This is something of a departure from my usual subject matter. Rather than focusing on a place in Norfolk, I’m going to write about a young-adult novel set in Norfolk.
This week’s blog is about Abbie Rushton’s book, Consumed. Set in a north Norfolk village, it follows the two teenagers struggling to take control of their complex lives.
There’s Myla, who’s trapped at home following the murder of her sister Asha, and Jamie, who has a complicated relationship with food.
The novel explores the pair’s relationship, from an awkward first encounter to a blossoming romance. You get to see how the partnership develops from both of their perspectives because the chapters alternate; you get one from Myla’s point of view, followed by one from Jamie’s. It’s a beautiful way of showing how the characters really feel, how they often misunderstand each other and the angst of a teenage relationship.
But as they grow closer, a sinister plot begins to plays out. Is Asha’s killer still out there? Will he come back for Myla?
As the storyline grows darker, Abbie ramps up the tension, so you compulsively read on to find out what happens — who is sending her mysterious messages and will Jamie and Myla will eventually get together?
Norfolk skies
The entire tale is framed by the beauty of north Norfolk, with frequent references to the wide open skies, the cliffs and the stunning beaches — all of which make me smile because it’s about a place I love.
Abbie herself is no stranger to Norfolk because graduated in Creative Writing at UEA and regularly returns to the county.
In the interests of full disclosure, Abbie and I are friends, but I don’t think that alters my opinion of her fast-paced story, whuch is filled with lots of twists and turns. In fact I read the whole book in one day because I couldn’t put it down — and the Norfolk backdrop only made me want to read it all the more.
Have you read any books set in Norfolk? Let me know by leaving a comment or mentioning me in a tweet.
