The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

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I will be honest as admit to buying this book because I liked the cover … But thankfully the content rewarded this decision.

Writing in the voices of Ruth, Dora, Alyce, and Hank alternately Bonnie-Sue breathes an authenticity into their lives that is captivating. These are young people on that difficult threshold of adulthood – with lives that forcing them forward whether they like it or not. As these young people struggle, the sense of isolation – that it is them against the world – has a familiar ring. There is much drama to be had in the small town setting, with the sense of place as powerful character within the story as an of the people – which puts me in mind of Cider with Rosie.

This has been bracketed as a “youth” novel, which might be helpful to the marketing department of the publisher but to the reader it is a pointless distinction – this is quality writing, worthy of a readership of any age.