Synopsis from 

I would like to give a big thank you Atom Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this great novel out on 7th May 2015.

I tend to do a lot of things backwards, so instead of going for the first novel Keren David wrote, I decided to remain true to myself and discover her by reading her 6th publication. This novel is also my next stop on my journey to read more UKYA this year, and believe me, it did not disappoint.

As the title indicates, this book is not a love story but rather the tale of three young adults trying to find themselves by adjusting to new circumstances in a big city.

Let’s meet Kitty first, witty and beautiful young lady who leaves London for Amsterdam to follow her mother. It is a move away from everything and everyone she knows motivated by a career opportunity it seems…Of Course, Kitty is not convinced, however she is determined to make it work to make her mother happy.

Theo will be the next one making the same trip, a punishment from his parents, he feels is totally unjustified and a complete disproportionate reaction to a situation only he can understand.

Ethan by contrast, who is also from the UK, already lives in Amsterdam and is biding his time, waiting to reach his eighteenth birthday so that he can be free of the parent he feels he does not need.
Our three protagonists will take that journey of self-discovery that most young people of their age embark on finding rather unexpected turns along the way.

I personally have not been to Amsterdam and if any of you picked up on any of my comments during my read, it is very apparent:). Out of all the things that this city has to offer, I am still baffled by the “multi storey bike park”!!!

However, what I enjoyed the most in this novel is the ability of the author to immerse the reader through her writing, in a culture and setting perfect to approach matters such as love, death, religion and even homosexuality. Matters that are seen through the eyes of growing young adults that are sensitive and are a big deal.

This first read of the Keren David bibliography has certainly made me curious about her other works and I will definitely pick a few of her novels.

I will gladly recommend this book to all!

LaChouett