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The Girl in Between
I'm invisible. Ma says I'm supposed to be so the Authorities don't get me. She goes out into the streets almost every day but I'm not allowed. I've got to stay inside the mill so they don't see me.
In an old, abandoned mill, a girl and her ma take shelter from their memories of life on the streets, and watch the busy world go by. The girl calls it the Castle because it's the biggest place they've ever stayed, a home of her own like no other. The windows are boarded up and the floorboards are falling in but for her neither of those things matter.
Then developers show up, and it's clear that their lives are about to change forever. Desperate to save their refuge from the Authorities and her mother from her own personal demons, the girl seeks out the ghosts of the mill. And with only Caretaker the old man who's slept outside the mill for decades around to answer her questions, she begins to wonder what kind of ghosts are haunting both the mill and her mother.
In an old, abandoned mill, a girl and her ma take shelter from their memories of life on the streets, and watch the busy world go by. The girl calls it the Castle because it's the biggest place they've ever stayed, a home of her own like no other. The windows are boarded up and the floorboards are falling in but for her neither of those things matter.
Then developers show up, and it's clear that their lives are about to change forever. Desperate to save their refuge from the Authorities and her mother from her own personal demons, the girl seeks out the ghosts of the mill. And with only Caretaker the old man who's slept outside the mill for decades around to answer her questions, she begins to wonder what kind of ghosts are haunting both the mill and her mother.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 2017
39 people are currently reading
1819 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 1, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5*'s.
I'm incredibly mixed in my rating...
This book is confusing to say the least - I have to say that even after finishing it I'm still extremely perplexed and confused as to what actually happened. I understand the "twist" and all, but before that I'm not exactly sure. I don't understand. I think, honestly, this book is a big question mark for me wherein it'll take a while for it to sink in and for me to genuinely soak it all up.
Despite my confusion at the plot, I did enjoy this book in a strange way and I read through it all in one sitting, so it is obviously well written enough to keep me sucked in. The characters are interesting, the smaller woven plots are intriguing and the writing style is impeccable and that is certainly what kept me interested throughout. The way it is written is enthralling and keeps you interested as you read, even with the lacking plot. I think what redeems this book for me is the writing - the writing is absolutely brilliant and the way it is written kept me involved in the story.
There was something utterly charming about the characters that kept me intrigued and the topic of homelessness in this novel is something that is rarely covered in YA fiction and that gripped me too; it was interesting to read something so vastly different than the norm.
So, despite my lack of absorption in the plot, I think this book has a lot of promise. To be entirely honest, I think it was me that didn't quite gel with the plot as opposed to the plot being absent.
I would recommend this book if the premise sucks you in! Even if the plot doesn't turn out to be your cup of tea, I think it's definitely worth it for the writing alone.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy for review!
I'm incredibly mixed in my rating...
This book is confusing to say the least - I have to say that even after finishing it I'm still extremely perplexed and confused as to what actually happened. I understand the "twist" and all, but before that I'm not exactly sure. I don't understand. I think, honestly, this book is a big question mark for me wherein it'll take a while for it to sink in and for me to genuinely soak it all up.
Despite my confusion at the plot, I did enjoy this book in a strange way and I read through it all in one sitting, so it is obviously well written enough to keep me sucked in. The characters are interesting, the smaller woven plots are intriguing and the writing style is impeccable and that is certainly what kept me interested throughout. The way it is written is enthralling and keeps you interested as you read, even with the lacking plot. I think what redeems this book for me is the writing - the writing is absolutely brilliant and the way it is written kept me involved in the story.
There was something utterly charming about the characters that kept me intrigued and the topic of homelessness in this novel is something that is rarely covered in YA fiction and that gripped me too; it was interesting to read something so vastly different than the norm.
So, despite my lack of absorption in the plot, I think this book has a lot of promise. To be entirely honest, I think it was me that didn't quite gel with the plot as opposed to the plot being absent.
I would recommend this book if the premise sucks you in! Even if the plot doesn't turn out to be your cup of tea, I think it's definitely worth it for the writing alone.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy for review!
June 22, 2017
Life is good when the girl lives with her grandmother, but Ma wants them to move out. They don't have any money and they have nowhere to go. The girl and her mother end up on the streets until they move into an old mill they call The Castle. Ma forgets to feed the girl, she takes her daughter to scary places she doesn't want to be and the girl doesn't go to school. Ma has told the girl to stay away from the Authorities, they're after her and want to take her with them, while leaving Ma behind. Every time they arrive the girl hides, so the Authorities won't find her. The girl made her mother promise something, but Ma isn't sticking to it. Life at the mill is lonely and the girl only has one friend. The mill might be haunted and the girl is afraid, but she's built herself a safe house, she'll be fine, won't she?
The Girl in Between is an original and impressive story. The girl is being taken away from the home she loves by a mother who can't take care of them. Life on the streets isn't easy and the girl is glad when they find the mill. They at least have a roof over their heads. My heart ached for her because of the unfairness of her situation. Her mother makes wrong decision after wrong decision, but the girl keeps loving her unconditionally. She wants to go back to her grandmother, but her mother doesn't put her daughter's needs first, which is such a sad situation.
I liked the ghost aspect of the story, which gives it even more layers of depth. The mill is supposed to be haunted and the girl is trying to lure the ghost. I was fascinated by the way she tries to discover more about the mill's history. Something must have happened there and finding out more about it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way Sarah Carroll plays with tension, she's keeping tight control and her timing is perfect, which makes her story incredibly strong. The Girl in Between is hauntingly beautiful and I loved every single page.
Sarah Carroll writes about a girl without a proper childhood, friends her own age and a school she can go to. The girl doesn't have much in her life, but because of her optimistic personality she keeps trying to find ways to keep herself busy. She's being neglected and Sarah Carroll writes about that in a raw and honest way from the point of view of the child, which made it extra moving. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns and I loved how I was being surprised over and over again. The ending is absolutely brilliant and made me cry. The Girl in Between is a unique story and Sarah Carroll's amazing writing makes it come to life incredibly well. I loved this brilliant book and think it's a definite must-read.
The Girl in Between is an original and impressive story. The girl is being taken away from the home she loves by a mother who can't take care of them. Life on the streets isn't easy and the girl is glad when they find the mill. They at least have a roof over their heads. My heart ached for her because of the unfairness of her situation. Her mother makes wrong decision after wrong decision, but the girl keeps loving her unconditionally. She wants to go back to her grandmother, but her mother doesn't put her daughter's needs first, which is such a sad situation.
I liked the ghost aspect of the story, which gives it even more layers of depth. The mill is supposed to be haunted and the girl is trying to lure the ghost. I was fascinated by the way she tries to discover more about the mill's history. Something must have happened there and finding out more about it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way Sarah Carroll plays with tension, she's keeping tight control and her timing is perfect, which makes her story incredibly strong. The Girl in Between is hauntingly beautiful and I loved every single page.
Sarah Carroll writes about a girl without a proper childhood, friends her own age and a school she can go to. The girl doesn't have much in her life, but because of her optimistic personality she keeps trying to find ways to keep herself busy. She's being neglected and Sarah Carroll writes about that in a raw and honest way from the point of view of the child, which made it extra moving. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns and I loved how I was being surprised over and over again. The ending is absolutely brilliant and made me cry. The Girl in Between is a unique story and Sarah Carroll's amazing writing makes it come to life incredibly well. I loved this brilliant book and think it's a definite must-read.
June 12, 2017
6 stars! Review to follow...
(I need to catch my breath)
(I need to catch my breath)
May 20, 2017
3.5 stars.
Wow. That ending was not what I expected at all. This story started off slow, but once I got about halfway things started picking up. I had no idea I would be so surprised with the ending. I was a little confused as to what was going on throughout, but the conclusion clears up all that confusion. All I have to say is don't let the slow start put you off from finishing this book. The ending makes this book worth reading from beginning to end.
Wow. That ending was not what I expected at all. This story started off slow, but once I got about halfway things started picking up. I had no idea I would be so surprised with the ending. I was a little confused as to what was going on throughout, but the conclusion clears up all that confusion. All I have to say is don't let the slow start put you off from finishing this book. The ending makes this book worth reading from beginning to end.
May 3, 2023
The moral of the story was great. There were good lessons in it. But overall it was pretty bland. The main character (nameless) lives in Ireland with her mom and is homeless. The story was very repetitive and the main character was very very very obsessed with castles. There was a good plot twist at the end, but overall not super wonderful.
September 7, 2017
It didn't take me long to read this. I loved it! In the beginning it was slow but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. The ending was little disturbing and not what i expected!
August 12, 2017
I'll be honest with you. I'm confused as heck about the ending of this book.
I don't know. I just know that I liked it until I got confused. xD
I love the author's style of writing, and even though there isn't much plot to the book, I found myself drawn in completely by the characters and the story that was being told through the eyes of the little girl. I also enjoyed the setting, as I've never before read a book that took place in Dublin.
This was a very easy read, and I was able to finish it in one day. And like I said, even though I'm still scratching my head over the ending, I liked this a lot.
3.5 stars.
P.S. If anyone else has read this and would like to share theories about wth went down, I am all ears!
I don't know. I just know that I liked it until I got confused. xD
I love the author's style of writing, and even though there isn't much plot to the book, I found myself drawn in completely by the characters and the story that was being told through the eyes of the little girl. I also enjoyed the setting, as I've never before read a book that took place in Dublin.
This was a very easy read, and I was able to finish it in one day. And like I said, even though I'm still scratching my head over the ending, I liked this a lot.
3.5 stars.
P.S. If anyone else has read this and would like to share theories about wth went down, I am all ears!
September 11, 2017
"You believe in ghosts?" He looks at me and his face is flat.
He says "You believe in memories?"
"Yeah," I say, "of course. But that's not the same thing."
"Isn't it?"
