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Real Gone Kid: 1980s Coming-of-Age, Raven Craig series
Everyone deserves to feel safe.It’s 1984. Superpowers for girls and women exist only on TV and in comics.
Aileen Murphy struggles to make sense of her life in a working-class Scottish steel town. She dreams of escaping the sectarian bullying she has kept secret; then, the gorgeous Steve Henderson enters her world.
When her vulnerable younger sister becomes the next target of the bullies, Aileen knows she must make a stand. Will Steve’s proposition to secretly teach Aileen her own ‘superpower’ save her and her sister? And can Aileen find the courage to fight for her dreams – to feel safe – and to be accepted for who she is?
Real Gone Kid is the feel-good, first novel in the adult, coming-of-age, Raven Craig series, set in 1980s industrial Scotland.
Freshly-received Five Star Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripping and easy-to-read, laughs and tears!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book resonated with me in every single way. It made me laugh and cry. Brilliant read and highly recommend.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Authentic, nostalgic and gritty played out to a mental soundtrack of fabulous music. Treat yourself and buy this book. But warning, you won’t be able to put it down or stop thinking about it when you have to.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An avid reader. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in two days.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Very well written with engaging characters and a gritty plot. The highlights for me were the nostalgia, referencing 80’s culture, and a brawl that was so well described that I was imagining a Guy Ritchie-esq version on the big screen!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Kate’s narrative is full of emotion, and this is the first time I shed a tear over a book since I read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fascinatingly accurate throwback to Scotland in the 1980s. Fantastic and insightful read that sits side by side with Deborah Orr's "Motherwell". Now eagerly waiting for Kate Fridrik's next book. The sooner the better!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is an absolute joy to read. With its pop references and precise descriptions, Kate transports us back to the heady 1980s.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a nostalgic page-turner!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ ‘One of the very best debut novels I have ever read.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An incredible trip back through my own teenage years.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ 'The characters fizz off the page with an effervescence that made us smile.'
Aileen Murphy struggles to make sense of her life in a working-class Scottish steel town. She dreams of escaping the sectarian bullying she has kept secret; then, the gorgeous Steve Henderson enters her world.
When her vulnerable younger sister becomes the next target of the bullies, Aileen knows she must make a stand. Will Steve’s proposition to secretly teach Aileen her own ‘superpower’ save her and her sister? And can Aileen find the courage to fight for her dreams – to feel safe – and to be accepted for who she is?
Real Gone Kid is the feel-good, first novel in the adult, coming-of-age, Raven Craig series, set in 1980s industrial Scotland.
Freshly-received Five Star Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gripping and easy-to-read, laughs and tears!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book resonated with me in every single way. It made me laugh and cry. Brilliant read and highly recommend.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Authentic, nostalgic and gritty played out to a mental soundtrack of fabulous music. Treat yourself and buy this book. But warning, you won’t be able to put it down or stop thinking about it when you have to.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An avid reader. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in two days.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Very well written with engaging characters and a gritty plot. The highlights for me were the nostalgia, referencing 80’s culture, and a brawl that was so well described that I was imagining a Guy Ritchie-esq version on the big screen!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Kate’s narrative is full of emotion, and this is the first time I shed a tear over a book since I read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Fascinatingly accurate throwback to Scotland in the 1980s. Fantastic and insightful read that sits side by side with Deborah Orr's "Motherwell". Now eagerly waiting for Kate Fridrik's next book. The sooner the better!'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is an absolute joy to read. With its pop references and precise descriptions, Kate transports us back to the heady 1980s.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a nostalgic page-turner!’
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ ‘One of the very best debut novels I have ever read.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An incredible trip back through my own teenage years.’
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ 'The characters fizz off the page with an effervescence that made us smile.'
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2022
5 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 31, 2024
I was able to enjoy this as an audiobook after being kindly gifted a Spotify access code by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love reading books set in Scotland where the characters talk like me and make reference to cultural or geographical landmarks that enrich my connection to the story’s characters and setting. It’s a bit like living out that Pointing Rick Dalton/Leonardo DiCaprio meme where you see somewhere you recognise on TV and feel the need to say something along the lines of “that’s next to my work!” or “that’s five minutes from here!” or “I went there once!”.
