I Will Never Leave You – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Female relationships with unusual twists.
YA book title: I Will Never Leave You.
YA author: Kara A. Kennedy.
Genre: Young Adult fiction; Mental Health; Relationships; LGBTQ+.
Published by: Ink Road.
ISBN: 9781785305054.
Recommended for children aged: 13+ year olds.
First published: Paperback July 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: the exploration of same-sex and/or abusive relationships and the impact of trauma. KS3 and KS4 readers, those interested in female friendship issues, and phantasms.
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Our review:
I Will Never Leave You provides an insight into the difficulties faced by young women navigating abusive relationships and surviving childhood trauma. Although dark in places and sufficiently brave to examine sensitive issues covertly experienced by many, this book offers both encouragement and hope to all readers. For those who may be unknowingly enduring the intense demands of a so-called relationship or the loss of a loved one, I Will Never Leave You will embolden even the most terrified.
The novel is narrated by a depressed and dejected Maya in her final year of high school. Maya offers the reader a realistic voice, sharing her self-reproachful thoughts and increasing confusion as she awakens to the true nature of her four-year relationship with Alana Murray. The reader can feel the emotions and tragedy with each encounter, and the author creates a character with depth and relatability.
With a dead mother, a disinterested father, and an estranged older sister, the novel provides just enough insight to discern the part each has played in her downfall and, later, in her awakening. Alana’s character is easy to despise, and her consistently spiteful tone and actions have the reader itching to dispense with her company. Frustrated by Maya’s naivety and Alana’s ability to manipulate, the reader experiences their own self-assessment and reality check, possibly leading to a whole new perception of abusive relationships.
The additional narrative, stimulated by Maya’s gift and her ability to see ghosts, creates an unusual but effective ghost story and serves to deepen the issues while adding an edge of unease. Yet, this spiritual aspect gives rise to the light at the end of the tunnel, and the introduction of Rowan, a kind-hearted, nonchalant young woman, offers a much-needed break in the tension and a sense of hope. It is effortless to love her despite her initial disdain and arrogance, and everyone wants a Rowan figure in their lives with the support she represents.
The novel is easy to read and keeps the reader gritting their teeth, waiting for the next abomination. A definite read for any female teen.
Our verdict:
I Will Never Leave You is ideal for book clubs in Year 8 and upwards. Teachers should be mindful of some of the language – something teen readers are likely to be aware of. It’s a good novel for any YA reader, especially those who are seeking something that is easy to follow and a little unusual in the issues and concepts it confronts.
Many thanks to Ink Road for the review copy.
To order a class set of this book, please click below to order via Amazon.co.uk.
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If you like I Will Never Leave You by Kara A. Kennedy you might also like: our reviews of Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson, The Last Thing You’ll Hear by Jan Dunning, The Virtue Season by L.M. Nathan, Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence and Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley.
Browse our books for year 9.
