Book: Finding Audrey, Author: Sophie Kinsella
Author Sophie Kinsella writes beautifully and Finding Audrey reminded me just how much I enjoy reading her books.
This young adult novel addresses the topic of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) through the lead character Audrey.
At just 14 she finds it difficult to talk to people she doesn’t know or make eye contact, wearing sunglasses everywhere as a result.
While the narrative captures a teenager’s outlook, it does so in a well-informed manner, suggesting that Ms Kinsella did her research.
It was easy to see how debilitating anxiety can be, as the reader is in Audrey’s head noting first hand everything that she thinks and being given clear descriptions of what she is going through.
The side characters added a lighter note to the story with Audrey’s mother and her younger brother Frank, who together created some humorous moments.
Linus added a romantic side to the storyline, with his support and encouragement, which I really liked.
Ms Kinsella demonstrated very well that there’s still fun and friendship to be had among your struggles and her delivery of the characters brought some humour to what could have been a dark storyline.
As a big fan of the author, I feel that it wouldn’t be a Sophie Kinsella book without some humour throughout the narrative.
I would have liked to have read a more in-depth look into Audrey’s condition, but then I feel that it wouldn’t have the same target audience if that were the case.
Overall, Finding Audrey is a quick, light-hearted read that a lot of people, particularly teenagers, will find relatable.
Finding Audrey can be purchased from Jashanmal in City Centre Bahrain and Seef Mall for BD5.400.