by Anne Donovan
First published 2010
Twelve-year-old Jess lives in Glasgow with her devoutly Catholic family, where faith shapes every aspect of daily life. When she discovers an unexpected talent that brings her joy and recognition, Jess finds herself caught between her own aspirations and the weight of family tradition. Her mother sees a different path for her daughter, one that aligns with their religious beliefs and community expectations. As Jess grows older, the gap between what she wants and what others expect widens. She must decide whether to honor her family's wishes or follow her own heart. The choice becomes more urgent as opportunities arise that could change her future forever. Jess learns that growing up means making difficult decisions about who she wants to become, even when those choices might disappoint the people she loves most. Her journey explores the delicate balance between loyalty and independence in a close-knit community.
Genres: literary-fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary, adolescence, family-drama, catholic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: Glasgow
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
18 pages · Paperback · GARDNERS VI BOOKS AMS006