The Summer After the Night Before - from Waterstones Prize-winning author, Lisa Williamson

Lisa Williamson's books tend to tackle often divisive and challenging contemporary teenage issues with sensitivity and nuance. This new book is no exception as she once again lends perspective and relatability to her book's theme.

Awkward teen Ben has been in love with his sister's best friend for years. Popular, pretty people-pleaser Molly is an incorrigible flirt, much to the chagrin of her friend Rhiannon. Eye-rolling and scowling at Molly's behaviour has become second nature to her, but their bond and that of their friends remains tight as they navigate the challenges of home and school.

As they near exams, an end of term party provides some light relief and the friends drink and party as an antidote to the tension and tedium of hardcore revision. As the night unfolds the lines become blurred and Ben and Molly find themselves in unchartered territory. A distinctly uncomfortable 'morning after the night before' ensues and their entire friendship group becomes embroiled in the fallout.

Tackling the distinctly thorny issue of sexual consent, Lisa Williamson has painted a realistic picture of teenage relationships. Even within a tight-knit group, opinions and attitudes vary and the multiple narrative allows the reader to get inside the heads of the central characters as they consider their actions and explain their motives.

The conclusion of the story leaves some frayed edges which help the reader to understand that life can be complex and messy and that actions can have far-reaching and life changing consequences. This is another thoughtful, empathetic read that offers no easy answers and it sits alongside Williamson's other novels as a well-constructed, uninhibited and realistic work of YA fiction.

352 pages / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+