The Quiet and the Loud involves a young and vulnerable teenager, George, her friendships and many challenges, past and present, that she faces.

George is a rescuer. She doesn’t like to talk much about herself or the daunting things that are happening in her life. Her best friend, Tess, has an unnatural fear of dying and relies on George to help pick up the pieces and cope with life. When Tess decides to fall pregnant Tess naturally assumes that George will be there to share the pregnancy and parenthood ahead. But neither count on George falling in love. Suddenly life takes on a new perspective and the old ways of coping don’t work as well. When you fall in love, surely you share all your secrets and problems? But what if they are too big and never been put into words before. George doesn’t want to let anyone down, and she has always been schooled to keep her family’s business quiet.

This is an extraordinarily moving novel that transcends its young adult classification. A teenager, an abusive alcoholic father and complex relationships and friendships. It’s about the cracks that can suddenly appear when the secrets we hold threaten to explode and it subtly explores the lessons of learning to open up, letting go and dealing with anxiety and depression. It’s about blended families and a young girl finding meaningful love.

Beautifully paced and written.

Reviewed by Karen, Balmain, NSW
Rating: Four stars
Age Guide 14+