A review by quillnqueer
The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

A potential picture of future Britain in the aftermath of a right wing political victory, this could almost be classed as Dystopia, but I felt that we're just one step away from this actually happening, making it feel chillingly contemporary. Recounting attempting to escape London to her Grandfather's with her little sister Billie, Clem tells us of her search to find home.

The start and ending of this story are gripping, but I will admit the middle is quite slow. When I reached the ending chapters though, with Clem making her jouney to Edinburgh and revealing the secrets she'd hidden, I was devastated for her, and almost wanted to go back to that slower pace of life she'd found at her Grandfather's, although temporary.

This is a such a terrifyingly realistic novel, and it's definitely left it's mark. Although this is a sad story, overall it's about hope, and the story makes sure to leave us with some. While Clem's journey across Britain will stay with you, her final words of reflection will too, as she finds lost loved ones and prepares for her future in a changed world.