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Things I Know
A Raven Award Winning Irish author's North American debut. A moving YA novel about mental illness and recovery.
18-year-old Saoirse can’t wait to leave school – but just before the final exams her ex-boyfriend dies by suicide. Everyone blames Saoirse – even Saoirse herself, who cheated on him with his best friend. She is shunned by her schoolmates and suffers unbearable levels of anxiety, which her useless counsellor does nothing to alleviate.
On the night of the prom, everything becomes too much and Saoirse makes a decision that lands her in a psychiatric hospital. Slowly, painfully, with the support of a friendly hospital cleaner, her old best friend, her kind and hilarious grandmother, and even her irritating sister, Saoirse regains hope of finding herself again.
18-year-old Saoirse can’t wait to leave school – but just before the final exams her ex-boyfriend dies by suicide. Everyone blames Saoirse – even Saoirse herself, who cheated on him with his best friend. She is shunned by her schoolmates and suffers unbearable levels of anxiety, which her useless counsellor does nothing to alleviate.
On the night of the prom, everything becomes too much and Saoirse makes a decision that lands her in a psychiatric hospital. Slowly, painfully, with the support of a friendly hospital cleaner, her old best friend, her kind and hilarious grandmother, and even her irritating sister, Saoirse regains hope of finding herself again.
- GenresYoung AdultMental Health
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2022
5 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 22, 2023
This was a really good read, I would of ranked it higher but the "F" word overpowered the book.
April 13, 2022
Wow. I am just. Damn. In shock.
( in a good way)
Tw for suicide, SA, depression, anxiety and panic attacks
Before i get to the review, thank you so much to Little Island Books for sending me an arc of this book 🥰
This book is about a very mentally ill girl named Saoirse, who lives in rural Ireland. She is still grieving the death of her mother when her ex boyfriend commits suicide. Saoirse thinks that this is her fault. The story is about her struggling to keep her head above water in a place where so much tragedy has occurred, and she just doesn’t fit in. I finished this book in three hours, without putting it down once. Saoirse is likeable and messy and sad and lonely. The stigma surrounding mental health in Ireland is awful, and this book really encompasses how nothing is done until it’s too late. I enjoyed and related to the depiction of typical Irish families and small towns. This novel is compelling and heartbreaking and I recommend to anyone feeling lost. That being said, please,please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
( in a good way)
Tw for suicide, SA, depression, anxiety and panic attacks
Before i get to the review, thank you so much to Little Island Books for sending me an arc of this book 🥰
This book is about a very mentally ill girl named Saoirse, who lives in rural Ireland. She is still grieving the death of her mother when her ex boyfriend commits suicide. Saoirse thinks that this is her fault. The story is about her struggling to keep her head above water in a place where so much tragedy has occurred, and she just doesn’t fit in. I finished this book in three hours, without putting it down once. Saoirse is likeable and messy and sad and lonely. The stigma surrounding mental health in Ireland is awful, and this book really encompasses how nothing is done until it’s too late. I enjoyed and related to the depiction of typical Irish families and small towns. This novel is compelling and heartbreaking and I recommend to anyone feeling lost. That being said, please,please check trigger warnings before reading this book.
April 24, 2022
Exceptional. I feel like I lived through every pain and every laugh of these surreal months: May-December with Saoirse. The loss and heartache are so vividly drawn and palpable. My own heart ached as I read. The trauma of loss- firstly of her mother with cancer and then her ex via suicide, meanwhile having to sit her Leaving Cert examinations and apply for college, whilst dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, guilt and the weight of blame from her former friends. Yet, in the midst of all the lows, there is humour and love and laughter, family and friendship and hope. A coming of age book dipped in the reality of traumatic events and mental health conditions. Saoirse is forced to set aside all that she doesn't comprehend and cannot control in order to help her find her way back to herself and her loved ones. Set in the rugged landscape and tides of the West Coast of Ireland, this story is as wild and beautiful as its landscape. I loved returning to some of my favourite Irish towns and villages, hearing the local dialect, visualising the surf and the local chipper with its garlic cheesy chips and getting to know its inhabitants. Saoirse walked me though every moment. With thanks to Helena Close and Little Island Books for this incredible read. #thingsiknow #helenaclose #littleislandbooks #irishbookstagram #nibookstagrammer #irishfiction #irishwriter #teensuicide #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #karla_bookishlife
August 30, 2022
Wow. My head is still a mess from this book. The emotions in this book were so intensely palpable. I felt every cry and every smile right in my gut. It was gut wrenchingly powerful. Saoirse, the protagonist, was complicated. Her mind was raw and fierce, one that forced the reader to block everything else out. The plot was twisted and beautiful, it was painfully realistic and thus evoked extreme empathy. All the emotions were heightened by the fact the characters were heart warming and hateful and REAL. Perhaps the ending still carried the hints of being a little clichéd and unsatisfying but all throughout, it had me hooked. It was such a painful story but one that I think everyone should read.
July 14, 2022
Personally, I would’ve given it 5 stars except for the fact that the phrase “gowl” is used at LEAST 50 times *no joke*. I found it overly colloquial in the beginning, however as it progressed, it began to grow on me.
July 15, 2023
Incredible. Every bit of heartache from this book seemed to make my heart ache too. The writing is so powerfully honest from beginning to end, with characters that are both conflicting and beautifully written.
The setting of Cloughmore felt extremely real, I could absolutely visualize this place through all the little details from the vegetarian cafe to the chippy. Life in a rural Irish town was perfectly captured in a hilarious yet poignant way, and Saoirse's family reminded me of my own (especially her Nan). One of my favourite features of Irish novels has to be the use of our dialect, and I think Close handles that very nicely.
One part of this story that stood out was the emotional journey of Saoirse, one that I deeply resonated with. Equally, the development of Eva completely transformed my opinion of her from start to finish.
It's very encouraging to see Young Adult writing about mental health – especially set in Ireland. All throughout, I felt understood and at home with these characters.
This is a story of grief, the recovery process and mental health that unfolds so well. Definitely a must read!
The setting of Cloughmore felt extremely real, I could absolutely visualize this place through all the little details from the vegetarian cafe to the chippy. Life in a rural Irish town was perfectly captured in a hilarious yet poignant way, and Saoirse's family reminded me of my own (especially her Nan). One of my favourite features of Irish novels has to be the use of our dialect, and I think Close handles that very nicely.
One part of this story that stood out was the emotional journey of Saoirse, one that I deeply resonated with. Equally, the development of Eva completely transformed my opinion of her from start to finish.
It's very encouraging to see Young Adult writing about mental health – especially set in Ireland. All throughout, I felt understood and at home with these characters.
This is a story of grief, the recovery process and mental health that unfolds so well. Definitely a must read!
May 22, 2022
There are books that are very hard to describe, even to yourself. There are books that nestle into your heart and stay there. Very rarely, there's a book that is both.
I'm not going to try to describe the plot, because I'll come up woefully short. It's set over about seven months in a small Irish town. Having read this, I think I must have been a very boring teenager - I didn't go out drinking, and I certainly didn't do it just before the Leaving Cert! But then I didn't have a beach to have bonfires on; that's probably the difference there.
This book is going to stay with me for a long time. Kisd should be reading it - but more than that, parents should be reading it too, to know what's going on in their kids' lifes, to get an idea of how to help them and when to step back. It's worth reading and then discussing with your kids, even.
I really hope this gets picked up for schools and libraries. It deserves to.
I'm not going to try to describe the plot, because I'll come up woefully short. It's set over about seven months in a small Irish town. Having read this, I think I must have been a very boring teenager - I didn't go out drinking, and I certainly didn't do it just before the Leaving Cert! But then I didn't have a beach to have bonfires on; that's probably the difference there.
This book is going to stay with me for a long time. Kisd should be reading it - but more than that, parents should be reading it too, to know what's going on in their kids' lifes, to get an idea of how to help them and when to step back. It's worth reading and then discussing with your kids, even.
I really hope this gets picked up for schools and libraries. It deserves to.
April 27, 2024
Saoirse is a malice magnet, from the start we know how the story ends; there are only so many plausible outcomes.
This was definitely a page turner, easy to read and captivating dialogue. A plethora of intriguing literary devices embellished the author's story wrapped around the unfortunate truth of unspoken mental health in Ireland. I found that it lacked any revelation or suspense. Even if we couldn't necessarily predict that Saoirse would develop a dissociative state, it felt a lot like déjà vu.
I enjoyed the Irish culture in the novel, obviously, and I feel if I had read this at a younger age I would have been able to relate more to the characters and the fragility of the mind in teen years.
I would probably give a 3.5-5 but more as I finished it in 5 reading sessions as it didn't make me reflect all that much.
This was definitely a page turner, easy to read and captivating dialogue. A plethora of intriguing literary devices embellished the author's story wrapped around the unfortunate truth of unspoken mental health in Ireland. I found that it lacked any revelation or suspense. Even if we couldn't necessarily predict that Saoirse would develop a dissociative state, it felt a lot like déjà vu.
I enjoyed the Irish culture in the novel, obviously, and I feel if I had read this at a younger age I would have been able to relate more to the characters and the fragility of the mind in teen years.
I would probably give a 3.5-5 but more as I finished it in 5 reading sessions as it didn't make me reflect all that much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
A moving and affecting story about grief and mental illness. Characters felt very real in the various ways they dealt with their inter/personal struggles. The setting and some of the vernacular are very specifically Irish, and while it's still relatable I feel like there's probably some social context lost on me (the constant use of 'gorl' being one). I also found some of the depictions of Saoirse's anxiety to be a bit repetitive. These are minor points, though, in what is a truly thoughtful, heartbreaking and very human story that never condescends or preaches, judges or apologises for characters that are flawed, messy and just trying to do their best to get by.
January 3, 2023
Blown away by this book. I read it in a day. Brilliant characters that actually act and speak like young people. Tough subject to tackle and I really don't know how the author manages to make it humorous and hopeful but she does. Saoirse is so well drawn and utterly believable. Even the minor characters are brilliant. All are flawed, all ring true. Would give it 20 stars if I could. I will be reading everything by this author from now on. This book broke me and put me back together again. A gem.
April 12, 2022
“You are allowed to be sad. Another lie. You’re not allowed to be sad. People have no tolerance for sad.” 🍻🥀
TW: suicide, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
I was sent this book by the incredible @littleislandbks and I must say it did NOT disappoint.
Mental health is such a wide spreading and a taboo topic, sometimes authors try to tackle it in their stories and do nothing but romanticise/make it an aesthetic or just further create negative conversation. Then you have the authors that shine a light.
@helclose does an incredible job at showing trauma and mental health struggles in an honest light. This novel is a spotlight on grief, depression and sadness, how most of the time it’s not romantic or cute or an aesthetic at all. It’s dark, grim, painful and hollow.
I have awarded this book 3.5 ⭐️ out of 5.
It was an amazing story, I found myself relating to Saoirse a lot and that is why I could not award it higher. That is not a reflection of Helena as an author, it is a reflection of this:
Trauma is real, this book ran in parallel with some of my own trauma memories. It made it impossible for me to have a 5⭐️ experience, but that is out of anyones control. I can 10000% see this book being a 5⭐️ for so many other people. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, it was great, it just brought a lot to the surface.
That in itself is okay though, it allowed me to let Saoirse in.
I’d like to thank @helclose and @littleislandbks for allowing me to enjoy this novel before release & I really recommend everyone go get themselves a copy!! it’s such an important story with such important topics.
Thankyou @helclose for writing about those experiences without rose tinted glasses, it may be hard to read but it’s important. You should be so proud of this piece of work it is amazing!!
TW: suicide, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
I was sent this book by the incredible @littleislandbks and I must say it did NOT disappoint.
Mental health is such a wide spreading and a taboo topic, sometimes authors try to tackle it in their stories and do nothing but romanticise/make it an aesthetic or just further create negative conversation. Then you have the authors that shine a light.
@helclose does an incredible job at showing trauma and mental health struggles in an honest light. This novel is a spotlight on grief, depression and sadness, how most of the time it’s not romantic or cute or an aesthetic at all. It’s dark, grim, painful and hollow.
I have awarded this book 3.5 ⭐️ out of 5.
It was an amazing story, I found myself relating to Saoirse a lot and that is why I could not award it higher. That is not a reflection of Helena as an author, it is a reflection of this:
Trauma is real, this book ran in parallel with some of my own trauma memories. It made it impossible for me to have a 5⭐️ experience, but that is out of anyones control. I can 10000% see this book being a 5⭐️ for so many other people. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, it was great, it just brought a lot to the surface.
That in itself is okay though, it allowed me to let Saoirse in.
I’d like to thank @helclose and @littleislandbks for allowing me to enjoy this novel before release & I really recommend everyone go get themselves a copy!! it’s such an important story with such important topics.
Thankyou @helclose for writing about those experiences without rose tinted glasses, it may be hard to read but it’s important. You should be so proud of this piece of work it is amazing!!
August 11, 2022
I don't know how Close writes about such raw, honest, wrenching things with a lightness that speaks to the hope and growth and pain of being young. Her touch is perfect, never bogging you down in the pain of what is happening but always telling the truth. It's witty, relatable, beautiful and heartbreaking all in turn. I can't recommend this book enough. I'm sad it's finished. I can't wait to reread when the time is right.
June 22, 2024
3.5*
a raw story that tackles mental health and anxiety and grief from the perspective of youth making it a very necessary book for teens that might be struggling with those issues. honestly the last pages were the best i would have loved for the book to get to that point sooner so it could explore the ending more in depth
a raw story that tackles mental health and anxiety and grief from the perspective of youth making it a very necessary book for teens that might be struggling with those issues. honestly the last pages were the best i would have loved for the book to get to that point sooner so it could explore the ending more in depth
August 14, 2024
I love how the writer builds up the conversation and puts the pieces of each storyline. this book is a page-turner. the way Helena depicts the main character, Saoirse, and her circumstances is something that I will hold dear and close to my heart. as I finished this book, I believe that everything happens just in time. not sooner or later. Things I know, everything happens in its own time.
February 16, 2025
Saoirse is a Limerick girl struggling with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks following the death of her mother and, most recently, her ex-boyfriend.
This is a serious novel dealing with
suicide, mental health, depression. Also contains themes of drug-use, and bullying.
Well-written book that shows the trauma and challenges of teenage life.
This is a serious novel dealing with
suicide, mental health, depression. Also contains themes of drug-use, and bullying.
Well-written book that shows the trauma and challenges of teenage life.
January 6, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which I happened across by chance on my library app. Some really strong 'normal people' book vibes here, which can only be a good thing! I found myself reading this in the middle of the night and unable to put it down. 4* from me.
January 18, 2023
Great humour, but a very real story.
This book is important and should be read by teenagers and adults alike. Mental health is difficult to write about, but Helena Close does this through honesty and humour. It is executed beautifully.
I highly recommend picking this up.
This book is important and should be read by teenagers and adults alike. Mental health is difficult to write about, but Helena Close does this through honesty and humour. It is executed beautifully.
I highly recommend picking this up.
February 21, 2024
AMAZING. the author did a fantastic job of creating a vibe that shifted over the course of the book and served as an excellent grounder to the turbulent events that occurred. it felt like reading poetry.
July 5, 2024
As well as being a moving & sensitive exploration of grief, mental ill health, and being a young person trying to find their way in the world, it's also a love letter to Limerick full of colloquialisms, iconic locations, and wonderful characters. I loved it ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
I wasn’t particularly excited by the story throughout the book as a whole. However, the ending made up for it.
The explanations of the dark emotions are raw but at times repetitive. Also, it was hard to follow the relationship statuses at times though, all became clear at the end.
The explanations of the dark emotions are raw but at times repetitive. Also, it was hard to follow the relationship statuses at times though, all became clear at the end.
December 12, 2024
With this book I felt seen. I love the way such delicate things were written about, like SA, suicide, depression and so on. The story is just heartbreaking, but I’m so glad the main character could find the light at the end of the tunnel.
July 29, 2025
Not necessarily awful, but just felt a bit pointless. It was easy to read but i think that was also partially out of anticipation. The whole time I was waiting for something to happen and it just never did.
July 18, 2022
Amazing book, well worth picking up.
July 31, 2022
Favourite book of the year
August 20, 2022
damn. intense and haunting. like a mix of normal people and perks of being a wallflower. love love LOVE how the characters are written. teens talking and acting like teens. properly done.
January 18, 2023
This book is amazing!
January 19, 2023
We read this in our virtual book club and discussed it yesterday — excellent choice.
Beautifully written.
Best book we’ve read to date.
Beautifully written.
Best book we’ve read to date.
April 19, 2023
heart was broken in to a million pieces
August 1, 2023
Enjoyed this until the end when it turns out she was born in 2003 !!! I’m old :(
December 23, 2023
Wonderful narration on grief, fault, and internalized guilt, and I adore this author's writing style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews