Schoolies week is supposed to be a time to let loose and have fun after breaking free of the shackles of high school, but for Francesca it holds only tragic memories. Camped on the Noosa North Shore with her best friend Kate and the childhood pal whom she has grown to love (Jack), Francesa's world implodes when Kate disappears one night. For Francesa it is a double tragedy - not only has she lost Kate but also Jack too. Struggling to cope with the suspicion and media attention his family abruptly moves to Townsville leaving Kate alone and adrift without even the opportunity to say goodbye.
Fast forward thirteen years and Kate is a social worker and weekend renovator, slowly transforming a crumbling old Queenslander. She cannot believe her eyes when she realises her new neighbour is none other than Jack with a partner and child in tow. Amid the initial awkwardness of their reunion, the pair quickly re-connect but soon realise they both need to come to terms with what happened to Kate more than a decade before.
Flipping between past and present, the first person narrative gradually traces the story of Francesa, Kate and Jack in their teenage years in Brisbane. These flashbacks provide vital background information about the trio and slowly assemble the jigsaw pieces of just what happened on that fateful night. It is this mystery that provides the suspense and tension of the novel and keeps the reader full engaged and wondering throughout.
On another note I loved the Brisbane setting and Queensland "feel" of the book. The pop culture references of the late 1990s and early 2000s provide authenticity and are easy to relate to.
Losing Kate is an amazing debut novel. It is a captivating story that skilfully combines the elements of suspense, unrequited love and the lingering effects of tragedy.
Flipping between past and present, the first person narrative gradually traces the story of Francesa, Kate and Jack in their teenage years in Brisbane. These flashbacks provide vital background information about the trio and slowly assemble the jigsaw pieces of just what happened on that fateful night. It is this mystery that provides the suspense and tension of the novel and keeps the reader full engaged and wondering throughout.
On another note I loved the Brisbane setting and Queensland "feel" of the book. The pop culture references of the late 1990s and early 2000s provide authenticity and are easy to relate to.
Losing Kate is an amazing debut novel. It is a captivating story that skilfully combines the elements of suspense, unrequited love and the lingering effects of tragedy.
