The Quiet and the Loud involves a young and vulnerable teenager, George, and the 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. When Tess decides to fall pregnant, she 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 have 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. It’s about the cracks that can suddenly appear when the secrets we hold threaten to explode, and it subtly explores the lessons of 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 Williams
Age Guide 14+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helena Fox lives in the seaside city of Wollongong, Australia, with her endlessly creative and kind family. She mentors and runs writing workshops for young people, and is a graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College in the U.S. Helena has travelled and lived all around the world, but of all her adventures, working with young people and helping them find and express their voice has brought her the greatest joy. How It Feels to Float was her acclaimed, award-winning debut novel.
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