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The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock
Wendy just wants to be a poet. So how comes she's on the run after an art heist?
'May well be the best book I've read in years' – Peter May
An aspiring writer from the Southside of Glasgow, Wendy is in a rut. She tries to brighten her call-centre job by shoehorning as many long words as possible into conversations with customers. But her manager isn't amused by that and, after a public dressing-down, Wendy walks out.
Jobless and depressed, she finds consolation in a surprise friendship with another disgruntled ex-colleague, wild-child painter Cat, who encourages her to live more dangerously. It's just what Wendy needs and it's also brilliant for her creative juices. But a black cloud is about to overshadow this new-found liberation, as well as to put Wendy on the wrong side of the law.
Fresh, insightful and funny, as well as unflinchingly honest about the tougher side of life, Kenny Boyle's debut novel takes us deep into the psyche of a likeable misfit who treads a fine line between reality and fantasy – and just wants the world to see her true self.
'May well be the best book I've read in years' – Peter May
An aspiring writer from the Southside of Glasgow, Wendy is in a rut. She tries to brighten her call-centre job by shoehorning as many long words as possible into conversations with customers. But her manager isn't amused by that and, after a public dressing-down, Wendy walks out.
Jobless and depressed, she finds consolation in a surprise friendship with another disgruntled ex-colleague, wild-child painter Cat, who encourages her to live more dangerously. It's just what Wendy needs and it's also brilliant for her creative juices. But a black cloud is about to overshadow this new-found liberation, as well as to put Wendy on the wrong side of the law.
Fresh, insightful and funny, as well as unflinchingly honest about the tougher side of life, Kenny Boyle's debut novel takes us deep into the psyche of a likeable misfit who treads a fine line between reality and fantasy – and just wants the world to see her true self.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2022
33 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 27, 2022
As the story begins we meet Wendy, who has just committed a felony, an “ art heist”, and is hiding out in the attic of the house she shares with her Gran who raised her. As the narrative progresses, Wendy, who loves writing poetry and learning new words, takes us through the sequence of events that has led to her present state. Unemployed after her love for using big words lands her in trouble in her call-center job, she finds herself alone and depressed, not quite motivated to search for a job. Her friendship with Catriona, “Cat”, proves to bring a breath of fresh air into her life. Socially uncomfortable, with only few friends and lonely, Wendy finds a fast friend in Cat, an aspiring artist and ex-colleague who is also struggling, with whom she has fun (and gets into trouble) and can share her fantasies, stories and poetry, her insecurities and her fears.
Wendy is quirky and endearing and her worldview is unique – partially influenced by her inability to socialize on a large scale and , partially because she traverses between reality and fantasy. However, her story is about much more than how two lost souls find comfort and friendship in one another and the author skillfully turns the discussion toward more sensitive topics, while keeping the tone compassionate but impactful. While friendship with Cat allows Wendy to evolve and find her own voice , it also encourages her to take stock of her own life and understand the motivations of those around her. The author does a wonderful job of depicting Wendy’s feelings of inadequacy and her struggles that she shares in her own words as she begins to comprehend that she is not alone and others, whose lives may seem more put together, might also be struggling . With humor and compassion, author Kenny Boyle touches upon themes of friendship, trust, bullying, mental health and how important kindness, communication, and conversation is for helping those who are struggling. Well-written and insightful, humorous and heartbreaking but hopeful, The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock by Kenny Boyle is a story that touches your heart.
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All views expressed in this review are my own.
“’Because not everyone who stands at the top of the mountain falls,’ Lily tells me softly, ‘but when people think they might, it’s important they get help. Don’t you agree?’ ”
( TW: Depression, bullying, suicide)
Wendy is quirky and endearing and her worldview is unique – partially influenced by her inability to socialize on a large scale and , partially because she traverses between reality and fantasy. However, her story is about much more than how two lost souls find comfort and friendship in one another and the author skillfully turns the discussion toward more sensitive topics, while keeping the tone compassionate but impactful. While friendship with Cat allows Wendy to evolve and find her own voice , it also encourages her to take stock of her own life and understand the motivations of those around her. The author does a wonderful job of depicting Wendy’s feelings of inadequacy and her struggles that she shares in her own words as she begins to comprehend that she is not alone and others, whose lives may seem more put together, might also be struggling . With humor and compassion, author Kenny Boyle touches upon themes of friendship, trust, bullying, mental health and how important kindness, communication, and conversation is for helping those who are struggling. Well-written and insightful, humorous and heartbreaking but hopeful, The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock by Kenny Boyle is a story that touches your heart.
Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All views expressed in this review are my own.
“’Because not everyone who stands at the top of the mountain falls,’ Lily tells me softly, ‘but when people think they might, it’s important they get help. Don’t you agree?’ ”
( TW: Depression, bullying, suicide)
May 14, 2025
I think this is a nicely written first book. It deals with a young woman with depression and a packet of other issues that need to be dealt with in counseling. Wendy does grow some with friendship. I empathized with her but I feel she’d mean a lot more to me if I were younger. Nice though, Mr. Kenny Boyle.
February 19, 2023
An artist and a poet walk into a bar...
The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock is a debut worth reading. It is full of heart and humor with characters you will root for.
So what's it about? Let's see, there's friendship, family, living a creative life, struggles to keep yourself together and find your place. It reminded me that the best of best friends are those that laugh together. It's true that laughter is the best medicine.
Wendy is a college graduate and a writer of poetry. She is immature for her age, a loner who struggles with anxiety and depression. That is until she meets a kindred spirit. Cat is struggling, too, with her painting and depression and Wendy finds her fascinating. They click. It's funny and entertaining.
Then the adventures and misadventures begin:
a work walk-out,
a poetry reading,
a car chase,
an art heist,
a foot chase,
and a reckoning.
Is Grandma a secret ninja?
The description of smoking pot for the first time is worth the price of admission.
Then someone dies and the pain and the guilt are almost unbearable. Is there light at the end of the tunnel or is it a train?
Tick tock
I thoroughly enjoyed The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock. Kenny Boyle is a talented writer and very, very clever. Don't take my word for it. Read it yourself and then you can thank me.
I received a drc from the publisher via Netgalley.
The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock is a debut worth reading. It is full of heart and humor with characters you will root for.
So what's it about? Let's see, there's friendship, family, living a creative life, struggles to keep yourself together and find your place. It reminded me that the best of best friends are those that laugh together. It's true that laughter is the best medicine.
Wendy is a college graduate and a writer of poetry. She is immature for her age, a loner who struggles with anxiety and depression. That is until she meets a kindred spirit. Cat is struggling, too, with her painting and depression and Wendy finds her fascinating. They click. It's funny and entertaining.
Then the adventures and misadventures begin:
a work walk-out,
a poetry reading,
a car chase,
an art heist,
a foot chase,
and a reckoning.
Is Grandma a secret ninja?
The description of smoking pot for the first time is worth the price of admission.
Then someone dies and the pain and the guilt are almost unbearable. Is there light at the end of the tunnel or is it a train?
Tick tock
I thoroughly enjoyed The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock. Kenny Boyle is a talented writer and very, very clever. Don't take my word for it. Read it yourself and then you can thank me.
I received a drc from the publisher via Netgalley.
September 14, 2024
Both humourous and touching, silly and sincere, entertaining and heartfelt. Add it to your reading list.
May 5, 2022
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours.
The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile clock is a fun, whitty and quirky read that was exactly what I needed right now!
Wendy and Cat are awesome friends who have so much fun together! Wendys quite a relateable character and her and Cat together are hilarious! This book makes you stop and think and view things differently and I found it an emotional and touching read in a few places too. This book touches on mental health which I am really pleased about as this is still a taboo subject even today. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to others!
The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile clock is a fun, whitty and quirky read that was exactly what I needed right now!
Wendy and Cat are awesome friends who have so much fun together! Wendys quite a relateable character and her and Cat together are hilarious! This book makes you stop and think and view things differently and I found it an emotional and touching read in a few places too. This book touches on mental health which I am really pleased about as this is still a taboo subject even today. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to others!
March 31, 2022
Beautifully quirky, completely entertaining, hugely touching and actually, quite important.
If you liked Eleanor Oliphant, you'll love this.
If you liked Eleanor Oliphant, you'll love this.
May 10, 2022
Wendy is in a dead end job in a call center. All she wants to do is be a writer and capitalize on her immense vocabulary. Unfortunately her vocabulary gets her in trouble at work and rather than get fired, she quits. Others follow suit, it seems Wendy has unknowingly staged a walkout. Cat, a new employee, is one of the few to leave and they befriend each other.
Wendy and Cat become fast friends and before too long, Wendy finds herself getting in even more trouble. You know the magnitude of the trouble gets worst because the book starts with Wendy being at the center of an art heist.
This is an adorably quirky book. It is subtly funny, and if you skim you will miss so much of the amazing humor.
It is also heartbreaking, which caught me off guard. Completely 💔
Wendy and Cat become fast friends and before too long, Wendy finds herself getting in even more trouble. You know the magnitude of the trouble gets worst because the book starts with Wendy being at the center of an art heist.
This is an adorably quirky book. It is subtly funny, and if you skim you will miss so much of the amazing humor.
It is also heartbreaking, which caught me off guard. Completely 💔
April 7, 2022
Absolutely incredible book, so funny and so witty. I loved the relationship between Wendy and Cat. The narrative was very cleverly written. I can’t wait to re-read this!
May 29, 2022
“Every collection of people, no matter how big or small- whether it’s cities, towns, villages, offices, or classroom- has tribes. Finding people who you can form a tribe with is a natural human thing to do. “
What a fantastic debut! An easy, fun read with a main character you cannot help but fall in love with; and yet packs a punch in the gut in all the right places. I love the way in which Kenny highlights the necessity for finding your tribe, and how once you find someone who sees into your soul your life can change completely. As soon as someone believes in you, you can achieve the impossible.
Kenny writes about mental health in such an accessible way. Doesn’t poke too much fun at it, and yet the book is funny and witty in its own unique way. I love the way throughout the author made it clear that to be a victim of bad mental health does not mean you are crazy, aswell as the fact we are not alone in our struggles.
I loved the world and character building which kept me guessing almost to the end. I really wasn’t sure how it would come together but it really helped to pack that punch.
All in all a fantastic debut that will be an important read for those knights trying to slay their dragons out there.
What a fantastic debut! An easy, fun read with a main character you cannot help but fall in love with; and yet packs a punch in the gut in all the right places. I love the way in which Kenny highlights the necessity for finding your tribe, and how once you find someone who sees into your soul your life can change completely. As soon as someone believes in you, you can achieve the impossible.
Kenny writes about mental health in such an accessible way. Doesn’t poke too much fun at it, and yet the book is funny and witty in its own unique way. I love the way throughout the author made it clear that to be a victim of bad mental health does not mean you are crazy, aswell as the fact we are not alone in our struggles.
I loved the world and character building which kept me guessing almost to the end. I really wasn’t sure how it would come together but it really helped to pack that punch.
All in all a fantastic debut that will be an important read for those knights trying to slay their dragons out there.
May 4, 2022
'I don't know what time it is when I go to bed - all the clocks in my house are wrong but I don't fix them out of principle because if it's my job to tell them the time then what are they bringing to the relationship?'
Wendy is quirky, she has a funny way of looking at the world. She's am aspiring poet, she's a loner. Wendy is also depressed.
When Wendy finally makes a friend in Cat, her life changes. Her simple boring routine of a life working in a call centre and going home to her grans' cupcakes are over. Cat provides a new outlook on life, and this gives Wendy the story of a lifetime.
Written in a truly new way, I found this book refreshing and a little wild. This is definitely an author to look out for and one who's gone and worked a little outside the box.
I like the way we never truly know what's real and what isn't. Told from the POV of Wendy, who's as reliable as a clock with no hands.
Enjoyed the mystery of it, and the unexpected prose.
Wendy is quirky, she has a funny way of looking at the world. She's am aspiring poet, she's a loner. Wendy is also depressed.
When Wendy finally makes a friend in Cat, her life changes. Her simple boring routine of a life working in a call centre and going home to her grans' cupcakes are over. Cat provides a new outlook on life, and this gives Wendy the story of a lifetime.
Written in a truly new way, I found this book refreshing and a little wild. This is definitely an author to look out for and one who's gone and worked a little outside the box.
I like the way we never truly know what's real and what isn't. Told from the POV of Wendy, who's as reliable as a clock with no hands.
Enjoyed the mystery of it, and the unexpected prose.
August 23, 2022
I was given this book for a trade of an honest review. I told myself I would be very harsh and critical because I was told I would like it, because I like to prove people wrong. However in this instance I have never been more glad to say I could not.
Whilst this may be a debut novel, it is an excellent piece of literature. From the passing to the dialogue, I cannot find a complaint. Before reading this I had never audibly laughed nor cried because of a book. Kenny has managed to depict such complicated emotions in such a beautiful manner, not by telling us as readers, but by showing us. The lack of labels towards Wendy's mental health issues within this book allow for the reader to really feel the confusion she experiences, and sometimes the extent of her grief. Wendy's numbness is incredibly well shown. Not only that but the physical embodiment of mental health in this novel is absolutely astounding, I have never felt more uncomfortable by something I know cannot be controlled, that cannot be controlled because it does not want to. It follows you around with pride knowing that you cannot quite describe its capabilities on your own.
Kenny's humour is so effortless in this novel, and he is able to balance funny and serious without making it feel like he is taking the piss, or using the humour to devalue and situation. You can tell the humour is utilised as a coping mechanism for the main character.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what Kenny comes up with next
Whilst this may be a debut novel, it is an excellent piece of literature. From the passing to the dialogue, I cannot find a complaint. Before reading this I had never audibly laughed nor cried because of a book. Kenny has managed to depict such complicated emotions in such a beautiful manner, not by telling us as readers, but by showing us. The lack of labels towards Wendy's mental health issues within this book allow for the reader to really feel the confusion she experiences, and sometimes the extent of her grief. Wendy's numbness is incredibly well shown. Not only that but the physical embodiment of mental health in this novel is absolutely astounding, I have never felt more uncomfortable by something I know cannot be controlled, that cannot be controlled because it does not want to. It follows you around with pride knowing that you cannot quite describe its capabilities on your own.
Kenny's humour is so effortless in this novel, and he is able to balance funny and serious without making it feel like he is taking the piss, or using the humour to devalue and situation. You can tell the humour is utilised as a coping mechanism for the main character.
I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what Kenny comes up with next
August 25, 2022
So wonderful to read a book which germinated from a play I saw at the Edinburgh Festival almost ten years ago. Kenny Boyle has not only written his first novel, but woven a compassionate, thoughtful and intriguing story which often coerces the reader to think of how much they value those closest to them. A wonderful debut from a writer with something different to say.
May 3, 2022
This was such a fun read! I really liked the way it was written, I thought it was very clever.
The characters were fab especially the protagonist Wendy. She's super quirky and I found her to be a truly entertaining narrator.
I loved Wendy and Cat's friendship, their chemistry was undeniable and their escapades were often hilarious!
This charming story made me laugh and cry, kept me guessing and was not what I expected at all. It really made me think. It touched on tough subjects such as mental health which I think is so important.
I don't often re-read books but I want to read this one again already and I'd definitely like to read more from this author.
The characters were fab especially the protagonist Wendy. She's super quirky and I found her to be a truly entertaining narrator.
I loved Wendy and Cat's friendship, their chemistry was undeniable and their escapades were often hilarious!
This charming story made me laugh and cry, kept me guessing and was not what I expected at all. It really made me think. It touched on tough subjects such as mental health which I think is so important.
I don't often re-read books but I want to read this one again already and I'd definitely like to read more from this author.
August 6, 2022
This book will stay with me for a long time. The author manages to explore important issues with sensitivity and skill. Through the characters of Wendy and Cat, we get a real insight into society, identity, relationships and mental health. The author has a real skill with words and people. A rare find. A thoughtful, clever book that really resonated with me. Highly recommend.
April 26, 2022
Wonderfully charming, witty, engaging and totally addictive! I loved every minute of this little gem! The cover is beautiful and the title is catching and this definitely made me want to start reading sooner rather than later.
Once I did start reading it was difficult to stop, there were so many little things within the story that just made me smile and want to read on. The chemistry between the characters is perfect and there are certain parts of the story that I found to be quite moving and thought provoking.
This is a well written book definitely worthy of the 5 stars I’m giving it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’d like to thank Lovebookstours for allowing me to be part of this tour! I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. Views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
Once I did start reading it was difficult to stop, there were so many little things within the story that just made me smile and want to read on. The chemistry between the characters is perfect and there are certain parts of the story that I found to be quite moving and thought provoking.
This is a well written book definitely worthy of the 5 stars I’m giving it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’d like to thank Lovebookstours for allowing me to be part of this tour! I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. Views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
April 27, 2022
A fun, funny yet ultimately moving and thought provoking book - what a great debut.
January 1, 2023
“I love putting words in order on a page and making something that I think is bigger than the sum of its parts. I love having time to arrange them and play with them. I wish I weren’t so afraid of words in the real world, I wish they didn’t turn into glue in my mouth so often. Life is an unlimited cascade of parallel possibilities and every single word alters the path. That’s petrifying: it’s fossilising. How can people handle that responsibility?
It’s words. It always has been. Words are the problem.”
tw: suicide, suicidal ideation
4.5, rounded up
What a book. What a beautiful, brilliant book.
I picked this up because something about it made me think of “The Goldfinch” – there’s a painting at the centre of a crime, and two people that are bound to it – two women, Wendy and Cat (who’d rather not be called Catriona, thank you very much). While there are few similarities aside from these few details, the emotional impact that this book had on me is on part with “The Goldfinch”.
Wendy loves words. Rare words, long words, words with unexpected meaning. She loves putting them to use as she writes poetry. She’s not a poet, though – to be a poet, someone else must recognise you as such.
That someone else happens to be Cat, a woman Wendy meets by chance the day they quit the same job. Cat, the enigmatic artist, draws Wendy into her peculiar and slighly dangerous world, and both their lives change forever.
Throughout the non-linear narrative, Boyle crafts a compelling life of an ordinary woman who ends up in rather extraordinary circumstances. There’s so much love and tragedy to it. The humour shines from the first pages, and the emotional punches are delivered in a way that makes the reader’s heart ache – at least mine did. The book touches on experiences such as alienation, social struggles, transition into adulthood, and how capitalism impacts creativity. Boyle’s prose is a joy to read, and I may have several pages of quotes saved in my docs to go back to.
I cannot commend Boyle enough for the way Wendy was written. She’s such an incredible example of an unreliable narrator, and her guilty conscience makes her feel so painfully human. Wendy’s depression, anxiety, and executive dysfunction were portrayed in a way that felt raw and real, particularly as someone who has gone through these experiences myself. The passage of time, the trailing shadow of it all – you can tell there’s an intimate understanding how mental illness feels.
“The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock” is equal parts funny and bittersweet. It’s delightful, witty, and profound. The quote I’ve picked is quite accurate, since Im struggling for words to describe exactly the impact this book had on me. I have little doubt that it will end up as one of my favourites for the year, and I look forward to what the author might have in store in the future.
It’s words. It always has been. Words are the problem.”
tw: suicide, suicidal ideation
4.5, rounded up
What a book. What a beautiful, brilliant book.
I picked this up because something about it made me think of “The Goldfinch” – there’s a painting at the centre of a crime, and two people that are bound to it – two women, Wendy and Cat (who’d rather not be called Catriona, thank you very much). While there are few similarities aside from these few details, the emotional impact that this book had on me is on part with “The Goldfinch”.
