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A Strange Kind of Brave
What doesn't kill you makes you ... stronger? A poignant and gripping story about the power of fear, the resilience of love and the magic of food - from bestselling Waterstones Children's Book Prize shortlisted author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald.
Jake McCormack is the villain of Clonkirk. He's just killed a boy - deliberately run him over with his truck, on the bridge, in front of everyone. And he knows he'll get away with it.
Luca, 14, is the new boy in town. He's looking for a fresh start after a terrible thing that happened at his old school. Clonkirk is a small forgotten town, but Luca and his mum are going to give it a go. They're opening an exciting restaurant, and his new friend Allie is coming to work there. Allie is honest and kind and Luca knows they're going to be friends.
Allie has lived in Clonkirk all her life and these should be happy days - Luca is the best thing to have happened in years. But she's haunted by shadows of her own, and more than anyone she knows the danger of Jake McCormack. She needs to warn Luca. She needs to prevent disaster. At least she needs to try...
Jake McCormack is the villain of Clonkirk. He's just killed a boy - deliberately run him over with his truck, on the bridge, in front of everyone. And he knows he'll get away with it.
Luca, 14, is the new boy in town. He's looking for a fresh start after a terrible thing that happened at his old school. Clonkirk is a small forgotten town, but Luca and his mum are going to give it a go. They're opening an exciting restaurant, and his new friend Allie is coming to work there. Allie is honest and kind and Luca knows they're going to be friends.
Allie has lived in Clonkirk all her life and these should be happy days - Luca is the best thing to have happened in years. But she's haunted by shadows of her own, and more than anyone she knows the danger of Jake McCormack. She needs to warn Luca. She needs to prevent disaster. At least she needs to try...
- GenresYoung Adult
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2019
2 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
15 books117 followersSarah Moore Fitzgerald is a novelist and professor. She's part of the creative writing team that delivers UL’s MA in Creative Writing, founder of UL’s Creative Writing Winter School for mid-career writers and the author of seven novels including The Apple Tart of Hope, All the Money in the World and The Shark and The Scar. Her work has been adapted for the stage, translated into over 20 different languages and shortlisted for several awards (including the Waterstones children's book Prize, Children's Books Ireland book of the year and the Irish Book Awards). She's a recent winner of the London Magazine's Prize for short fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2020
This is an unusual and entertaining version of Chocolat for young adult readers. The small town in Ireland is dominated by the menace of loner Jake, instead of by a religion. Jake runs a bookie's shop and moneylender's, so by means of debt and threats he manages to wreck the town and any prosperity its people might have had, just as a religion does. I have to think that those who avoided Jake lost custom when others had no money.
No mention of a priest or reverend, almost no mention of police.
As in Chocolat a glamorously different lady arrives to set up shop and food service, here nourishing Italian food, bringing her young offspring, here a boy.
The young folks already in town are surprisingly stand-offish given how few of them we meet, and the Italian lad is used to working for his mother so he doesn't make an effort.
As in Chocolat, the memory of a deceased lady is evoked, in this case, the friend of the Italian lady from her youth; that person's daughter is the only one who gets pally with the new lad.
Yes, yes, there is an unusual view point at the start, with drastic action and a twist at the end (which looking back we can see clues, but at the time, it just looked odd) but - it's Chocolat. Without the adult references.
I read this book from Raheny Library. This is an unbiased review.
No mention of a priest or reverend, almost no mention of police.
As in Chocolat a glamorously different lady arrives to set up shop and food service, here nourishing Italian food, bringing her young offspring, here a boy.
The young folks already in town are surprisingly stand-offish given how few of them we meet, and the Italian lad is used to working for his mother so he doesn't make an effort.
As in Chocolat, the memory of a deceased lady is evoked, in this case, the friend of the Italian lady from her youth; that person's daughter is the only one who gets pally with the new lad.
Yes, yes, there is an unusual view point at the start, with drastic action and a twist at the end (which looking back we can see clues, but at the time, it just looked odd) but - it's Chocolat. Without the adult references.
I read this book from Raheny Library. This is an unbiased review.
December 1, 2019
The opening line for A Strange Kind of Brave was the best line I have ever read at the start of the book that I have ever read!! And I read a lot of books!
“Yesterday, I killed a boy on Clanfedden Bridge and then I drove away.”
I mean, who the hell wouldn’t want to keep reading after that?? I was one of the best opening liners I have ever read!!
Besides the first line, the rest of the book was intriguing and with all the different POV it really involves you into the deeper and thicker plot and how their lives entwine.
Straight off the bat it is clear that Jake McCormack is the clear villain of the book. Jack is the kind of guy that will ultimately seek revenge to get himself on top or settle a score. While our little heroes of the story are Allie and Luca who show a ‘strange kind of brave’ behaviour to stand up for that they believe in.
I thought the book was brilliant as I was reading it but as it continued the story line got more interesting and then PLOT TWIST which was holy hell, soooo amazing!! Honestly it was one of the few times I was never able to predict what was happening and I usually guess everything!!
This was one hell of an interesting read and I highly recommend that you read it!!
“Yesterday, I killed a boy on Clanfedden Bridge and then I drove away.”
I mean, who the hell wouldn’t want to keep reading after that?? I was one of the best opening liners I have ever read!!
Besides the first line, the rest of the book was intriguing and with all the different POV it really involves you into the deeper and thicker plot and how their lives entwine.
Straight off the bat it is clear that Jake McCormack is the clear villain of the book. Jack is the kind of guy that will ultimately seek revenge to get himself on top or settle a score. While our little heroes of the story are Allie and Luca who show a ‘strange kind of brave’ behaviour to stand up for that they believe in.
I thought the book was brilliant as I was reading it but as it continued the story line got more interesting and then PLOT TWIST which was holy hell, soooo amazing!! Honestly it was one of the few times I was never able to predict what was happening and I usually guess everything!!
This was one hell of an interesting read and I highly recommend that you read it!!
December 19, 2019
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for providing me with a copy of A Strange Kind of Brave, in exchange for an honest review.
A Strange Kind of Brave starts its tale with a shocking revelation "Yesterday I killed a boy on Clanfedden Bridge and then I drove away. Nobody had the courage to stop me". As the story takes us on the lead up to this moment, it alternates points of view between the original narrator and two other characters.
This was quite a unique story with wonderful messages about the damage bullying can do, among children and adults alike, as well as the courage it takes to stand up to it. Although the subject matter was geared towards YA, I could see this book being enjoyed by older middle grade readers as well.
The plot twists really kept me engaged with this book. Everytime I thought I knew what was going on, things moved in an entirely different direction!
I'd recommend adding this well written contemporary to your TBR list!
A Strange Kind of Brave starts its tale with a shocking revelation "Yesterday I killed a boy on Clanfedden Bridge and then I drove away. Nobody had the courage to stop me". As the story takes us on the lead up to this moment, it alternates points of view between the original narrator and two other characters.
This was quite a unique story with wonderful messages about the damage bullying can do, among children and adults alike, as well as the courage it takes to stand up to it. Although the subject matter was geared towards YA, I could see this book being enjoyed by older middle grade readers as well.
The plot twists really kept me engaged with this book. Everytime I thought I knew what was going on, things moved in an entirely different direction!
I'd recommend adding this well written contemporary to your TBR list!
September 2, 2019
What an extraordinary opening line, "Yesterday, I killed a boy on Clanfedden Bridge and then I drove away. Nobody had the courage to stop me". It will draw you in from the very beginning and you will not be able to put this book down. The fifth novel by Irish author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, one of our favourite authors writing for this age group, this story reveals what happens when fear and evil power from one individual can take hold of a small town. When no one in the town has the courage to stand up to Jake McCormack it takes the arrival of a teenage boy Luca to join forces with new friend Allie, at great personal cost to themselves, to stand up for the townspeople. It is a story of courage and resilience with a twist in the end that you will not see coming and will leave you shocked!
