‘From Where I Stand’ by Tabitha Suzuma

Reviewed by Sarah Howcutt

After the success of her first book "A Note Of Madness", Tabitha Suzuma's second book is the poignant story of a teenager struggling to cope with his grief.

Raven is a teenager that anyone could identify with; a stoney exterior masks the inner turmoil he suffers every day following his mother's murder. Placed into foster care, his new family and new school only make things worse until a friend comes along in the unexpected shape of Lotte and together they hatch a plan to confront his mother's killer. Only things aren't as simple as they seem.

This is a story that draws you in compulsively from the first chapter, plot twists are hinted at but it ultimately keeps you guessing right up to the last page. You grow to really care for Raven as he struggles to find solace and an end to the sense of loss that he carries around with him.

Good psychological thrillers are few and far between for the teenage market and this has to be one of the best. Major issues such as bullying, grief and truth are handled sensitively and without judgement. A totally absorbing read and worthy follow up to her first book.

Last modified: 21/02/2008 13:22:35