Crushed

Macclesfield Library reading group would like to thank Faber books and The Reading Agency for providing our group with copies of “Crushed” by Kate Hamer which sparked the most brilliant conversation. Two of our Reading groups read this book; whilst some of us enjoyed the read and others found it almost too affecting - we all found the increasing tension and pace sped us through the pages. The plot focuses on three very different teenage girls and manages to involve themes of motherhood, Macbeth, Mental health, child carers, suicide, murder, and love- plenty to think and talk about!

The thoughts of some of our members;
“I really felt the characters were very vivid and a good reflection of inner teenage angst. Al though I was not sure the Macbeth theme was needed or brought a lot to the story”
“A gripping and compulsive but thoroughly unpleasant read! The story centres around three very different girls and their angst driven relationships, despite the horror that commences there always seems to be a vein of compassion between them.”
“Too many angsty teenagers for me- I found the pace frenetic however I was compelled to read to the end. After discussion in book club, I realised that there were very interesting themes.”

‘An easy read. I rather enjoyed it! A slow start but stick with it for some surprising events!’

‘A fairly slow start but built up really well with an unexpected ending. All about control and the paranoia of teenage girls. Interesting about who is the manipulator and who are the manipulated’

‘A very enjoyable but dark read’

‘Found it a bit dull initially but it definitely got better and I found it quite a page turner. Glad I persevered! A clear and good style of writing!’

‘I quite enjoyed this book and liked hearing the story from the different angles of the three girls. Unsure about the ending and whether Grace had control over Phoebe and Orla’