense. I couldn’t help resonate with Alex in this book. While I did not deal with parents who treated me the way Jason and even Helen in her own faults did, I do have experience as a child of having to be careful and cautious of how I acted around certain adults as to not upset them or cause arguments. The depth this story went into regarding the weight a young boy in that situation would have to bear was beautifully done and I couldn’t help feel like I knew Alex personally and was desperate to help him. As far as the characters - I hold a special place in my heart for the librarian, Stephen and even Lee and Liam who although young themselves, were able to offer that outsider perspective and acknowledgement of bad behaviour that might have helped Alex more than an adults opinion.
While I am frustrated the book ended on such a cliff hanger, I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series when available, and will be silently routing for Alex until then.
While I am frustrated the book ended on such a cliff hanger, I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series when available, and will be silently routing for Alex until then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
Holy cow. What did I just read ?! I would use much stronger words but ya know that wouldn’t be cool but oh how I loved this read !! It was so heartbreaking how Alex had to grow up. I couldn’t even imagine. I really couldn’t.
I loved how this book was written by a young boys perspective and really makes you think and especially as a parent just why why are people like that!!
I literally couldn’t put this book down. I was crying I was so invested I had to know what was gonna happen I just felt so much for Alex. I didn’t like his sister and how I felt like she wanted to see him get in trouble gosh that just broke me.
Like I feel like every time he got a few steps forward he got thrown back into the situation and it broke me.
I really can’t wait to read more of Alex story because I’m so invested now I need to read more.
Overall get tissues but totally read this book yall.
Holy cow. What did I just read ?! I would use much stronger words but ya know that wouldn’t be cool but oh how I loved this read !! It was so heartbreaking how Alex had to grow up. I couldn’t even imagine. I really couldn’t.
I loved how this book was written by a young boys perspective and really makes you think and especially as a parent just why why are people like that!!
I literally couldn’t put this book down. I was crying I was so invested I had to know what was gonna happen I just felt so much for Alex. I didn’t like his sister and how I felt like she wanted to see him get in trouble gosh that just broke me.
Like I feel like every time he got a few steps forward he got thrown back into the situation and it broke me.
I really can’t wait to read more of Alex story because I’m so invested now I need to read more.
Overall get tissues but totally read this book yall.
February 12, 2026
Such a brilliant book. Tough to digest but so clearly showing Alex's voice throughout.
Alex is a strong character and we see him trying to make sense of the world and situation he's in. His dad is a terrible person and others know it but just don't see what Alex is going through. It's incredibly sad as Alex is in the middle of parents who are polar opposites and escape seems his best and only option.
You can't read this without feeling angry and frustrated. Harming a child is unforgivable and this shows that there's a lot of ways in which people can cause damage to children, and each other. It's more than just physical harm and it has a lasting impact. There's the odd glimmer of hope for Alex but we don't know what is coming next so there's also a feeling of dread and that things may worse rather than get better. I've spent years in children's services and I've seen a lot in life to know we're not living in Disney and we don't all get a happy ever after.
Book 2 is The echo and the voice.... hoping to follow Alex's journey as I'm invested now.
Alex is a strong character and we see him trying to make sense of the world and situation he's in. His dad is a terrible person and others know it but just don't see what Alex is going through. It's incredibly sad as Alex is in the middle of parents who are polar opposites and escape seems his best and only option.
You can't read this without feeling angry and frustrated. Harming a child is unforgivable and this shows that there's a lot of ways in which people can cause damage to children, and each other. It's more than just physical harm and it has a lasting impact. There's the odd glimmer of hope for Alex but we don't know what is coming next so there's also a feeling of dread and that things may worse rather than get better. I've spent years in children's services and I've seen a lot in life to know we're not living in Disney and we don't all get a happy ever after.
Book 2 is The echo and the voice.... hoping to follow Alex's journey as I'm invested now.
February 16, 2026
It’s so hard to review a book which has such difficult personal content.
