Kate O’Donnell’s debut novel, Untidy Towns, sets up an escapist fantasy, and then fills it with the reality of running away from your troubles.
Who hasn’t dreamed of abandoning school and clinging to the safety of home? When Adelaide walks out of her suffocating boarding school, she thinks she’s free to live her life however she chooses. However, she’s quick to find that reality isn’t that easy to hide from, and she isn’t as sure of what she wants as she thought.
Untidy Towns is a coming-of-age story that describes that turbulent time between childhood and adulthood. Adelaide returns home to discover that her hometown wasn’t frozen in time, waiting for her to come home; she’s changed, but so are the people she’s known her whole life. She has to learn to fit back into a world that has moved on without her.
The sense of doubt felt by everyone facing life after high school is prominent in this novel, with the disapproval from Adelaide’s family becoming almost tangible. Addie is in constant limbo between feeling scrutinised by her loved ones, and sticking to her decision. It’s a feeling familiar to anyone whose dreams are different to the expectations of the people around you.
Untidy Towns comments on the unique experience of adolescence. Ambitions change, and sometimes the path laid out isn’t always the right one. Adelaide’s journey is one that forces her to face the consequences of her own actions, but she does find rewards for staying true to herself.
O’Donnell encapsulates the adventure of first love in a way that’s rare for the young adult genre. The romance in this novel is not explosive or poetic – it starts off with two people who like each other, and simply keep finding things to like. It’s an honest reflection of how sometimes, love can be awkward and clumsy, but it’s worth it as long as both parties are willing to work for it.
Following a character who is trapped simultaneously in the past and the future, Untidy Towns is a great read for anyone who’s ever felt unsure of themselves.
The Wishing Spell follows twin siblings Alex and Conner Bailey, who grew up with fairy tales read to them by their grandmother. But when Alex and Conner are magically transported …
In 1984, one of modern literature’s most celebrated works, readers are introduced to Winston Smith, who lives in a dystopian society in which everything–from actions, movements, careers, and, even in …
If you’re a fan of the recent film version, Riggs’ debut novel is a must-read. His engaging writing transports you into his gothic and fantastical world, combining imagery and expression …
Margot McGovern’s Neverland is a complex look into mental health through the lens of a mythical world that most people will be familiar with. Kit, who has repressed memories from …
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series played a huge role in my love of Greek mythology – the modern take on heroes and myths make them easier for a young audience …
Acclaimed writer Bill Bennett unearths a new satisfyingly dark and entertaining series in ‘Palace of Fires’. The debut novel in the series–‘Initiate’–follows the story of Lily Lennox, a teenage girl …
Book Review – Untidy Towns by Kate O’Donnell
Kate O’Donnell’s debut novel, Untidy Towns, sets up an escapist fantasy, and then fills it with the reality of running away from your troubles.
Who hasn’t dreamed of abandoning school and clinging to the safety of home? When Adelaide walks out of her suffocating boarding school, she thinks she’s free to live her life however she chooses. However, she’s quick to find that reality isn’t that easy to hide from, and she isn’t as sure of what she wants as she thought.
Untidy Towns is a coming-of-age story that describes that turbulent time between childhood and adulthood. Adelaide returns home to discover that her hometown wasn’t frozen in time, waiting for her to come home; she’s changed, but so are the people she’s known her whole life. She has to learn to fit back into a world that has moved on without her.
The sense of doubt felt by everyone facing life after high school is prominent in this novel, with the disapproval from Adelaide’s family becoming almost tangible. Addie is in constant limbo between feeling scrutinised by her loved ones, and sticking to her decision. It’s a feeling familiar to anyone whose dreams are different to the expectations of the people around you.
Untidy Towns comments on the unique experience of adolescence. Ambitions change, and sometimes the path laid out isn’t always the right one. Adelaide’s journey is one that forces her to face the consequences of her own actions, but she does find rewards for staying true to herself.
O’Donnell encapsulates the adventure of first love in a way that’s rare for the young adult genre. The romance in this novel is not explosive or poetic – it starts off with two people who like each other, and simply keep finding things to like. It’s an honest reflection of how sometimes, love can be awkward and clumsy, but it’s worth it as long as both parties are willing to work for it.
Following a character who is trapped simultaneously in the past and the future, Untidy Towns is a great read for anyone who’s ever felt unsure of themselves.
Related Posts
Book Review – The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
The Wishing Spell follows twin siblings Alex and Conner Bailey, who grew up with fairy tales read to them by their grandmother. But when Alex and Conner are magically transported …
Book Review – 1984 by George Orwell
In 1984, one of modern literature’s most celebrated works, readers are introduced to Winston Smith, who lives in a dystopian society in which everything–from actions, movements, careers, and, even in …
Book Review – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
If you’re a fan of the recent film version, Riggs’ debut novel is a must-read. His engaging writing transports you into his gothic and fantastical world, combining imagery and expression …
Book Review – Neverland by Margot McGovern
Margot McGovern’s Neverland is a complex look into mental health through the lens of a mythical world that most people will be familiar with. Kit, who has repressed memories from …
Book Review – Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series played a huge role in my love of Greek mythology – the modern take on heroes and myths make them easier for a young audience …
Book Review – Initiate (Palace of Fires #1) by Bill Bennett
Acclaimed writer Bill Bennett unearths a new satisfyingly dark and entertaining series in ‘Palace of Fires’. The debut novel in the series–‘Initiate’–follows the story of Lily Lennox, a teenage girl …