Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Oct 2012
288 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
Everyone says Caro is bad, but Jamie can't help himself. She is totally different from the other girls. But he soon realizes there is more to Caro - much more. Consider: How she disappears for days at a time, or the scars on her wrists, or her talk of revolution and taking action. Jamie's also worried about his older brother Rob. Back from Afghanistan and struggling with PTSD, Rob is living in a world of his own. Which is why it's so strange that Rob and Caro know one another - and why their secrets feel so very dangerous.
"While readers may anticipate the ending, they will stay engaged in the story to see how the conclusion changes the lives of Rob, Jamie and Caro." - VOYA
"Starred Review. Though the portrayal of Rob's deteriorating mental state is raw and often uncomfortable, in the end, the honest, uncensored storytelling makes this a tale that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned." - Kirkus
"As the tension mounts, the precise prose of Rees (who has written thrillers before) keeps this powerful plot on the tracks. Rees, who taught in secondary schools for more than 15 years, has captured the modern world of teenagers in lyrical and earthy language ... [This is Not Forgiveness] builds to an gripping finale in the sort of novel you hope young adults will read and think about." - Telegraph (UK)
[This is Not Forgiveness] builds up to a tense climax, although if I were to be really picky I'd say the ending is a little skimped. Shocking things happen in the space of a few pages, and I felt they could have been dwelt on without a loss of impact. But that might just have been a sign that I was enjoying the story so much I didn't want it to end." - Guardian (UK)
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Celia Rees is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling books for young readers including the Witch Child, Sorceress, Pirates!, Sovay, and The Fool's Girl, and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Celia lives in England.
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