Wendy loves words. Rare words, long words, words with unexpected meaning. She loves putting them to use as she writes poetry. She’s not a poet, though – to be a poet, someone else must recognise you as such.
That someone else happens to be Cat, a woman Wendy meets by chance the day they quit the same job. Cat, the enigmatic artist, draws Wendy into her peculiar and slighly dangerous world, and both their lives change forever.
Throughout the non-linear narrative, Boyle crafts a compelling life of an ordinary woman who ends up in rather extraordinary circumstances. There’s so much love and tragedy to it. The humour shines from the first pages, and the emotional punches are delivered in a way that makes the reader’s heart ache – at least mine did. The book touches on experiences such as alienation, social struggles, transition into adulthood, and how capitalism impacts creativity. Boyle’s prose is a joy to read, and I may have several pages of quotes saved in my docs to go back to.
I cannot commend Boyle enough for the way Wendy was written. She’s such an incredible example of an unreliable narrator, and her guilty conscience makes her feel so painfully human. Wendy’s depression, anxiety, and executive dysfunction were portrayed in a way that felt raw and real, particularly as someone who has gone through these experiences myself. The passage of time, the trailing shadow of it all – you can tell there’s an intimate understanding how mental illness feels.
“The Tick and the Tock of the Crocodile Clock” is equal parts funny and bittersweet. It’s delightful, witty, and profound. The quote I’ve picked is quite accurate, since Im struggling for words to describe exactly the impact this book had on me. I have little doubt that it will end up as one of my favourites for the year, and I look forward to what the author might have in store in the future.
January 9, 2023
This was an emotional rollercoaster.
First I was expecting a buddy-heist with a couple of daft lassies being pals around Glasgow. Certainly delivered on that part as I got a intense nostalgia hit toward the beginnings of one of my dearest friendships. Just the days and nights (not) wasted talking about anything and everything, worrying you sounded weird and then realising your friend didn't care because they're weird too. It felt like a very real portrayal of a budding and intense female friendship.
Then the book turns. I hadn't read any spoilers so didn't know that I was in for a steep drop into trying not to cry on my lunch break at work. I don't really want to spoil it for others so I shall say this: I thought the author handled this all quite delicately, but realistically (the anger especially), and it was obvious there was some personal experience in there with Wendy's realisation about her own health.
Overall, very funny, very tragic but also very real. The main character isn't exactly like me, but I related to her a lot, especially her flights of fancy imagining the things she WISHED she'd said to people, and it's just great to read something where someone is human, flaws and all, but you still like them anyway.
Four stars because of the part of me that desperately wanted more adventures with Cat first!
First I was expecting a buddy-heist with a couple of daft lassies being pals around Glasgow. Certainly delivered on that part as I got a intense nostalgia hit toward the beginnings of one of my dearest friendships. Just the days and nights (not) wasted talking about anything and everything, worrying you sounded weird and then realising your friend didn't care because they're weird too. It felt like a very real portrayal of a budding and intense female friendship.
Then the book turns. I hadn't read any spoilers so didn't know that I was in for a steep drop into trying not to cry on my lunch break at work. I don't really want to spoil it for others so I shall say this: I thought the author handled this all quite delicately, but realistically (the anger especially), and it was obvious there was some personal experience in there with Wendy's realisation about her own health.
Overall, very funny, very tragic but also very real. The main character isn't exactly like me, but I related to her a lot, especially her flights of fancy imagining the things she WISHED she'd said to people, and it's just great to read something where someone is human, flaws and all, but you still like them anyway.
Four stars because of the part of me that desperately wanted more adventures with Cat first!
May 3, 2022
"Written in a 'real-feel' way, Boyletakes readers into the mind of main character, Wendy."
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
Wendy has a way with words-and she loves learning new words to "try out" on unsuspecting people that call into her job at a call-center. However, her manager isn't impressed. Wendy loses her job and, surprisingly, another person leaves too! Wendy doesn't know the other person - it was her first day - but appreciates the support.
Cat and Wendy become friends. Although it is not necessarily a happy friendship. Cat seems to push Wendy into some things that cross the line. But, Wendy willingly follows.
The women both struggle, even with opportunities to better themselves, like getting new jobs, but they don't. Even with no money, they just are not motivated.
When Cat makes a decision that deeply affects them both, Wendy does something out of character. And, it leads to change in her life.
I was a bit confused reading this book, but it all came together in the end. It is written in a very "real" way. It is open, bold, and revealing.
I was given this book to read and review.
-Books and Pens on Green Gables
Wendy has a way with words-and she loves learning new words to "try out" on unsuspecting people that call into her job at a call-center. However, her manager isn't impressed. Wendy loses her job and, surprisingly, another person leaves too! Wendy doesn't know the other person - it was her first day - but appreciates the support.
Cat and Wendy become friends. Although it is not necessarily a happy friendship. Cat seems to push Wendy into some things that cross the line. But, Wendy willingly follows.
The women both struggle, even with opportunities to better themselves, like getting new jobs, but they don't. Even with no money, they just are not motivated.