Growing Pains is a deeply sad and emotional story and I am fully invested in reading the rest of Alexander’s story in this series
Growing up in the 90s Alex endured such horrific abuse, both physical and mentally at the hands of those who should love and nurture through life. It does however address important issues about society and is hard hitting but his story is written is such a sensitive way. Abuse/child neglect has a lasting impact on the abused and I give praise to Alex for telling his story
I am interested to read the rest of his story
Growing Pains is a deeply sad and emotional story and I am fully invested in reading the rest of Alexander’s story in this series
Growing up in the 90s Alex endured such horrific abuse, both physical and mentally at the hands of those who should love and nurture through life. It does however address important issues about society and is hard hitting but his story is written is such a sensitive way. Abuse/child neglect has a lasting impact on the abused and I give praise to Alex for telling his story
I am interested to read the rest of his story
February 12, 2026
This story centres around childhood trauma and lays bare the reality of it. It is raw and unfiltered and feels very real, rather than fiction.
Told entirely from Alexander’s perspective, you experience everything through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. You feel his fear, his confusion and his desperation to be safe.
It is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It is emotional, confronting and deeply affecting.
And that ending… I genuinely need to know what Alexander did next.
Such an emotional journey and very hard to put down 🤍
Told entirely from Alexander’s perspective, you experience everything through the eyes of an eleven year old boy. You feel his fear, his confusion and his desperation to be safe.
It is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It is emotional, confronting and deeply affecting.
And that ending… I genuinely need to know what Alexander did next.
Such an emotional journey and very hard to put down 🤍
February 24, 2026
I won’t lie, this was a hard book to read emotionally, especially as the name of the main character is the same as my own son, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it.
Growing Pains is written from the point of view of Alexander - an 11 year old boy growing up in the 1990s - who has to deal with the emotional abuse of his father, while developing as his own
person.
As Alex grows up, the shy and lonely younger sibling, to his much more popular and outgoing older sister, he starts to see that what happens in his own family isn’t normal. The way the book is written makes you really feel for Alex and the life he had to endure, with moments of joy fleeting in his younger years.
Growing Pains highlights an area of society that so often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, with the emotional and physical abuse of children often hidden away, as no one wants to
acknowledge that it is still present in the modern world. Well done to Joseph Ball for writing such a heartbreaking, but excellent, story that brings the problem to the forefront of our minds.
This is the first book in a series following Alex's life and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
A portion of profits from this book will be donated to child protection charities, including the NSPCC.
Growing Pains is written from the point of view of Alexander - an 11 year old boy growing up in the 1990s - who has to deal with the emotional abuse of his father, while developing as his own
person.
As Alex grows up, the shy and lonely younger sibling, to his much more popular and outgoing older sister, he starts to see that what happens in his own family isn’t normal. The way the book is written makes you really feel for Alex and the life he had to endure, with moments of joy fleeting in his younger years.
Growing Pains highlights an area of society that so often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, with the emotional and physical abuse of children often hidden away, as no one wants to
acknowledge that it is still present in the modern world. Well done to Joseph Ball for writing such a heartbreaking, but excellent, story that brings the problem to the forefront of our minds.
This is the first book in a series following Alex's life and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
A portion of profits from this book will be donated to child protection charities, including the NSPCC.
February 14, 2026
A 4 ⭐️ read for me!!
In Growing Pains, we have Alexander, an 11-year-old boy growing up in 1990s England.
Alex soon learns nothing he does is good enough for his father. (I refuse to call him his Dad.)
We follow him through his first year in secondary school, which we learn is his father’s choice (his family’s tradition).
Where Alex should be finding his feet and making friends, his father has his own views on why Alex struggles. (One of the few times I'd pay to harm a fictional character.)
I found myself unable to think about anything else while reading this book.
Every time Alex went home, I found myself holding my breath along with him, anticipating what mood his father was in at that moment.
The emotional abuse he went through was incredibly well written. It has you feeling every emotion Alex feels.
Intense fear, nervous anticipation, confusion, and some sporadic joy.
The ending had me wanting more. I need to see Alex grow up.
I find myself weirdly anticipating the next book.
In Growing Pains, we have Alexander, an 11-year-old boy growing up in 1990s England.
Alex soon learns nothing he does is good enough for his father. (I refuse to call him his Dad.)
We follow him through his first year in secondary school, which we learn is his father’s choice (his family’s tradition).
Where Alex should be finding his feet and making friends, his father has his own views on why Alex struggles. (One of the few times I'd pay to harm a fictional character.)
I found myself unable to think about anything else while reading this book.
Every time Alex went home, I found myself holding my breath along with him, anticipating what mood his father was in at that moment.
The emotional abuse he went through was incredibly well written. It has you feeling every emotion Alex feels.
Intense fear, nervous anticipation, confusion, and some sporadic joy.
The ending had me wanting more. I need to see Alex grow up.
I find myself weirdly anticipating the next book.
February 12, 2026
This book was a tough read for me, it really broke my heart 😭
Alexander is such a lovely young boy but he faces emotional abuse and neglect from his father. I liked how this book shows a different form of abuse to what people normally expect. It's not always easy to spot emotional abuse and this story shows that. Things seem normal on the surface - Alexander's mother loves him, he gets given computer games, gets to go out in the evenings, his dad takes him to football at the weekend. But nobody truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. I liked how the story is told from Alexander's point of view, it really shows his innocence and eagerness to please.
I almost felt on edge the whole time reading this, waiting for something else bad to happen. Which is exactly how I imagine Alexander must have been feeling.
A very powerful and emotional book.
Alexander is such a lovely young boy but he faces emotional abuse and neglect from his father. I liked how this book shows a different form of abuse to what people normally expect. It's not always easy to spot emotional abuse and this story shows that. Things seem normal on the surface - Alexander's mother loves him, he gets given computer games, gets to go out in the evenings, his dad takes him to football at the weekend. But nobody truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. I liked how the story is told from Alexander's point of view, it really shows his innocence and eagerness to please.
I almost felt on edge the whole time reading this, waiting for something else bad to happen. Which is exactly how I imagine Alexander must have been feeling.
A very powerful and emotional book.
March 2, 2026
This book broke my heart from the dedication.
I don’t know where to even begin with what to say.
Emotional and mental abuse is the most invisible . It doesn’t leave physical marks or bruises and can be difficult to prove, can make the victim feel like they are worthless, the one to blame, insane. It can strip you of so much and until you’ve experienced it, you will never fully be able to understand.
Unfortunately for me, I related to this book far too much. As someone who went through similar, also in the 90s and close to Essex, the parallels of this book made me revisit thoughts and feelings I thought I had long buried. Living on egg shells. Not knowing which version of a parent you will wake up to. Will I be enough today? Is it a good day today? Did I forget something? Did I do enough? What can I do to make them happy?
I applaud this author for being brave. For telling his story. Standing up and speaking out. While this is heartbreaking and harrowing to read, it brought with it a weird sense of comfort, knowing that Iam not alone. I feel like he really brought the tension , emotion and relentlessness to life through his writing. Having it written from a child’s POV, his 12 year old self, was a clever and creative way to portray how it affects a child.
The only reason I knocked a star off is I felt it could be slightly faster paced. I cannot wait to read the next one though and will be supporting this author.
Thank you for sharing your story
I don’t know where to even begin with what to say.
Emotional and mental abuse is the most invisible . It doesn’t leave physical marks or bruises and can be difficult to prove, can make the victim feel like they are worthless, the one to blame, insane. It can strip you of so much and until you’ve experienced it, you will never fully be able to understand.
Unfortunately for me, I related to this book far too much. As someone who went through similar, also in the 90s and close to Essex, the parallels of this book made me revisit thoughts and feelings I thought I had long buried. Living on egg shells. Not knowing which version of a parent you will wake up to. Will I be enough today? Is it a good day today? Did I forget something? Did I do enough? What can I do to make them happy?
I applaud this author for being brave. For telling his story. Standing up and speaking out. While this is heartbreaking and harrowing to read, it brought with it a weird sense of comfort, knowing that Iam not alone. I feel like he really brought the tension , emotion and relentlessness to life through his writing. Having it written from a child’s POV, his 12 year old self, was a clever and creative way to portray how it affects a child.
The only reason I knocked a star off is I felt it could be slightly faster paced. I cannot wait to read the next one though and will be supporting this author.
Thank you for sharing your story
Review of advance copy
A moving and authentic story, Growing Pains is beautifully paced and easy to read while still carrying real emotional depth. I found it thoughtful and memorable.
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