Since You’ve Been Gone

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Since You’ve Been Gone

Since You've Been Gone

by: Mary Jennifer Payne
My Rating: four-half-stars



Published by: Dundurn Group on February 17th 2015
Genres: Mature Young Adult, Social Issues, Young Adult, Contemporary, Coming of Age

ISBN: 1459728181

Pages: 224
Disclosure: I was invited by the publisher to read this title in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. I received no monetary compensation, and all comments are subjective and mine alone.
Content Warning: sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence make this title appropriate for readers 18 and over.



Synopsis

Is it possible to outrun your past? Fifteen-year-old Edie Fraser and her mother, Sydney, have been trying to do just that for five years. Now, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only has Edie had to move to another new school she's in a different country. Sydney promises her that that this is their chance at a fresh start, and Edie does her best to adjust to life in London, England, despite being targeted by the school bully. But when Sydney goes out to work the night shift and doesn't come home, Edie is terrified that the past has finally caught up with them. Alone in a strange country, Edie is afraid to call the police for fear that she'll be sent back to her abusive father. Determined to find her mother, but with no idea where to start, she must now face the most difficult decision of her life."






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Since you’ve been gone, by Mary Jennifer Payne, takes a hard look at abusive relationships and what one girl does to escape and survive her abusive past and missing mother. Edie’s is an emotional journey, but the author handled it well. I had a small problem with the believability that she’d always find a way—or someone—to save her from her problems. I think the book could have been more emotional than it already was if Edie had to suffer a bit by not finding someone who would fix every situation. Other than that, and some pacing issues, I think the plot was well done. Edie’s character was sometimes difficult to like, but I think her attitude and actions fit well with her age and circumstances.

 

The ending, and the decision Edie makes, felt very rushed. I would have liked to have seen some build-up to that decision and more emotion during the act. Sorry, I know this is vague, but I don’t want to include any spoilers.

 

Overall, I enjoyed Since You’ve Been Gone. It’s a quick read, and, other than a few minor issues, I enjoyed it. The book touched on several emotional issues: violence, being bullied, feeling alone, trying to fit in a new school, abuse, PTSD, ETC. The author did a good job handling each with care and compassion, while still trying to present them accurately. I’m interested to see what’s next from Ms. Payne.

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About Mary Jennifer Payne

Mary Jennifer Payne’s writing has been published in journals, anthologies, and magazines both in Canada and abroad, and she is the author of several YA graphic novels. Since You’ve Been Gone is her first YA novel. She teaches with the Toronto District School Board and lives in Toronto.

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