Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for Fossils. My review is written with thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me on the blog tour and to the publisher for my copy of the book.

Blurb:

When twelve-year-old Sherrie-Lee witnesses a failed bank robbery in her neglected town, she seizes an opportunity to claim a new identity for herself. Escaping her troubled home life, she tries out a new name and invents stories and personas to cover her tracks.

Sherrie-Lee finds both possibility and loneliness in this new freedom, as well as an unusual friendship which she nurtures. But harsh realities close in, and she’s plagued with foreboding – from her vulnerable brother at home to the climate crisis. While she dreams of a kinder world, it won’t be long before her own deceits start catching up with her.

This arresting debut challenges assumptions and captures the powerless yearning of adolescence with a voice that is fresh, magnetic and often funny – one that pulls you in and won’t let go.

Review:

Fossils is quite different to the novels I normally read, but I am so glad I took a chance on it when I was invited to join the blog tour. I loved Armstrong’s writing style and the way she could put even abstract concepts, thoughts and feelings into words so beautifully. At times, it was hard to believe she is a debut author. 

The novel is mostly character driven and this shows in the author’s portrayal of Sherri-Lee, who is a twelve year old girl. It is clear that the author has spent a lot of time developing the characters and she knows them really well. I enjoyed getting to know Sherrie-Lee and I learnt a few interesting facts along the way! Her relationship with Bob is interesting and he also has a colourful back story which was also very engaging. I rooted for them both as the story took hold. 

The plot is best described as a slow burner, but this does not make it any less enjoyable. As the novel reaches the end, the tension does increase and I was keen to see how everything would work out for the central characters. 

I hope Alison Armstrong continues to write and I look forward to seeing what she does next. 

Fossils is available from Amazon.

You can follow the rest of the blog tour here: