Tag Archives: Cat Clarke
The brilliant review blog did you ever stop to think has written an absolutely glowing review of Torn by Cat Clarke.
Heart-stoppingly tense and palpably taut, “Torn” by Cat Clarke is outstanding. . .
It’s a fine art in a book of under 200 pages to pack in this much light and shade to your characters and Clarke achieves it. And more. She brings a rounded definition to what could be the most superficial of characters and she does it so bloody well.
This was a book that I couldn’t put down. Genuinely.
“Torn” is breathless. It’s a tight, tense and twisty psychological thriller that transcends what YA can do. And that last little moment of it, that quiet little moment at the end of all that has gone on, is just a stomach punch which underlines the brilliance of this book.
Read the review in full over on did you ever stop to think.
Cat Clarke’s new YA novel Torn is a wonderful and dark tale of jealousy and friendship set against the backdrop of the Scottish wilderness.
Entangled was one of my favourite books from earlier in the year so I was extremely excited to receive a copy of Cat Clarke’s sophomore novel. And I absolutely loved it.
I have to admit that shortly after starting Torn I was starting to wonder if it was a contemporary novel at all, though I’m not going to tell you why. There was an element of the story that could have been taken in a few different ways and though I was sceptical at first, I soon decided on what made it a psychological thriller like Entangled. I think this doubt is definitely one of my favourite things about Cat Clarke’s writing though and I hope it’ll become a trademark of her novels.
Tara is a very fascinating character. I mean, she was horrible and I hated her, but she was interesting. I completely understood why Alice, Cass, Polly and Rae wanted to get their revenge on her; I would. Nevertheless, there were glimpses of Tara through Alice’s memories and Jack’s stories that hinted at a character that I’d love to learn more about. Although I wanted to know more about her, I couldn’t always find it in myself to feel too sorry for her (yep, I’m a horrible person!).
I think that characters are Cat Clarke’s strength. I felt Alice’s entire struggle.
Read the review in full
Here is a preview of the upcoming Cat Clarke novel which is another wonderful tale of dark secrets, young love, jealousy and betrayal; this time set against the backdrop of a trip to the Scottish wilderness. It is her second Young Adult book, following the stunning Entangled and is called Torn.
Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt.
Alice King isn’t expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she’s not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares…
Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there’s Tara – queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down.
Cass decides it’s time to teach Tara a lesson she’ll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever…
A compelling story of guilty secrets, troubled friendship and burgeoning love.
Last week our wonderful YA debut author Cat Clarke addressed no less than eight school across Bristol, London and St Albans – yes I do make her work hard!
It was fantastic to meet the people who promote children’s books for the sheer love of it: the teachers, librarians and parents who took time out of their day to drive us around, bring us tea and prop us up when required. Their enthusiasm was matched – and even surpassed – by that of the kids who bombarded Cat with their questions and comments…
Many wondered if a film version of Entangled would be made – are you listening Hollywood?
Thanks to all the schools involved for making us feel so welcome, and looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Niamh Mulvey, Children’s Books Press Officer & Editorial Assistant
The lovely Daunt Books of South End Road, Hampstead was packed with YA fans from as far away as Sweden last night to celebrate the launch of Cat Clarke’s Entangled.
This unflinching story of teenage love, loss and friendship has generated a huge buzz online, with reviews from bloggers across the world and even an online launch party hosted by a fan who couldn’t be there last night. So it was particularly special to see all this digital excitement embodied in real live wine-drinking flesh and meet the bloggers who have championed Cat’s work from the beginning.
We were expecting a decent crowd, in the end you could barely squeeze between the bookshelves!
We were also very honoured that our strikingly gorgeous cover girl came all the way over from Sweden to be here-her first time in London (see pic). A special evening for a special book-thanks to all who made it!
The wonderful Sarah who blogs at http://www.feelingfictional.com/ took some fantastic pics – which you can see here. Check out those cupcakes, made ‘em myself, really!
Niamh Mulvey, Children’s Editor
