Precious Catastrophe
Deirdre Sullivan
Hot Key Books, September 2021
Paperback, £7.99
ISBN 9781471410680
After Maddy sacrifices her soul in order to save her sister Catlin’s life during a traumatic incident, the two sisters continue their lives in Ballyfrann, a town where people who are not quite human have lived. Catlin is still haunted by the memory of the person she thought she loved, and what he did to her. Maddy is learning magic from Mamo, an old woman in Ballyfrann. After the traumatic incident the sisters endured, Madeline is left worrying about what else could go wrong if she doesn’t stay alert. And before long, things do start to happen.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love that it is narrated by both sisters, I think that multiple narratives are so interesting. Though each sister’s style of storytelling is different, both are extremely captivating, and it doesn’t take long to become immersed in this fascinating tale.
One of my favourite things about this book was that it included a number of currently topical issues, including the trauma Catlin experiences. As a young adult, I think it’s important that we are able to read about this kind of thing, in order to create awareness and change. I would recommend this book to all young adults, I’m sure you will all love it.
Rebecca Downey, 15
I enjoyed this book and I thought both of the main characters were well developed. I liked hearing the two different perspectives. I loved learning about a new historical period that I knew nothing about before reading this book. I think that young adults curious about history will love it.