When Cat makes a decision that deeply affects them both, Wendy does something out of character. And, it leads to change in her life.
I was a bit confused reading this book, but it all came together in the end. It is written in a very "real" way. It is open, bold, and revealing.
I was given this book to read and review.
May 8, 2022
This book was really interesting read. It was light hearted, funny and witty but contrastingly also contained some deep subjects around mental health. I loved the way the friendship between Wendy and Cat was written and how although you were getting to know each of them more and more Cat’s world and inner battles remained a mystery. I enjoyed the humour in this book and the way in which Boyle took us on Wendy’s journey with her and the style of writing used.
March 29, 2023
A relatable, emotional, funny, compassionate, and heart-breaking novel. I was utterly engrossed and emotionally hooked throughout.
Maybe I could say that once in a while the dialogue doesn't land perfectly or some elements get a little predictable, but I'd have to be really nitpicking. Overall I can't fault it. Excellent debut.
Maybe I could say that once in a while the dialogue doesn't land perfectly or some elements get a little predictable, but I'd have to be really nitpicking. Overall I can't fault it. Excellent debut.
May 2, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a tour campaign in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so much fun to read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s not at all what I expected, I loved Wendy’s unreliability as a narrator, it was so real and definitely something I think everyone is guilty of doing at some point in their life.
The portrayal of mental health was fantastic, it wasn’t a main plot point, but I feel like it helps to normalise that this is something so many people go through and live with. The final chapters blew me away.
Would 100% recommend reading.
This book was so much fun to read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s not at all what I expected, I loved Wendy’s unreliability as a narrator, it was so real and definitely something I think everyone is guilty of doing at some point in their life.
The portrayal of mental health was fantastic, it wasn’t a main plot point, but I feel like it helps to normalise that this is something so many people go through and live with. The final chapters blew me away.
Would 100% recommend reading.
May 15, 2022
Witty, whimsical, funny, thoughtful, heartbreaking. This book is unlike anything I’ve read in terms of balancing the trials of day to day life with flights of fantasy. A wonderful approach to writing about mental health and the struggles of the creatives among us. Loved it.
March 4, 2025
What an amazing read
This book made me laugh, and then proceeded to rip out my heart, stomp on it a few times, then stitch it back together in the very end.
I seriously hope Kenny Boyle has more novels up his sleeve for the future. I will read the hell out of them. 💕
This book made me laugh, and then proceeded to rip out my heart, stomp on it a few times, then stitch it back together in the very end.
I seriously hope Kenny Boyle has more novels up his sleeve for the future. I will read the hell out of them. 💕
October 11, 2025
This book me laugh out loud and quietly cry ❤️
February 7, 2025
Incredible! I adored this book, Wendy is so relatable, as is Cat. The people, the places and the vocabulary all feel like home.
July 3, 2022
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.
I really loved this book, it was very well written and it's hard to believe it's a debut. The writing style is very poetic and there were lots of great quotes!
For me it was nice to see a book set in Scotland with realistic Scottish characters and none of the stereotypes. I could really relate to the characters and feel their struggles with growing up and figuring life out. I enjoyed watching the friendship grow between the two girls and loved that they encouraged each other.
I liked that there was an aspect of mystery and foreboding to the story that really hooked me in. Wendy was also a bit of an unreliable narrator which made for some interesting storytelling. It was a really great character driven story that felt very real and relatable. I'd definitely recommend reading it!
I really loved this book, it was very well written and it's hard to believe it's a debut. The writing style is very poetic and there were lots of great quotes!
For me it was nice to see a book set in Scotland with realistic Scottish characters and none of the stereotypes. I could really relate to the characters and feel their struggles with growing up and figuring life out. I enjoyed watching the friendship grow between the two girls and loved that they encouraged each other.
I liked that there was an aspect of mystery and foreboding to the story that really hooked me in. Wendy was also a bit of an unreliable narrator which made for some interesting storytelling. It was a really great character driven story that felt very real and relatable. I'd definitely recommend reading it!
June 11, 2022
What a gem of a book this is. Read from cover to cover in one day, it’s got everything, an engaging band and incredibly unreliable narrator in Wendy, her friend Cat and her life which she doesn’t fit. Along with high octane humour is the jagged edge of sorrow. I identified easily with Wendy and the themes of mental health which were written so beautifully into the story.
Highly recommended and a work of beauty, charm which softly speaks to the reader and gets right inside your head.
Highly recommended and a work of beauty, charm which softly speaks to the reader and gets right inside your head.
September 15, 2022
It’s all about words. That theme comes up often in this earnest, confusing, and genuine book about Wendy, a young would-be poet who exists fully in the world of her imagination and is simply lost in the world in which we are all forced to reside.
The book is a gem. Starting with our narrator hiding (terrified) in her gran’s attic with a stolen painting at her side, the story backtracks to an explanation of how she got there, beginning with her short tenure at a Glasgow call center where her daily game is to sneak as many unusual words as possible into her calls. Wendy loves language and weaves wishful fiction into her own backstory (always confessing and eventually letting the truth out). When she quits the call center, she is surprised when several others accompany her in the walk out. One fellow decamper is Catriona, an artist who is wild, wonderful, and has (it becomes clear) been struggling with mental illness for some time.
The story is humorous, surprising, sad, and deeply insightful. I admit to almost closing the book because I got frustrated with the way Wendy could not handle her life the way I thought she should — a good lesson for me about the (should be obvious) fact that my way is not what is best for everyone! I was afraid the book was about self-destructive tendencies which I have little patience with, but it actually was not. I loved her interior monologue that laid bare her development into a whole person making decisions that were right for her.
Lots of great use of language including some truly “new” (to me) words such as curglaffic; ultracrepudarian; lexiphanicism. Seriously, they don’t even begin to sound familiar to me, never mind managing to use them in a call center dialog sentence!
Not surprisingly, there are some great quotes. Here are a few:
“Honestly, I don’t think call centres have the strength of character to be hell. In call centres even bright things or bright people get washed out and individuality is smothered by customer service.”
“Thank you for calling Chay Turley Telephone Banking. How may I dissuade you from truculence?”
“They’re mostly useless in conversation, because people look at you like you’ve just flown in from some fantasy land if you say them. Having to explain the meaning of a word every time you use it goes against the whole point of having words in the first place. I like them anyway; their uselessness adds to their mystique.”
“Her mind is ponderous, like an iguana. When you say something to her it takes a good two seconds to process it — two whole seconds of silent glaring as the words take root. When someone like that meets someone like me it doesn’t ever turn out well. I can’t bear those two seconds of silence, so I have to fill the gap. A lot of the time I fill it with incriminating evidence to my detriment.”
“She’s beginning to pick up speed, like a juggernaut of discipline ready to smash through me with sheer momentum.”
“There’s no amount of shyness that will diminish the West of Scotland impulse to respond to compliments with aggression — it would be weird not to.”
“I wish I weren’t so afraid of words in the real world, I wish they didn’t turn into glue in my mouth so often. Life is an unlimited cascade of parallel possibilities and every single word alters the path. That’s petrifying; it’s fossilising. How can people handle that responsibility?”
“There’s a miniature sun made of gratitude right in the centre of my rib cage and its beams are tearing out of me, but, because we’re in the real world where words can’t be retrieved once they leave your mouth, I don’t know how to tell her how much it means to me.”
“…but even when his expression was flat, the lines of it were an origami template for a smile.”
The book is a gem. Starting with our narrator hiding (terrified) in her gran’s attic with a stolen painting at her side, the story backtracks to an explanation of how she got there, beginning with her short tenure at a Glasgow call center where her daily game is to sneak as many unusual words as possible into her calls. Wendy loves language and weaves wishful fiction into her own backstory (always confessing and eventually letting the truth out). When she quits the call center, she is surprised when several others accompany her in the walk out. One fellow decamper is Catriona, an artist who is wild, wonderful, and has (it becomes clear) been struggling with mental illness for some time.
The story is humorous, surprising, sad, and deeply insightful. I admit to almost closing the book because I got frustrated with the way Wendy could not handle her life the way I thought she should — a good lesson for me about the (should be obvious) fact that my way is not what is best for everyone! I was afraid the book was about self-destructive tendencies which I have little patience with, but it actually was not. I loved her interior monologue that laid bare her development into a whole person making decisions that were right for her.
Lots of great use of language including some truly “new” (to me) words such as curglaffic; ultracrepudarian; lexiphanicism. Seriously, they don’t even begin to sound familiar to me, never mind managing to use them in a call center dialog sentence!
Not surprisingly, there are some great quotes. Here are a few:
“Honestly, I don’t think call centres have the strength of character to be hell. In call centres even bright things or bright people get washed out and individuality is smothered by customer service.”
“Thank you for calling Chay Turley Telephone Banking. How may I dissuade you from truculence?”
“They’re mostly useless in conversation, because people look at you like you’ve just flown in from some fantasy land if you say them. Having to explain the meaning of a word every time you use it goes against the whole point of having words in the first place. I like them anyway; their uselessness adds to their mystique.”
“Her mind is ponderous, like an iguana. When you say something to her it takes a good two seconds to process it — two whole seconds of silent glaring as the words take root. When someone like that meets someone like me it doesn’t ever turn out well. I can’t bear those two seconds of silence, so I have to fill the gap. A lot of the time I fill it with incriminating evidence to my detriment.”
“She’s beginning to pick up speed, like a juggernaut of discipline ready to smash through me with sheer momentum.”
“There’s no amount of shyness that will diminish the West of Scotland impulse to respond to compliments with aggression — it would be weird not to.”
“I wish I weren’t so afraid of words in the real world, I wish they didn’t turn into glue in my mouth so often. Life is an unlimited cascade of parallel possibilities and every single word alters the path. That’s petrifying; it’s fossilising. How can people handle that responsibility?”
“There’s a miniature sun made of gratitude right in the centre of my rib cage and its beams are tearing out of me, but, because we’re in the real world where words can’t be retrieved once they leave your mouth, I don’t know how to tell her how much it means to me.”
“…but even when his expression was flat, the lines of it were an origami template for a smile.”
August 16, 2022
First of all, this cover is SO CUTE. I hate to say I was judging a book by the cover but that’s definitely what made me want to pick it up. Anyways, I love love love the way this was written. The whole book feels so personal, and it really feels like you’re in Wendy’s mind the whole time. I loved seeing her perspective on the world.
“I’ve no idea whose the sunglasses were – Elton John’s, based on the look of them.”
“I don’t think he knows much about people or compassion or – based on the coat he was wearing – fashion”
It was underlyingly funny, and I cant tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. I could see this gaining a lot of popularity, and I definitely recommend!!
It was an easy and enjoyable read, but it didn’t feel childish or simple.
“I’m getting this all in the wrong order. I’m talking about things I haven’t told you about yet. Sorry – I’m just having a tough time organising my thoughts because this environment is, well, it’s weird.”
It really felt like we were in Wendy’s mind - scattered and all, but in the right ways. Nothing felt out of place, even though the author had us confused at times.
“I know a different country’s police forces better than my own – that’s Americanisation for you.”
I felt like the whole book was very relevant too, it talked about everyday issues and was up-to-date without being trendy.
“Interrupting her flow would imply that she’s being unreasonable. I don’t think she is.”
The whole book felt so natural, almost as if I was listening in on someone’s thoughts.
The conversations felt deep, and there was so much character development and getting to know Wendy and Cat and Kevin and everyone else in such a short amount of time.
“There’s something about this conversation that makes me want to lie to you.”
It’s like the reader had a relationship with Wendy as well, but at the same time it felt like we were her subconscious.
The plot twist. In no way was I expecting anything that happened. I was thinking maybe it’d end in a love story, or a cute friendship, or something of that sort, but I couldn’t have imagined how it really ended. I was shocked, to say the least.
“It’s not selfish to be a victim,’ I say, understanding.”
Boyle handled a touchy topic with such grace, and I was truly touched. It felt tender and respectful, but not like he was tiptoeing around the subject.
“She didn’t jump. She was pushed.
I’m not angry with her any more. I’m proud. Not that she fell, but that she did all the incredible things she did in her life while the whole time fighting a dragon that no one else could see. I’m proud of everything she was, before the dragon made her its victim. She faced it every day and won every single battle. Every battle except the last.
She was brave.
No knight could have been braver.”
And finally- the ending. It was sweet, yet so chaotic. It was like I could feel the desperation coming from Wendy, and it was written beautifully.
This book was amazing. I’m not really sure how much I was expecting, but the way it was written was so fulfilling, getting to know the characters was so entertaining, and the ending was gut wrenching. I love this book with my whole heart and would recommend to anyone.
“I’ve no idea whose the sunglasses were – Elton John’s, based on the look of them.”
“I don’t think he knows much about people or compassion or – based on the coat he was wearing – fashion”
It was underlyingly funny, and I cant tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. I could see this gaining a lot of popularity, and I definitely recommend!!
It was an easy and enjoyable read, but it didn’t feel childish or simple.
“I’m getting this all in the wrong order. I’m talking about things I haven’t told you about yet. Sorry – I’m just having a tough time organising my thoughts because this environment is, well, it’s weird.”
It really felt like we were in Wendy’s mind - scattered and all, but in the right ways. Nothing felt out of place, even though the author had us confused at times.
“I know a different country’s police forces better than my own – that’s Americanisation for you.”
I felt like the whole book was very relevant too, it talked about everyday issues and was up-to-date without being trendy.
“Interrupting her flow would imply that she’s being unreasonable. I don’t think she is.”
The whole book felt so natural, almost as if I was listening in on someone’s thoughts.
The conversations felt deep, and there was so much character development and getting to know Wendy and Cat and Kevin and everyone else in such a short amount of time.
“There’s something about this conversation that makes me want to lie to you.”
It’s like the reader had a relationship with Wendy as well, but at the same time it felt like we were her subconscious.
The plot twist. In no way was I expecting anything that happened. I was thinking maybe it’d end in a love story, or a cute friendship, or something of that sort, but I couldn’t have imagined how it really ended. I was shocked, to say the least.
“It’s not selfish to be a victim,’ I say, understanding.”
Boyle handled a touchy topic with such grace, and I was truly touched. It felt tender and respectful, but not like he was tiptoeing around the subject.
“She didn’t jump. She was pushed.
I’m not angry with her any more. I’m proud. Not that she fell, but that she did all the incredible things she did in her life while the whole time fighting a dragon that no one else could see. I’m proud of everything she was, before the dragon made her its victim. She faced it every day and won every single battle. Every battle except the last.
She was brave.
No knight could have been braver.”
And finally- the ending. It was sweet, yet so chaotic. It was like I could feel the desperation coming from Wendy, and it was written beautifully.
This book was amazing. I’m not really sure how much I was expecting, but the way it was written was so fulfilling, getting to know the characters was so entertaining, and the ending was gut wrenching. I love this book with my whole heart and would recommend to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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