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The Space Between

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'For a moment I imagine that she’ll be sitting there on her bed listening to music through her headphones. She’ll look up at me and smile. Her absence makes me dizzy. It’s almost like I’m seeing two different things at once: a world with Daina and a world without Daina. How could she be so close, almost here, and completely out of my reach?'
 
When seventeen-year-old Daina Valaitis vanishes without a trace on a weekend camping trip, her best friend Erica finds herself falling apart – and falling in love with Daina’s brother. Through the turmoil of grief and guilt, Erica is desperate to know the truth about what happened to her friend.

But what she discovers – about Daina, their families, and herself – will change her life forever.

This gripping, heartbreaking debut young adult novel was shortlisted for the 2016 Ampersand Prize.

NB This books is suitable for older young adult readers. It contains sex scenes, drug use and swearing.

276 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2017

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931 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Sanderson

11 books33 followers
I’ve worked as a bakery assistant, cleaner, telemarketer, receptionist, yoga instructor, university tutor, researcher and public servant. I’ve studied philosophy, Spanish, law and have a PhD in history.

I co-wrote a documentary film, The End of the Rainbow, which won the First Appearance Award at the 2007 International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam.

My first novel, The Space Between, was shortlisted for the 2016 Ampersand Prize and the 2018 ACT Book of the Year Award.

I am also write young adult fantasy under the author name R.L. Sanderson.

I live in Canberra with my partner and son.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Aj the Ravenous Reader.
1,168 reviews1,175 followers
December 6, 2017
3.5 stars

The Space Between, is a lyrically written novel with the perfect emotional intensity befitting the themes of the novel- grief, loss, regret. And yet, it’s nothing like the overly dramatic sort. In fact, it’s more of a matter-of-fact revelation of the aftermaths of losing a beloved as experienced and told in the standpoint of a best friend (Erica or Ricky) as she inevitably deals with a life possibly without her best friend whom she has known since they were kids. It’s honest and unfiltered so it’s a lot more mature than your usual YA contemporary read.

Sometimes the writing feels a bit choppy to me although generally, it is very poetic. I also think the characters need a bit more fleshing out because I couldn’t closely relate with them but perhaps I could attribute this to the length of the novel since it is pretty short.

The plot is thinly blanketed by the mystery of the missing Daina and although I already knew what happened to her, the story still managed to keep me intrigued and eager to know what exactly happened, like a confirmation of some sort. Because really, the mystery in the story is not about the loss of a girl, it’s really about the mystery of a person. How we could really never know what’s inside a person’s heart and head no matter how we seem to know them and as much as we blame ourselves, at the end of the day, it’s still up to the person how she decides what to do with her life.

Thank you so much to Ms. Rachel Anderson, an indie, talented author for sending me a physical copy of the book.
Profile Image for Kirsty Dummin.
184 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2017
I was completely blown away by this debut book by Rachel Sanderson. The story was so engaging, I hardly wanted to put it down.

On a camping trip in South Australia 17 year old Daina goes missing during the night. Her best friend, Erica is desperate to find Daina or to at least find out what happened to her. Along her search she discovers some secrets about both of their families that makes her question everything she's ever known.

This was an absolute page turner for me. The story, characters, language and setting were all so realistic and well crafted - it had me absolutely bawling by the end!

There is a fair bit of swearing, drug and alcohol use and sex, so probably better suited to older YA and above.
Profile Image for Jen Pritchard.
11 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2017
How well do you know your best friend? Should she tell you everything? Seventeen-year-old Erica desperately wants to know why her best friend Daina went missing during their camping trip, yet her search for the truth uncovers more and more secrets kept from her by both her friends and family.
Reading this YA novel as an OA (Olderish Adult), I wasn’t sure I’d connect with the YA characters, but the author immediately immersed me into the completely believable world of Erica and her friends facing the pressures of Year 12, attempting to understand their relationships with their parents and with each other.
This debut novel is exceptionally well written. I felt able to relax into the capable hands of the author who took me on an evocative journey, remembering some of my YA experiences through Erica. The adult and parent characters in this book are also authentic. I related both to Erica, and also her mother who is probably of my vintage. Poor Erica’s mother, baking muffins for Erica to take camping, naively and nostalgically assuming muffins will hold some attraction in an adolescent world of alcohol, weed, partying and romance. Leaving the muffins untouched Erica discovers that, when affected by alcohol and weed, her world contracts to a bubble of awareness of just her immediate surroundings. What happened just outside her bubble that night? What happened to Daina?
I can’t wait for my teenage daughter to read this. As a young adult, her take may be completely different but I’m sure she’ll love it. For me, ‘The Space Between’ is a reminder of the need to have genuine conversations and relationships built on truth.
Profile Image for Angala Fox.
662 reviews15 followers
September 11, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This was an interesting and intriguing young adult suspenseful romance. The author takes you on a journey with the main character and won't let you go. Definitely a recommended must read.
Profile Image for Jessica Del Fuoco.
115 reviews8 followers
September 4, 2017
Daina's family and Erica go through a very trying time when Daina goes missing.
They want to know what happened...they need closure. It is enough to drive someone mad.

While Erica is trying to make sense of what this new reality is without Daina, secrets become unearthed and turn her world upside down.

Erica deals with everything in the only way she knows how. I honestly don't know how one person could go through all of that drama and heartache at such a young age.
Even though Erica goes through this very difficult time, there is some beauty to this story and definitely some truth behind the fact that sometimes we only know what others want us to know...
.but that may not be the whole story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Danielle McGregor.
560 reviews8 followers
September 16, 2017
Whilst I really would have loved a clear resolution I understand why the author left it a little open to interpretation.

This book was easy to read, the characters were accessible, likable and realistic. I loved that it was set in SA and thought the scenery was well described.

Overall, a book well worth reading :)
Profile Image for Emily Wrayburn.
Author 5 books43 followers
August 10, 2017
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 11 August 2017:

Somehow, despite being in the same writing group as Rachel Sanderson for the past five years, I’ve never really sampled much of her writing until this year. I was so excited when she announced that she had published The Space Between, and grabbed myself a copy straight away. I’m glad to say I really enjoyed reading it; it’s a fantastic YA page-turner.

What should be a regular weekend away camping turns into a nightmare when Erica’s best friend, Daina, goes missing. Coming to terms with Daina’s loss also means coming to terms with the fact that she didn’t know all there was to know about her best friend, as well as trying to navigate messy relationships with both family and friends in the wake of tragedy.

The atmosphere in this book was what struck me the most. There’s a real rawness underneath everything. When Erica ached, I ached. I really felt under her skin. She did sometimes make decisions that I raised my eyebrows at and didn’t really support, but her actions were no more outlandish than a lot of other YA characters’, so it didn’t irk me too much. And they did help to move the plot forward, so there was that.

The writing style is fantastic, and very readable. The pacing is good throughout and I found the book hard to put down. The set-ups for later revelations about Daina, Erica and their families were done well so when those revelations came about, they made a lot of sense without the story feeling predictable. There were a few moments towards the end where I felt myself tearing up a little; as I said, I felt really close to Erica and really had a sense of her loss.

While I don’t read a huge amount of contemporary YA, this is one I would definitely recommend (and not just because I know the author either 😉)
Profile Image for Sarah Woods.
95 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2017
Loss hurts…and even more when you discover the truth

When I began this book, and indeed for quite a few chapters, I felt detached. Here’s a story of teenagers going away together, one goes missing, police hunt begins, everyone involved struggles to cope, a few relationship issues come up. It didn’t feel like anything particularly ground-breaking. Not to say it wasn’t a good read. It’s very enjoyable and well-written. But I’d hoped for more…

…and I got it. The twist in this book is impressively done. A book with a twist. That’s not original…at all. However, when a twist is done well it can be incredible. ‘The Space Between’ achieves this and sends the reader’s emotions spinning off on an all new, powerful and consuming journey.

I can’t help but wonder if the author has some personal experience of some of the issues raised in ‘The Space Between’. The way the emotions are portrayed is so deep, so raw, so powerful and dark, that I can’t help thinking it can’t just be good creative writing. If it is then huge kudos to the author because I became enveloped in the darkness, the guilt, and the pain.

Don’t read the ending of this book over a coffee in Starbucks…unless you have no emotions or have incredible self-control. Yes, I read it in Starbucks. Just hope I never see those people again…

And I may have a new favourite quote: ‘sense is just not a pre-requisite of the universe’.
Profile Image for Samantha.
73 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2017
I'm not going to tell you what this book is about because if you're reading this, there's a good chance you've seen the blurb and you already know. Instead, I'm going to tell you what it's going to do to you. It's going to pull you in. You're going to feel connected, instantly, to the five of the six characters you meet in the first two pages. You're going to relate, so hard, to the excitement and the joy of being away from home with people you love, even if you haven't done it yourself. You're going to feel the same excitement, the same buzz. Then you'll feel uneasy, convinced something is going to happen. When it does, you'll feel your stomach drop. For awhile, you'll feel fear. And then you'll feel hope.

You cling to that hope through the entire book, and you think it will get you through. You're taken through waves of grief, shock, and anger, but still, there's hope. You want to fight with these characters, push them to just keep going. And when the story comes to its pivotal point, when that hope fades, your heart's going to break.

I'm not going to tell you how you'll feel when it's over. This story is gut wrenching but when you put it down, you'll have this new outlook (you know, when you've remembered how to breathe properly and wiped away your tears).

Big props to Rachel Sanderson. It's clear why this was nominated for the 2016 Ampersand. I'll be in line for any comtemp YA novels you write in the future. X
Profile Image for Amy.
9 reviews
September 6, 2017

The night I started this book, I sat down and read 150 pages in one sitting. Doesn’t sound very impressive I know, but I haven’t done that since before I had my daughter, over three years ago! Lately I’ve struggled to stay awake past five pages and have given up on a handful of books after only making it a quarter way through.

That’s why I was so pleased that a book finally grabbed me enough to keep reading waaayyy after my bedtime. I also don’t normally read YA, but the characters were realistic and relatable (and likeable). I really liked the way the main character would have silly random thoughts, like nursery rhymes popping into her head at inappropriate times, because I could relate to this completely and it made me feel very connected with her!

The story itself made me anxious, sad, but excited to get to the ending to see what happened. A good read all around!
Profile Image for Carolyn Gilpin.
Author 1 book16 followers
August 22, 2017
4.5 stars
This was a such a good read, gritty and kept me turning pages - it reminded me of Rebecca James in style. One of the best parts was lovely moments of description, and particularly the realistic depiction of teenage behaviour and also that going away on a weekend with your mates doesn't mean staying in nice places or even having a great time. I won't give anything away, but the only thing that let it down in my opinion was a plot twist towards the end that I couldn't understand - why would the character wait that long? Or perhaps I missed something (entirely possible)? Ha ha, you'll have to read it yourself, and please do so - it's a fantastic indie debut by an Aussie author, from the cover onwards :)
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,715 reviews29 followers
September 8, 2017
What would you do when your best friend disappears without a trace? I don't know what I would do but this book weaves a good tale of how everyone reacts and copes differently. This has a good mix of mystery, emotions and surprises that kept you intrigued I only wish we knew more about Daina and got to know the other characters a bit more too. This is definitely a book I would recommend to others to read because it draws you in and after finishing it reflect not only on the the book but how you never know what life will throw at you.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Taryn Bashford.
Author 3 books97 followers
September 18, 2017
I voluntarily read an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. For me Rachel Sanderson is a decent writer, and the story had a great twist that wasn't predictable. Read the back blurb to find out about the story, but be aware it's probably upper YA due to swearing, sex and drug use. I couldn't quite score it four stars (I'd like to give 3.5) because I felt the pace was an issue at times. Some chapter endings finished abruptly and without a reason to turn the page, and at other times, I felt like it was a cataloguing of 'how you feel when someone dies/goes missing' which was interesting and really well written, but I would've preferred more information relayed through scenes with friends rather than through being inside the protagonist's (Erica's) head so much. All in all a great story, and well worth a read, especially if you fancy a bit of a tear-jerker.

If you want to buy the book, here are some direct links;
Amazon: http://myBook.to/TSBRS

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Sp...

Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-spac...

Profile Image for Trudi.
18 reviews
February 28, 2018
I received an Advance Reader Copy to do a review. I started reading at 11pm and couldn't put it down. It's a heart breaking story about love, loss and grief and how everyone makes choices and deal with the consequences that follow. the twist at the end of the story was a surprise. I cried and felt the emotions of all the characters in this book and could relate. Its very well written and the story flows naturally as events take place. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who loves YA books.
Profile Image for Amra Pajalic.
Author 30 books80 followers
September 3, 2017
I read the first chapter a few days ago and couldn't stop thinking about this book, so I went back to it today. I ended up finishing the book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down because the suspense was so great. It felt so real and I was so involved in Erica's journey in finding out about her friend Daina who has gone missing. This is an amazing book, so beautifully written and poignant. Sanderson is a true talent. I'm a fan and will be reading anything else she writes.
Profile Image for Melody Spencer.
234 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2017
"Seventeen-year-old schoolgirl Daina Valantis has been missing since Friday after disappearing during a seaside camping trip with friends. Police hold grave fears..."

This writing of this story is so real and the thoughts, fear and guilt felt by the characters is heart-breaking. It displays the raw emotions that are felt with the uncertainty of losing someone and searching for the answers they so desperately need.
Profile Image for Lori Shankle.
440 reviews
January 11, 2018
This is an emotional story of a woman, Erica, who has to deal with the disappearance of her friend while they were camping. Very interesting and intriguing and makes you look at another's person's view of circumstances along with your own. Not everybody reacts the same as you. The book as believable characters and along with a great plot that will keep you reading. I received this book as an ARC and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for Veronica Strachan.
Author 5 books40 followers
July 15, 2018
Beautiful vulnerability

This is beautiful writing, the prose is sharp and spare, yet it brings life and depth to the flawed characters and tragic story. The poignant treatment of the frustrating main character kept me turning the pages, alternately wanting to hug or shake her. It felt very real. Sanderson skillfully drew you down to despair, then brought you back to hope. This is a sad read but well worth it.
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
August 31, 2017
A story about teenagers that goes on a trip together. It is part fantasy, mystery and playing with the unknown. I liked this story in spite of that I normally read this kind of books.
It is true to being teenager and their minds and behaviors.
At some points at the end it lost me but I can only recommend this story.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jean Baxter.
Author 7 books30 followers
September 25, 2017
The story touched me on so many levels. I loved the main character, Erica, and her friends. They were all so well depicted you felt you knew them. The story was tragic, the grief felt honest and real, almost smothering. I found myself unable to stop reading at times, I was so into the story. Well done, Rachel Sanderson.
Profile Image for June Wilson.
Author 12 books23 followers
September 3, 2017
This was a great read. A tragic story that explores the impact of the loss on a teenage girl on those closest to her. The emotions portrayed were real and raw and some of the description hauntingly beautiful. I'll certainly look out for this author again.
Profile Image for Darcy Conroy.
Author 2 books34 followers
September 13, 2017
An honest, heartbreaking look at first friendships and first loves.

I throughly enjoyed this book. The characters were rich and alive from the first word and I was quickly drawn in to their, utterly recognisable, world. A wonderful read.
Profile Image for Sarah Fox.
297 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2017
The Space between is a coming of age young adult novel. Erica must deal with the space between when her best friend goes missing. I received a free copy in exchange for a voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
January 25, 2018
Heartbreaking. A beautifully polished, raw story, grounded so strongly in modern day Australia it feels like you are living through events, not just reading them on the page.
Profile Image for MaryAnn.
324 reviews
November 21, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very melancholy sort of book without being too depressing. The writing flows very well and the reader feels like a part of the journey along with the main character, Erica. The characters could use slightly more development but otherwise it is well-done. This is not a typical plot-driven book. That is not to say that there isn't a story, but it focuses more on the main character and her search for and reaction to her missing friend than it does on the plot points. It is a character-driven young adult novel. Overall, very good.
9 reviews
August 12, 2018
I loved this book. It drew me in immediately and I couldn't put it down. It was a wonderful rich and submersive story, beautifully written. So evocative of the place, time, and age of the characters and their situation, and such a compelling, well paced storyline. A must read for everyone!
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