Suitable for 11+
Suitable for 11+
March 6, 2021
What a great read! A tale of loss, revenge and rebirth you can’t stop reading once you’ve started it.
It also manages to avoid the “big feelings, big speech” moment you find in most YA books and for that, I thank the author. Deep feelings do not need to be rehashed and rehashed when you can just show them with finesse and heart like the author did.
It also manages to avoid the “big feelings, big speech” moment you find in most YA books and for that, I thank the author. Deep feelings do not need to be rehashed and rehashed when you can just show them with finesse and heart like the author did.
July 25, 2019
From the very first line, this book wraps the reader in a grasp that will not let go. It hypnotises with words that speak to the heart of us all; words of fear, loss, hopelessness and the joy that is within reach if only we have the courage. Jake McCormack is a quintessential villain with truly evil capacity and compulsion to seek vengeance on any who would cross him. The vehicle of 'small town life' demonstrates an understanding of typical human nature. But the lead characters, Allie and Luca hold that resilient, if reckless quality to rise out of complacency; show that "strange kind of courage" that allows for triumph. The pervasive sense throughout of food, not simply as nourishment, but as joy for the soul is a subtle, but inspirational addition, bringing with it a desire to try something new and taking time away from from stress and trouble. There is a twist in the end that will leave the reader truly shocked; mouth open, filled with a terrible awe at the cleverness and the maliciousness that has been at work all along. Guaranteed: you will not see it coming. An obsessive read; powerful, heartfelt, shocking and liberating. You must read this book. (YA)
August 12, 2019
An innocent teenage love story / adventure that takes place against the backdrop of scores being settled in a small Irish town. There is danger and mystery enough to make this a page turner. The villian dominating the town is horribly sinister, his role a lot more complex than we first think. Clanfeddan comes to life beautifully as does the charming new restaurant set up by the Italian character Ariana Spinelli (side note, this book made me hungry for Italian food). A perfect summer story for young tweens and teens.
July 26, 2019
This wonderful author has done it again. What an amazing rollercoaster of a story. A journey I was not expecting to be taken on.
I finished this in Friday evening and couldn't stop thinking about it, so started it again on Saturday morning. Throughly enjoyed the 2nd reading almost as much as the first.
I finished this in Friday evening and couldn't stop thinking about it, so started it again on Saturday morning. Throughly enjoyed the 2nd reading almost as much as the first.
October 5, 2019
So I am perhaps biased, since I have the pleasure of studying under Sarah, but this book is absolutely wonderful. It is heartwarming and full of twists and an excellent reminder that not all kids books are just for kids.
June 3, 2020
Very interesting!😁
I gave this book a 4* because I loved reading it and I would have given it a 5 but the first half of it was a bit boring.
But the middle of the book made me soooooo interested I reading for almost the whole afternoon! 11 and 12 year olds will love it.
I gave this book a 4* because I loved reading it and I would have given it a 5 but the first half of it was a bit boring.
But the middle of the book made me soooooo interested I reading for almost the whole afternoon! 11 and 12 year olds will love it.
December 8, 2025
I read this in one night, it’s a very short book but it works. I’ll be honest I did not see the plot twist coming, and I love the persona of the ‘antagonist’
March 6, 2022
This book surprised me by how gripping it was. I finished it in almost one sitting, late at night; I honestly couldn’t put it down.
It’s short but the setting is great, surprising plot twists that genuinely caught me off guard, and lovely characters that really make the reader care about them and what happens.
It’s short but the setting is great, surprising plot twists that genuinely caught me off guard, and lovely characters that really make the reader care about them and what happens.
October 21, 2019
its amazing of course it is. i would expect nothing less from fitzgerald (ooooh presssure). its the first time i have seen an actual villain in the story and i enjoyed it greatly. the characters, although my time was short with. them was definitely memorable and i would love to see them again. like seriously how about like a murder mystery where all of her main characters come together and solve it or something? i would definetly read it and besides, the banter would be amazing. but back on track the main point im trying to convey here is. READ IT. im a hardcore fantasy freak and this was great. i mean even if your one of those people who only have a bookshelf for autobiographys, still read it. then buy another copy, frame it, you know the drill, get on your knees and pray at night to it. just read it okay?
p.s please sarah i beg of you when will we get news of your next book? im waiting...
p.s please sarah i beg of you when will we get news of your next book? im waiting...
May 21, 2020
I thought the start was impactful. And I was intrigued to find out the reason why.
The entirety of the book was just a build-up towards the plot twist. It felt kind of unnecessary? To me, the way things were told were going in circles in a way to avoid the BIG reveal which will be told eventually.
Something major happened. And that person managed to get away?! Where was the police!!!? There were so many people but from what I read, they did nothing? The bystander effect is real.
Now, I was not expecting that plot twist. It did blew my mind. But things that happened after felt a bit far-fetched. The whole debacle about going downhill and the drama between two characters.
I’m kind of meh about the ending. I was not really convinced with the spark of love going on.
What I did like though is the fact that bullying was covered. It does a lot to an individual. The emotional turmoil, the vulnerability ... it was captured well.
The entirety of the book was just a build-up towards the plot twist. It felt kind of unnecessary? To me, the way things were told were going in circles in a way to avoid the BIG reveal which will be told eventually.
Something major happened. And that person managed to get away?! Where was the police!!!? There were so many people but from what I read, they did nothing? The bystander effect is real.
Now, I was not expecting that plot twist. It did blew my mind. But things that happened after felt a bit far-fetched. The whole debacle about going downhill and the drama between two characters.
I’m kind of meh about the ending. I was not really convinced with the spark of love going on.
What I did like though is the fact that bullying was covered. It does a lot to an individual. The emotional turmoil, the vulnerability ... it was captured well.
October 30, 2019
Sarah Moore Fitzgerald’s YA thriller is a peculiar, forced affair, more suitable for Tweens than older teens. I enjoyed the theme of the damage done by loan-sharking and the importance of standing up to bullies, but the twists in this are pretty predictable and I was left wondering why adults were so taken in given some of the absurdities of a big reveal and the McCormack narrated sections are pretty hammy in their villainy.
March 31, 2020
I am kind of mad at this book.
The main ‘action’ part of the book happened right at the beginning and then we went back in time to boring conversations referencing events with a massive build up which turned out to be nothing.
Incredibly boring to be honest and I hated the character Ariana her obliviousness and whimsical ways just got on my nerves.
The main ‘action’ part of the book happened right at the beginning and then we went back in time to boring conversations referencing events with a massive build up which turned out to be nothing.
Incredibly boring to be honest and I hated the character Ariana her obliviousness and whimsical ways just got on my nerves.
November 5, 2019
Such a mysterious, gripping story with a thrilling twist at the end. Perfect for fans of The Fall by Tristan Bancks. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
December 17, 2019
Quite different from a lot of books I have read. The plot twist near the end was very surprising and made the book even more engaging.
March 3, 2021
I loved this book. With clear writing and compelling characters this book was lovely and surprising in many ways!
December 17, 2023
I read this with my form group, and tbh the twist has us all like 🙀🙀
January 8, 2023
I loved the plot twist in this book! I did not anticipate it and it was very well written. The only bit I really didn’t enjoy was the reveal of Lucas secret. He was incredibly dramatic about it, so I expected it to be much worse which led to a disappointing ending. The characters were pretty boring aswell, but still, it was fun to read
June 29, 2021
3.5 cute but very confused why it was shelved in the pride section at my library
August 13, 2025
never would have flippin guessed the ending !!!!
September 20, 2021
“It’s amazing really, the everyday bravery of simply surviving when inside you’re falling apart.”
January 15, 2021
i wouldn't say this book was the best but it was enjoyable. i loved the friendship the two main characters formed and maybe it was just me but i didn't see the plot twist coming.
April 3, 2020
A fine book for children aged round about 10. The relationship between Allie and Luca is a convincing one. For a mature reader, the twist and villain were a bit naff, but kids won't have any issues.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews