Before I begin my review, I am going to assume you’re reading this because either A: You’re asking yourself “Is this the book for me?”. Whilst I do not know you or your interests, I can say this; The answer to that question is most definitely yes. Or B: You are the author and are curious about the feedback to your book, in which case allow to me ease your fears by telling you now that your book is indeed superb.

Now that I have that out of the way, let’s proceed shall we? Kim O’Shea’s ‘The Girl in the Shadows: A Pint of the Black Stuff’ sees the author breakthrough into the world of fiction with remarkable style and finesse as if she had belonged there all along. Read on and follow the journey of the main character Grace, a child of 4 years at the bottom of a large rural family whilst she grows through her youthful years, as she runs headlong into every crevice and chasm that life has to offer in search of answers. Ever inquisitive and rarely knowing when to draw the line, brazenly discover all there is to know and learn growing up through Grace’s viewpoint, from just what exactly goes on in the ditches to where you can order your next baby from and everything in between. And with a twist, later revelations in the book will have you flipping back the pages with a whole new perspective on everything preceding it.

Kim O’Shea beautifully captures the trials and tribulations involved in growing up with scenes packed full of humour in even the most serious of moments that will have you roaring with laughter, seamlessly followed by sweet moments that will draw a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. Filled to the brim with carefully crafted details, this book may be fictional but will have you believing every word and feeling everything the characters feel. The Girl in the Shadows will not leave your hands from the first page right down to the final word and you’ll be left eagerly anticipating the rest of the story to follow. This coming-of-age book is a must read for anyone, and I definitely recommend it.

A word of warning: If you opt to eat or drink whilst you read this book, be weary that you may end up spitting out your food/drink in knowing chuckles or outright laughter at the scenes depicted within. You have been warned.