Scheduled for publication in May 2017, I have to thank NetGalley and Hachette Childrens’ Group for allowing me to read an advance copy.
First things first, though Girlhood is set in a boarding school and features a close-knit group of friends this is no Enid Blyton-style experience. Our first introduction to the girls establishes them as a group who know each other pretty well, but we can never entirely know someone and Harper’s secret about her sister is one she wants keeping.
When new girl, Kirsty, arrives at the school we watch somewhat horrified as she is subjected to The Hole – being trapped overnight in a confined dark space. However, her experience establishes a bond between Harper and Kirsty that the new girl is keen to exploit. We cannot help but ask ourselves why, and it’s not long before we get some answers.
Unfortunately, Kirsty is not quite what she sets herself up to be and the cracks in the group start to show.
The stifling atmosphere of the boarding school ensures that the issues the girls have are maintained at high intensity. Though the fluctuating dynamics between the girls did, to me, appear rather exaggerated I think teen readers will find plenty to like about this.
I certainly enjoyed the story, and was desperate to unravel the mysteries that were set up. My only real gripe was with the ending. Of course people make mistakes, and grief will affect everyone differently. However, I was surprised at how quickly the girls seemed to forgive Kirsty even after some of the things she had done.