While easy to read, I felt that this book was confusing in the end. I am still trying to figure out how some of the events could have taken place. Who is Short Guy and Red Coat? What does Ulysses have to do with anything? His mistake? How could Short Guy have given her a burger? Are the binoculars a metaphor for something? Or are they just real binoculars?
Three stars for the unanswered questions and for the overwhelming sadness and frustration I felt while reading this book for the Girl in Between.
He says "You believe in memories?"
"Yeah," I say, "of course. But that's not the same thing."
"Isn't it?"
While easy to read, I felt that this book was confusing in the end. I am still trying to figure out how some of the events could have taken place. Who is Short Guy and Red Coat? What does Ulysses have to do with anything? His mistake? How could Short Guy have given her a burger? Are the binoculars a metaphor for something? Or are they just real binoculars?
Three stars for the unanswered questions and for the overwhelming sadness and frustration I felt while reading this book for the Girl in Between.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
I see what the author wanted to do but the execution did not work.
February 20, 2019
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
I received an ecopy of this book via First To Read
ACTUAL RATING: 3.5 Stars. Aka: My I Don't Know How To Feel About This Rating
MY THOUGHTS
This was a very interesting read and even now, weeks after finishing it, I am finding a hard time collecting my thoughts.
The book centers around a young girl and her mother, who are homeless. They live within an abandoned mill which the girl sees as her own castle. She explores the Castle, building her own areas, drawing on the walls, and spying on the people from the roof. But she can't leave the Castle, or let anyone but the Caretaker see her, lest the Authorities take her away. Now, the Authorities have come to the Castle, but not for her. They have come to take her Castle and with her Ma going back to her previous problems and a ghost maybe taking a tour of the Castle, the girl doesn't know what to do.
It took a while to get into this book. Not only is the story a bit slow at first, but the writing style is a bit different. We occasionally get flashbacks immersed in the present and it takes some getting used to. Once I got used to it, I was deeply invested in the story. The story is terribly sad and it hurt my heart seeing her living like this, especially since she is happy with this life and expects them to go back to Grandma soon. Part of what also invested me was to see how things connected together. The flashbacks go in sequential order, with the present story in between, so I was flipping through the pages to find out what made them live in the mill and I really wanted to see her get a happy ending.
One of the biggest factors of this book, though, was the ending. I did not expect that ending! Maybe I should have. There was a moment when I guessed something similar, but I did not guess correctly. I am torn about this book because of the twist. It's a great twist, but some things don't completely add up. Maybe if I reread the book it might make more sense, but I feel like there are a few things that aren't really clarified, so while the twist was interesting and surprising, it made me confused.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I did like this book. Though, "like" is a weird description for how this book made me feel. This book hurt my heart and surprised the heck out of me, whilst making me deeply invested in the storyline. This is a really sad book, of course, so if you want a sad realistic story, with a twist, pick this one up. I think I will be picking up future books by this author.
I received an ecopy of this book via First To Read
ACTUAL RATING: 3.5 Stars. Aka: My I Don't Know How To Feel About This Rating
MY THOUGHTS
This was a very interesting read and even now, weeks after finishing it, I am finding a hard time collecting my thoughts.
The book centers around a young girl and her mother, who are homeless. They live within an abandoned mill which the girl sees as her own castle. She explores the Castle, building her own areas, drawing on the walls, and spying on the people from the roof. But she can't leave the Castle, or let anyone but the Caretaker see her, lest the Authorities take her away. Now, the Authorities have come to the Castle, but not for her. They have come to take her Castle and with her Ma going back to her previous problems and a ghost maybe taking a tour of the Castle, the girl doesn't know what to do.
It took a while to get into this book. Not only is the story a bit slow at first, but the writing style is a bit different. We occasionally get flashbacks immersed in the present and it takes some getting used to. Once I got used to it, I was deeply invested in the story. The story is terribly sad and it hurt my heart seeing her living like this, especially since she is happy with this life and expects them to go back to Grandma soon. Part of what also invested me was to see how things connected together. The flashbacks go in sequential order, with the present story in between, so I was flipping through the pages to find out what made them live in the mill and I really wanted to see her get a happy ending.
One of the biggest factors of this book, though, was the ending. I did not expect that ending! Maybe I should have. There was a moment when I guessed something similar, but I did not guess correctly. I am torn about this book because of the twist. It's a great twist, but some things don't completely add up. Maybe if I reread the book it might make more sense, but I feel like there are a few things that aren't really clarified, so while the twist was interesting and surprising, it made me confused.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I did like this book. Though, "like" is a weird description for how this book made me feel. This book hurt my heart and surprised the heck out of me, whilst making me deeply invested in the storyline. This is a really sad book, of course, so if you want a sad realistic story, with a twist, pick this one up. I think I will be picking up future books by this author.
May 30, 2024
I remembered how good this was
Mary and Diego, I recommend you read it
Mary and Diego, I recommend you read it
July 21, 2017
I borrowed this book from the library because the blurb sounded intriguing, the cover is amazing (not this one, the other one) and it was added on a YA must-read list. :)
Sam and Ma live in an abandoned mill in the city. Their home is old, boarded up, the floorboards are in bad shape and the old machinery is mostly still there. Sam doesn't care about that because this is their Castle, and they live a somewhat comfortable life. But the best thing is that Sam feels safe, because as long as she stays hidden within the walls of The Castle, the Authorities can't take her from her mother.
Ma is feeling better and only takes off to buy food or to find new furniture or to beg for coins. While her mother is away, Sam watches people on the street and finds the painful memories that brought them here surfacing vividly.
As ghosts start to stir in the shadows and structural developments increase in the buildings around them, Sam might stumble onto the most shocking memory of all...
This book is amazing. It's so well written that I was captivated by Sam's voice and her story instantly. OMG. This is such a powerful story about a child forced to live on the streets because of her mother's many mistakes and addictions.
I went through so many emotions while reading this book, and read the bulk of it today because I couldn't put it down. I got so angry at her mother's selfish nature one minute, and then felt sorry for her the next. But mostly I couldn't believe she dragged her young daughter into so many dangerous situations. :(
Even though it was very sad, I really enjoyed Sam's story. In spite of being hidden away and living in isolation because her childhood was stolen from her, she was still willing to learn and always found ways to keep herself entertained. Not to mention that no matter what, she's super loyal to her mother.
Yeah. There's a lot to love in this book.
The story delves into some very serious topics: homelessness, addiction, the effect bad decisions have on innocent children, the harsh reality some people face on a daily basis. All of these situations are treated honestly, with respect and certainly moved me to the point where I wanted Sam's story to end happily.
And lastly, although I worked out the twist at the end, I still definitely loved this book and think it's worth checking out.
Sam and Ma live in an abandoned mill in the city. Their home is old, boarded up, the floorboards are in bad shape and the old machinery is mostly still there. Sam doesn't care about that because this is their Castle, and they live a somewhat comfortable life. But the best thing is that Sam feels safe, because as long as she stays hidden within the walls of The Castle, the Authorities can't take her from her mother.
Ma is feeling better and only takes off to buy food or to find new furniture or to beg for coins. While her mother is away, Sam watches people on the street and finds the painful memories that brought them here surfacing vividly.
As ghosts start to stir in the shadows and structural developments increase in the buildings around them, Sam might stumble onto the most shocking memory of all...
This book is amazing. It's so well written that I was captivated by Sam's voice and her story instantly. OMG. This is such a powerful story about a child forced to live on the streets because of her mother's many mistakes and addictions.
I went through so many emotions while reading this book, and read the bulk of it today because I couldn't put it down. I got so angry at her mother's selfish nature one minute, and then felt sorry for her the next. But mostly I couldn't believe she dragged her young daughter into so many dangerous situations. :(
Even though it was very sad, I really enjoyed Sam's story. In spite of being hidden away and living in isolation because her childhood was stolen from her, she was still willing to learn and always found ways to keep herself entertained. Not to mention that no matter what, she's super loyal to her mother.
Yeah. There's a lot to love in this book.
The story delves into some very serious topics: homelessness, addiction, the effect bad decisions have on innocent children, the harsh reality some people face on a daily basis. All of these situations are treated honestly, with respect and certainly moved me to the point where I wanted Sam's story to end happily.
And lastly, although I worked out the twist at the end, I still definitely loved this book and think it's worth checking out.
September 29, 2017
Ok this book was alright and yes I enjoyed it, however the ending really blew me away. I had to really think about ending and clear past the confusion (and I'm still a bit confused because I have different interpretations on what it really means) but the ending was still really powerful and left me in awe.
December 19, 2017
I enjoyed most of this and it was an interesting look at poverty, homelessness, and addiction. I really liked how it was written (and it's a quick and easy read), but honestly the twist at the end ruined it a bit for me.
July 28, 2017
Not getting me at the moment but will probably come back to
June 8, 2017
A beautifully crafted, haunting story full of heartbreak.
April 15, 2017
This was a very intriguing and interesting read from start to finish.
A deep insight into life on the streets from a young girls POV, with an ending I did not see coming until the last chapter.
Entirely full and charged with emotion, great read for 12-13+.
A deep insight into life on the streets from a young girls POV, with an ending I did not see coming until the last chapter.
Entirely full and charged with emotion, great read for 12-13+.
September 28, 2024
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING 5 stars! I love how the daughter was actually being pretty mature unlike her mother who was being childish and immature, she was getting really upset over little things but because her daughter was stressing her out? No child should feel like they should be careful saying words that might upset their mother. But that’s what made it so good!! Like it was real! Loved it!
July 17, 2017
Life is good when the girl lives with her grandmother, but Ma wants them to move out. They don't have any money and they have nowhere to go. The girl and her mother end up on the streets until they move into an old mill they call The Castle. Ma forgets to feed the girl, she takes her daughter to scary places she doesn't want to be and the girl doesn't go to school. Ma has told the girl to stay away from the Authorities, they're after her and want to take her with them, while leaving Ma behind. Every time they arrive the girl hides, so the Authorities won't find her. The girl made her mother promise something, but Ma isn't sticking to it. Life at the mill is lonely and the girl only has one friend. The mill might be haunted and the girl is afraid, but she's built herself a safe house, she'll be fine, won't she?
The Girl in Between is an original and impressive story. The girl is being taken away from the home she loves by a mother who can't take care of them. Life on the streets isn't easy and the girl is glad when they find the mill. They at least have a roof over their heads. My heart ached for her because of the unfairness of her situation. Her mother makes wrong decision after wrong decision, but the girl keeps loving her unconditionally. She wants to go back to her grandmother, but her mother doesn't put her daughter's needs first, which is such a sad situation.
I liked the ghost aspect of the story, which gives it even more layers of depth. The mill is supposed to be haunted and the girl is trying to lure the ghost. I was fascinated by the way she tries to discover more about the mill's history. Something must have happened there and finding out more about it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way Sarah Carroll plays with tension, she's keeping tight control and her timing is perfect, which makes her story incredibly strong. The Girl in Between is hauntingly beautiful and I loved every single page.
Sarah Carroll writes about a girl without a proper childhood, friends her own age and a school she can go to. The girl doesn't have much in her life, but because of her optimistic personality she keeps trying to find ways to keep herself busy. She's being neglected and Sarah Carroll writes about that in a raw and honest way from the point of view of the child, which made it extra moving. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns and I loved how I was being surprised over and over again. The ending is absolutely brilliant and made me cry. The Girl in Between is a unique story and Sarah Carroll's amazing writing makes it come to life incredibly well. I loved this brilliant book and think it's a definite must-read.
The Girl in Between is an original and impressive story. The girl is being taken away from the home she loves by a mother who can't take care of them. Life on the streets isn't easy and the girl is glad when they find the mill. They at least have a roof over their heads. My heart ached for her because of the unfairness of her situation. Her mother makes wrong decision after wrong decision, but the girl keeps loving her unconditionally. She wants to go back to her grandmother, but her mother doesn't put her daughter's needs first, which is such a sad situation.
I liked the ghost aspect of the story, which gives it even more layers of depth. The mill is supposed to be haunted and the girl is trying to lure the ghost. I was fascinated by the way she tries to discover more about the mill's history. Something must have happened there and finding out more about it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way Sarah Carroll plays with tension, she's keeping tight control and her timing is perfect, which makes her story incredibly strong. The Girl in Between is hauntingly beautiful and I loved every single page.
Sarah Carroll writes about a girl without a proper childhood, friends her own age and a school she can go to. The girl doesn't have much in her life, but because of her optimistic personality she keeps trying to find ways to keep herself busy. She's being neglected and Sarah Carroll writes about that in a raw and honest way from the point of view of the child, which made it extra moving. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns and I loved how I was being surprised over and over again. The ending is absolutely brilliant and made me cry. The Girl in Between is a unique story and Sarah Carroll's amazing writing makes it come to life incredibly well. I loved this brilliant book and think it's a definite must-read.
June 16, 2017
Homes offer a sense of identity, particularly for those in their formative years. Sarah Carroll's The Girl In Between depicts life on the street and on the move for a young girl and her mother from the eyes of the young girl.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Within the walls of her Castle, a young girl can dream of the fairy tale life she wants instead of the harsh reality of homelessness she faces every day. While she has free reign over the Castle, she must be vigilant to remain invisible from the outside world or risk being taken away from her mother by the Authorities. With Authority representatives in yellow vests coming around her Castle to evaluate it, the girl fears that her home may be taken away from her or she from it, which would greatly change her life. In learning about the Castle's history as a mill from a fellow squatter, called the Caretaker, who is struggling against his past and grief to leave the mill after forty-seven years, the girl realizes that her mother also needs to face what's haunting her in order to keep moving forward.
A quick read that presents the realities of the world through the lens of a young girl offering a new perspective from which to consider the unfortunate issue of homelessness that plagues society. While the perspective of and experience with homelessness from the vantage point of young girl was quite intriguing and interesting as it was written in a manner that was captivating and using language that befits the narrator, the narrative was ultimately rather confusing, perhaps because it lacked an appreciable plot. With the minimal plot present, the "twist" at the end of the story, while a key point of the narrative, wasn't as poignant as it could have been had a plot been reasonably developed.
Overall, I'd give it a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Within the walls of her Castle, a young girl can dream of the fairy tale life she wants instead of the harsh reality of homelessness she faces every day. While she has free reign over the Castle, she must be vigilant to remain invisible from the outside world or risk being taken away from her mother by the Authorities. With Authority representatives in yellow vests coming around her Castle to evaluate it, the girl fears that her home may be taken away from her or she from it, which would greatly change her life. In learning about the Castle's history as a mill from a fellow squatter, called the Caretaker, who is struggling against his past and grief to leave the mill after forty-seven years, the girl realizes that her mother also needs to face what's haunting her in order to keep moving forward.
A quick read that presents the realities of the world through the lens of a young girl offering a new perspective from which to consider the unfortunate issue of homelessness that plagues society. While the perspective of and experience with homelessness from the vantage point of young girl was quite intriguing and interesting as it was written in a manner that was captivating and using language that befits the narrator, the narrative was ultimately rather confusing, perhaps because it lacked an appreciable plot. With the minimal plot present, the "twist" at the end of the story, while a key point of the narrative, wasn't as poignant as it could have been had a plot been reasonably developed.
Overall, I'd give it a 2.5 out of 5 stars.
May 17, 2017
This book is sad in so many different ways. It shines a spotlight on addiction, parenting on the streets, the relationship between a mother and daughter and how drugs can make someone selfish. No child should live on the streets. I kind of suspected the ending but not until I had about 40 pages to read. Definitely recommend this book. It was such a good story.
I received a copy from Penguin Random House First To Read Program.
I received a copy from Penguin Random House First To Read Program.
May 12, 2017
I received an electronic ARC of this through the website firsttoread.
The book was good. The writing was fine, there were no glaring errors in grammar or spelling. My issue with the book is a completely personal one. I have trouble reading about neglectful parents, abusive parents, and just in general, parents that could do better for their children. I acknowledge that it's a totally personal issue, and nothing to do with the story or the book itself. Having said that, there were times when I would be reading the book and I would have to put it down due to frustration with the mother, and then I wouldn't want to pick it up again.
Frustrations that I have with the book are also trivial and I don't think they bother others nearly as much. I like to have a specific setting in stories, even if it's made up, and I don't think it's ever mentioned in the book that it takes place in Dublin, even though a lot of people are under that impression. I honestly wouldn't have been able to figure that out on my own, I read it in other reviews. I'm also slightly annoyed that the girl doesn't have a name. Again, that's just a trivial little thing that bothers me more than it bothers others.
True frustrations with the story itself are very minimal. We're never told why the mother leaves Gran's and drags the girl with her, which annoys me. I would like to know the mother's motivation for making her daughter live on the streets with her. Another frustration I have is the ending, which isn't to say it's a bad ending, it's just confusing. The ending first makes it sound like the mother is dead, and then it sounds like the girl is dead, and then it sounds, again, like the mother is dead, because the girl is saying that if people were watching, they would see her, with no mention of them seeing her mother.
Overall, the book was good, but nothing that I would reread.
The book was good. The writing was fine, there were no glaring errors in grammar or spelling. My issue with the book is a completely personal one. I have trouble reading about neglectful parents, abusive parents, and just in general, parents that could do better for their children. I acknowledge that it's a totally personal issue, and nothing to do with the story or the book itself. Having said that, there were times when I would be reading the book and I would have to put it down due to frustration with the mother, and then I wouldn't want to pick it up again.
Frustrations that I have with the book are also trivial and I don't think they bother others nearly as much. I like to have a specific setting in stories, even if it's made up, and I don't think it's ever mentioned in the book that it takes place in Dublin, even though a lot of people are under that impression. I honestly wouldn't have been able to figure that out on my own, I read it in other reviews. I'm also slightly annoyed that the girl doesn't have a name. Again, that's just a trivial little thing that bothers me more than it bothers others.
True frustrations with the story itself are very minimal. We're never told why the mother leaves Gran's and drags the girl with her, which annoys me. I would like to know the mother's motivation for making her daughter live on the streets with her. Another frustration I have is the ending, which isn't to say it's a bad ending, it's just confusing. The ending first makes it sound like the mother is dead, and then it sounds like the girl is dead, and then it sounds, again, like the mother is dead, because the girl is saying that if people were watching, they would see her, with no mention of them seeing her mother.
Overall, the book was good, but nothing that I would reread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2018
I loved this book - the writing is full of craft, the story is simple but punched me in the gut. And the ending...it got some negative reviews, but I'm completely in disagreement. I thought it was an excellent twist, that I didn't see coming but made so much sense.
Book description:
I'm invisible. Ma says I'm supposed to be so the Authorities don't get me. She goes out into the streets almost every day but I'm not allowed. I've got to stay inside the mill so they don't see me.
In an old, abandoned mill, a girl and her ma take shelter from their memories of life on the streets, and watch the busy world go by. The girl calls it the Castle because it's the biggest place they've ever stayed, a home of her own like no other. The windows are boarded up and the floorboards are falling in, but for her neither of those things matter.
Then developers show up, and it's clear that their lives are about to change forever. Desperate to save their refuge from the Authorities and her mother from her own personal demons, the girl seeks out the ghosts of the mill. And with only Caretaker—the old man who's slept outside the mill for decades—around to answer her questions, she begins to wonder what kind of ghosts are haunting both the mill and her mother.
The Girl in Between is a compelling, witty, and at times heartbreaking novel that explores themes of loneliness and grief with effortless warmth and an unforgettable voice that will stick with you long after you've finished.
Book description:
I'm invisible. Ma says I'm supposed to be so the Authorities don't get me. She goes out into the streets almost every day but I'm not allowed. I've got to stay inside the mill so they don't see me.
In an old, abandoned mill, a girl and her ma take shelter from their memories of life on the streets, and watch the busy world go by. The girl calls it the Castle because it's the biggest place they've ever stayed, a home of her own like no other. The windows are boarded up and the floorboards are falling in, but for her neither of those things matter.
Then developers show up, and it's clear that their lives are about to change forever. Desperate to save their refuge from the Authorities and her mother from her own personal demons, the girl seeks out the ghosts of the mill. And with only Caretaker—the old man who's slept outside the mill for decades—around to answer her questions, she begins to wonder what kind of ghosts are haunting both the mill and her mother.
The Girl in Between is a compelling, witty, and at times heartbreaking novel that explores themes of loneliness and grief with effortless warmth and an unforgettable voice that will stick with you long after you've finished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2017
Oh My goodness. I am crying. what I truly thought wouldn't be a great book turned out to be one of the best things I have ever read. I have never read anything like it. ever. And the fact that it was about something so real, made it that much more amazing and special to me.... I can not tell you enough how much I have enjoyed this book! Yes. it was very hard (for me) to get into it in the beginning, but once I was able (with some force) to get pass that point I was hooked!! I was NOT expecting the "twisted" at all which again also made it that much more amazing! Its Just AMAZING! My Heart is broken, in the best possible way. Truly Amazing!
July 20, 2017
No, just no. For some reason this is hard for me to put into words. I feel like this isn't true to life, something like this would probably not happen! And again, let's put this mother into the "worst mom" list.....just bad. This is one of those books that looked intriguing but was actually terrible. But this is just my opinion.
August 4, 2017
Homeless teens are a rarity in YA lit, which makes this story so important and yet it's presented almost as an adventure thus lessening any impact it may have had on readers. It's clear that Ma has problems, and that our unnamed main character is scared (and hungry) but beyond that? Perhaps this was better in outline than fleshed out.
February 21, 2022
It had a really interesting plot twist but I was disappointed in so many parts. But I really liked the idea and how she expressed what the characters were feeling, it was a really nice and interesting book.
October 16, 2020
What to say about this book? (Spoilers)
Right so I’ve read quite a few reviews (of the few there is on this masterpiece) that say the plot is confusing. Now I can’t lie, it is a little.
From what I gathered, here’s what happened;
-The main character in the book doesn’t have a name per say, she’s mainly referred to as ‘love’ by her ma. I’m going to refer to her as ‘the girl’. Basically, the girl lives in an abandoned mill with her Ma.
-She says she’s invisible, and that nobody sees her, which is fairly accurate. She has to stay in the shadows, away from The Authorities (sometimes referred to as The Yellow Jackets). The Authorities are Gárda, or the police of your not from Ireland.
-Her and her Ma are homeless (a large problem in Dublin, where the book is set). They live in an abandoned mill with many floors. It is massive, with many floors.
-We learn lots about their past, how they lived with Gran, her mother’s mother. The girl describes how she was perfectly happy with her Gran, and how she didn’t want to leave. Ma made her leave because of a fight her and Gran had.
-Ma is a drug addict and an alcoholic (another large issue in Ireland).
-The only other real character in the book is an old man called Caretaker. He is also homeless and lives outside the mill. He is the only other person the girl talks to.
To cut a long story short, the girl turns out to be a ghost. That’s why nobody can see her.
My favorite part of the book, is Sarah Carroll’s writing. She has a very interesting, unique style that really captivates your attention, and keeps it throughout the novel.
Some people are complaining about the plot and while I do agree there are some flaws (e.g. why can Caretaker see her if she’s a ghost, how was she able to draw on the walls etc.)
People think these are valid questions, in my opinion, the girl is purely a figment of Ma’s imagination. I don’t believe any of the book is technically real. I think it’s more about what grief can do to a person, and why people turn to things like drugs and alcohol again and again.
This novel takes on large, important issues, happening in my home. These topics, homelessness, addiction and grief, need to be more widely discussed, if we are going to be able to find a solution. It helps portray addicts and people living on the streets as what they are, people.
I think this novel is important, especially as it is targeted to, I would say, I slightly younger audience, who need to be educated on these important novels.
I love this book, and I would highly recommend reading it, and if you have read it, think about it and dwell on these real, important problems.
Right so I’ve read quite a few reviews (of the few there is on this masterpiece) that say the plot is confusing. Now I can’t lie, it is a little.
From what I gathered, here’s what happened;
-The main character in the book doesn’t have a name per say, she’s mainly referred to as ‘love’ by her ma. I’m going to refer to her as ‘the girl’. Basically, the girl lives in an abandoned mill with her Ma.
-She says she’s invisible, and that nobody sees her, which is fairly accurate. She has to stay in the shadows, away from The Authorities (sometimes referred to as The Yellow Jackets). The Authorities are Gárda, or the police of your not from Ireland.
-Her and her Ma are homeless (a large problem in Dublin, where the book is set). They live in an abandoned mill with many floors. It is massive, with many floors.
-We learn lots about their past, how they lived with Gran, her mother’s mother. The girl describes how she was perfectly happy with her Gran, and how she didn’t want to leave. Ma made her leave because of a fight her and Gran had.
-Ma is a drug addict and an alcoholic (another large issue in Ireland).
-The only other real character in the book is an old man called Caretaker. He is also homeless and lives outside the mill. He is the only other person the girl talks to.
To cut a long story short, the girl turns out to be a ghost. That’s why nobody can see her.
My favorite part of the book, is Sarah Carroll’s writing. She has a very interesting, unique style that really captivates your attention, and keeps it throughout the novel.
Some people are complaining about the plot and while I do agree there are some flaws (e.g. why can Caretaker see her if she’s a ghost, how was she able to draw on the walls etc.)
People think these are valid questions, in my opinion, the girl is purely a figment of Ma’s imagination. I don’t believe any of the book is technically real. I think it’s more about what grief can do to a person, and why people turn to things like drugs and alcohol again and again.
This novel takes on large, important issues, happening in my home. These topics, homelessness, addiction and grief, need to be more widely discussed, if we are going to be able to find a solution. It helps portray addicts and people living on the streets as what they are, people.
I think this novel is important, especially as it is targeted to, I would say, I slightly younger audience, who need to be educated on these important novels.
I love this book, and I would highly recommend reading it, and if you have read it, think about it and dwell on these real, important problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2017
After slugging through some disappointing reads I am happy to finally find one that fills me with happiness as I am writing this review. This book was a slow burn read as you the narrator explains how she and her mother come to live on the streets, what they had to do to survive, all the way to the heart-wrenching reveal at the end. I loved the overall tone of this book. It's calming. It doesn't pull you into the story, more so, it holds your hand and gently leads you from one scene to the next. The flow was pretty good here. I was never confused about where I am on the time line of this story, and it bounces back a lot.
The major topics tackled her addiction, family, homelessness, ghosts, are handled so well. Each one connects to the other and blends together. One does not overshadow the other or is given less attention than the other. It helps to make the book more profound instead of bog it down. Caretaker, at first I did not see the reason for him. This is why I love the story even more. By the end he turns out to be more important than I thought he was. His subplot perfectly aligned with the over all story and added an extra layer to it. All the other pedestrians the narrator watched from her window at first seemed unimportant. But that was only to hide the ones that paralleled to the narrators own story. Looking back there were some side characters that again also had a little piece of their own story that contributed to the over all plot. Like for example the couple, their importance is revealed at the last few pages in the book.
Conclusion: this was a refreshing and enjoyable read. For when you just want something a little different, something to get you out of a slump, and excited about the next read again.
The major topics tackled her addiction, family, homelessness, ghosts, are handled so well. Each one connects to the other and blends together. One does not overshadow the other or is given less attention than the other. It helps to make the book more profound instead of bog it down. Caretaker, at first I did not see the reason for him. This is why I love the story even more. By the end he turns out to be more important than I thought he was. His subplot perfectly aligned with the over all story and added an extra layer to it. All the other pedestrians the narrator watched from her window at first seemed unimportant. But that was only to hide the ones that paralleled to the narrators own story. Looking back there were some side characters that again also had a little piece of their own story that contributed to the over all plot. Like for example the couple, their importance is revealed at the last few pages in the book.
Conclusion: this was a refreshing and enjoyable read. For when you just want something a little different, something to get you out of a slump, and excited about the next read again.
August 18, 2017
A girl and her alcoholic, mentally ill mother (ma) are homeless, living in an abandoned building that is going to be torn down. We don't know all that at first, though; we are slowly introduced to all this through the young girl whose name is never mentioned. We see the path that brought she and her mother to this place and the stress the young girl is under on a daily basis. Food, safety and shelter are all at risk here. The girl is constantly afraid of the Authorities, but she also sort of wishes she could be caught and go home to Gran where at least she always had food to eat and some semblance of a normal life. Her ma has bad memories of her own mother (Gran), though, so that isn't an option. The young girl is caught between worlds, almost invisible in her suffering as she dumpster dives, does school work from old textbooks and tries to live a life in her imagination. Truly heartbreaking.
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This is an important topic for our students to read about. I like how the author wrote it completely from the young girl's perspective and let's the reader discover the truly horrific nature of her life slowly as more details are revealed. One of my favorite #mglit books about teen homelessness is Paper Things by Jennifer Richards Jacobsen. I think where this one falls flat for me is in the lack of other children or teens for the girl to communicate with. Her main confidante is the Caretaker, an old man who is also homeless in the area. His character is interesting, but I would have liked to see her have a young friend her age. I think the book would be more relatable for my students in that case.
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