Longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014 This is not a ghost story even though there are plenty of ghosts in it. And it's not a horror story though some people might be horrified. It's not a monster story either, even though there is a monster in it and that monster happens to be me. Forced to hide herself away from the superstitious island community of Mirasol, thirteen-year-old Rosa seeks solace online. There she meets Ansel95, and as the friendship moves from virtual to real, Rosa discovers that she's not the only one with something to hide. From the author of the critically-acclaimed Tall Story, comes a haunting, intense and moving novel which weaves myths and ghosts into a modern setting. As Rosa's social life blossoms, how will she seize the freedom to be who she really is?
Gourlay has created something very special here ... [Shine] is about reinvention and the faces we present to the world ... all wrapped up in an exciting and perfectly paced story with a disturbing and dramatic climax... She has truly found her voice. -- Philip Ardagh Guardian
[An] irresistibly exotic story of family, friendship, ghosts and legends ... A sparkling jewel of a story. Booktrust
There is a deftness of touch ... This is a moving story about family secrets and the importance of communication and connection. -- Jake Inky Droplets
Powerful central mystery ... likeable and well-rounded characters ... This story will suit a reasonably confident reader emotionally robust enough to appreciate an intense family thriller. If they also love an intriguing and well-realised contemporary setting, then they will thoroughly enjoy Shine. serendipityreviews.co.uk
A brilliant little book books4teens
Author
About Candy Gourlay
Candy Gourlay was born in Manila during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos; after working as a journalist for some years, she moved to the UK in her twenties. Candy is now a full-time writer across a range of medium; short stories, blogs, websites, journalistic features and radio programmes. TALL STORY is Candy’s first full-length published novel.