I’ve experienced this feeling fleetingly in other books by Scottish authors such as Douglas Stuart and Irvine Welsh when Glasgow and Edinburgh have had a mention, but the audiobook of Real Gone Kid took things to the next level for me as Kiera Lucchesi’s narration vividly brought to life this 1980s snapshot of the area I grew up in.
Real Gone Kid tells the coming of age story of Aileen Murphy - she likes running, collecting records, and attending the gigs of local bands like The Clyde Alloys. Aileen is just trying to get through her awkward teenage years but can’t catch a break from sectarian bullies who relentlessly target her because of her catholic background. Though she is sadly no stranger to torment, Aileen tries to find ways to avoid the bullies (like climbing fences and cutting through strangers’ gardens on her way to see her friends) until she soon learns that other people close to her are being targeted and it becomes clear that enough is enough.
Whilst this book was full of fun local nostalgia that I had previously been able to enjoy through relatives’ stories about their old haunts like Round Sounds Record Shop, it also captured the harsh realities of the sectarian divisiveness that still lingers throughout central Scotland in 2024 - albeit slightly less prominently. Other issues such as classism and xenophobia were briefly touched upon but this is an overwhelmingly hopeful story reminiscent of a sort of reverse Billy Elliot that is sweet without being sickly.
Kiera Lucchesi’s performance of the audiobook version really complemented Kate Fridriks’ writing and I loved how she portrayed Aileen’s inner thoughts and puzzlement at the injustices of the world.
I’d highly recommend this to fans of Duck Feet and Ginger and Me, or those looking for a story that offers a realistic, yet heartwarming, glimpse into the struggles of being a teenager in Thatcher Britain.
I love reading books set in Scotland where the characters talk like me and make reference to cultural or geographical landmarks that enrich my connection to the story’s characters and setting. It’s a bit like living out that Pointing Rick Dalton/Leonardo DiCaprio meme where you see somewhere you recognise on TV and feel the need to say something along the lines of “that’s next to my work!” or “that’s five minutes from here!” or “I went there once!”.
I’ve experienced this feeling fleetingly in other books by Scottish authors such as Douglas Stuart and Irvine Welsh when Glasgow and Edinburgh have had a mention, but the audiobook of Real Gone Kid took things to the next level for me as Kiera Lucchesi’s narration vividly brought to life this 1980s snapshot of the area I grew up in.
Real Gone Kid tells the coming of age story of Aileen Murphy - she likes running, collecting records, and attending the gigs of local bands like The Clyde Alloys. Aileen is just trying to get through her awkward teenage years but can’t catch a break from sectarian bullies who relentlessly target her because of her catholic background. Though she is sadly no stranger to torment, Aileen tries to find ways to avoid the bullies (like climbing fences and cutting through strangers’ gardens on her way to see her friends) until she soon learns that other people close to her are being targeted and it becomes clear that enough is enough.
Whilst this book was full of fun local nostalgia that I had previously been able to enjoy through relatives’ stories about their old haunts like Round Sounds Record Shop, it also captured the harsh realities of the sectarian divisiveness that still lingers throughout central Scotland in 2024 - albeit slightly less prominently. Other issues such as classism and xenophobia were briefly touched upon but this is an overwhelmingly hopeful story reminiscent of a sort of reverse Billy Elliot that is sweet without being sickly.
Kiera Lucchesi’s performance of the audiobook version really complemented Kate Fridriks’ writing and I loved how she portrayed Aileen’s inner thoughts and puzzlement at the injustices of the world.
I’d highly recommend this to fans of Duck Feet and Ginger and Me, or those looking for a story that offers a realistic, yet heartwarming, glimpse into the struggles of being a teenager in Thatcher Britain.
January 23, 2023
There's something refreshingly unique about this coming of age novel set in 1980s Scotland. From the start I got lost in Aileen's story as she navigates escalating bullying, undealt with grief, strained family dynamics, and returning as an expat to a place that is rife with sectarian conflict.
Despite all of Aileen's trials and tribulations, she overcomes her circumstances with optimism, determination, and lightheartedness against the backdrop of a 80s soundtrack. I especially enjoyed the lovely interactions and dialog between Aileen's Da, grandmother, and wee Mary. The interweaving of Aileen's newly discovered passion and a sweet and subtle love story is completely swoon-worthy (for all you romance lovers) and a lovely touch for a novel that isn't categorically a romance.
Real Gone Kid is real without having to resort to gratuitous violence and sex in an effort to be edgy. Each chapter hums along with surprising turn of events that kept me reading. I couldn't recommend enough!
Despite all of Aileen's trials and tribulations, she overcomes her circumstances with optimism, determination, and lightheartedness against the backdrop of a 80s soundtrack. I especially enjoyed the lovely interactions and dialog between Aileen's Da, grandmother, and wee Mary. The interweaving of Aileen's newly discovered passion and a sweet and subtle love story is completely swoon-worthy (for all you romance lovers) and a lovely touch for a novel that isn't categorically a romance.
Real Gone Kid is real without having to resort to gratuitous violence and sex in an effort to be edgy. Each chapter hums along with surprising turn of events that kept me reading. I couldn't recommend enough!
April 10, 2024
A brilliant coming of age story which had me invested in Aileen from the start. I enjoyed how the conversations are written in Scottish vernacular and I sometimes found myself 'thinking' in a Scottish accent after I'd put the book down 😀
Kate Fridriks has mastered the art of "show, not tell" and puts you right into the nitty gritty of the story without waffly scene-setting and descriptions. I ran the gamut of emotions while following Aileen on her journey and I loved how the references to 80's fashion and music instantly took me back to my own teen days .
I intended reading this book on my meal breaks at work but, being only halfway through when my annual leave started, I couldn't bear to wait 2 weeks to read more so I brought it home and finished it in the next sitting.
An absolute joy to read and I really, really hope there's a sequel on the way.
Kate Fridriks has mastered the art of "show, not tell" and puts you right into the nitty gritty of the story without waffly scene-setting and descriptions. I ran the gamut of emotions while following Aileen on her journey and I loved how the references to 80's fashion and music instantly took me back to my own teen days .
I intended reading this book on my meal breaks at work but, being only halfway through when my annual leave started, I couldn't bear to wait 2 weeks to read more so I brought it home and finished it in the next sitting.
An absolute joy to read and I really, really hope there's a sequel on the way.
Read
May 31, 2023I love this book. The characters stay in your thoughts. I found myself thinking about which actors would play each one. Definitely worthy of a series.
June 5, 2024
I'd be very surprised if there's anyone who doesn't come across at least one of the big teenage landmarks in Real Gone Kid, and thinks, wow, that happened to me, or my brother or sister, or my best pal.
The debut novel from Kate Fridriks covers all the bases in this irresistible coming-of-age tale set in North Lanarkshire in the 1980s.
The power of friendship, boozing, drugs, the importance of music, first love, sexual exploration, teen pregnancy, bigotry, bullying... These are the familiar elements that form the background noise to Aileen's life as she navigates her way through the juggling of relationships, vicious and damaging lies, religious divide and the very real threat of violence.
The author perfectly captures the heartbreaking erosion of self-worth as Aileen finds herself victimised for the "crime" of being different. There's one particular moment of sectarian hatred that I couldn't get out of my head for days.
But there's hope too, first in the form of a friendship that bridges the religious gulf. And then, just as Aileen is reaching the point of despair, it takes an outsider to cut through all the chaos and grant her the chance of an unusual super power that could change her life.
With characters you will genuinely care about - for better or for worse - Real Gone Kid is at once funny, romantic, tough, sensitive, and unforgettable.
The debut novel from Kate Fridriks covers all the bases in this irresistible coming-of-age tale set in North Lanarkshire in the 1980s.
The power of friendship, boozing, drugs, the importance of music, first love, sexual exploration, teen pregnancy, bigotry, bullying... These are the familiar elements that form the background noise to Aileen's life as she navigates her way through the juggling of relationships, vicious and damaging lies, religious divide and the very real threat of violence.
The author perfectly captures the heartbreaking erosion of self-worth as Aileen finds herself victimised for the "crime" of being different. There's one particular moment of sectarian hatred that I couldn't get out of my head for days.
But there's hope too, first in the form of a friendship that bridges the religious gulf. And then, just as Aileen is reaching the point of despair, it takes an outsider to cut through all the chaos and grant her the chance of an unusual super power that could change her life.
With characters you will genuinely care about - for better or for worse - Real Gone Kid is at once funny, romantic, tough, sensitive, and unforgettable.
January 15, 2024
Real Gone Kid is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that skillfully combines elements of personal growth, social commentary, and historical fiction. Fridriks' debut in the Raven Craig series is a testament to her storytelling prowess, offering a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally appealing. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a story of triumph against the odds, set against a backdrop of historical and cultural significance.
I also loved that the audiobook version is narrated with an authentic Scottish voice. This choice of narrator brings an added layer of immersion to the story, enhancing the already vivid depiction of 1980s Scotland.
I also loved that the audiobook version is narrated with an authentic Scottish voice. This choice of narrator brings an added layer of immersion to the story, enhancing the already vivid depiction of 1980s Scotland.
July 23, 2024
Bought this book to read while on holiday and enjoyed it much more than I expected to. It really does bring back memories of the era and the mindsets of the people of Lanarkshire at that time. I went on to listen to the audiobook. To be honest I wasnt sure what to expect from it because Im not a fan of audiobooks in general. However I have to say I enjoyed it even more than the book. Kiera was absolutely brilliant at changing up the voices so you knew exactly who was supposed to be speaking all the time. I would highly recommend this to anyone local who wants to reminisce or indeed to anyone who enjoys a good book.
February 19, 2025
I just loved Aileen! I instantly fell in love with her as a character and just wanted the best for her.
I am a sucker for a Scottish coming of age story. This was set a little too early to be nostalgic for me but the feelings of belonging aren't cemented to a specific time period. I really enjoyed the friendship and the topics covered were so relatable to anyone who has been a teen.
Absolutely loved the characters and the dialogue felt authentic. The bullying was very difficult to read at times
I would definitely read more books by this author
I am a sucker for a Scottish coming of age story. This was set a little too early to be nostalgic for me but the feelings of belonging aren't cemented to a specific time period. I really enjoyed the friendship and the topics covered were so relatable to anyone who has been a teen.
Absolutely loved the characters and the dialogue felt authentic. The bullying was very difficult to read at times
I would definitely read more books by this author
March 21, 2024
I absolutely stormed through this debut novel by Kate Fridriks.
Set in a small steel town in Scotland in the 80s, it's a great coming of age tale. I was rooting for the main character to break out of her comfort zone and I learned plenty about sectarianism in Scotland along the way. Can't wait for the second installment!
Set in a small steel town in Scotland in the 80s, it's a great coming of age tale. I was rooting for the main character to break out of her comfort zone and I learned plenty about sectarianism in Scotland along the way. Can't wait for the second installment!
November 11, 2023
I loved this book. I really engaged with the characters. The writing was very good. I could picture the scenes in my head. I read the book in two long sittings because I wanted to know how it would turn out.
March 4, 2024
A great coming-of-age story set in Scotland in the Eighties. It even has its Spotify playlist to get you into the mood. Boxing, romance and bullying. Million Dollar Baby meets Billy Elliot. Can't wait for the next one. Would be a great feelgood TV series.
May 13, 2024
Really enjoyed Aileen’s story of growing up in the Ravenscraig area. Relationships, music and sectarianism is all explored in a very relatable way.
All the characters are very well written.
A great read.
All the characters are very well written.
A great read.
March 3, 2024
A real page turner, the story stayed with me way after I read it, great first book
April 20, 2024
Really enjoyed this. I was drawn to it due to the focus area and the timeline (just a bit earlier than my own).
Lovely to see Mr Duddy get a mention at the end.
Lovely to see Mr Duddy get a mention at the end.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews