Loner by Georgina Young

Winner, Text Prize 2019. The mood of this book is melancholic as we follow the aptly named young woman, Lona, as she negotiates the dramas of life after school is over. Even though she has chosen a path to follow in studying in the Art world, she has dropped out of her course and flounders in the directionless land of the introverted young person who does not really know where she should be heading. Her joys are television shows and discussions of niche-interest movies and books. Her best friend keeps her afloat with her buoyant personality, but Lona still is wallowing in the anguish of aimlessness. The voice of Lona is so original and even though she is sad she is refreshingly astute in her observations about the world in which she drifts and the people that she bumps against. Her relationships and first steps into romance are fraught with the anxiety of the introvert, and these concerns are so well voiced by the author. The struggles Lona deals with at home, in life and in her relationships become muddied and mired and yet there is something beautifully honest about Lona’s reflections about life.

This is a book with great appeal because of its honesty and insight into the difficulties of negotiating the entry into adult life when you don’t quite fit and are not filled with confidence. The voice of Lona is wise and yet needy. Although some readers will be frustrated by Lona’s inability to progress through life, most will find her observations and journey recognisable and relatable.  I loved the wit and Post-modern world observations of the young woman and would recommend this to readers aged 16+. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Coming-of-Age, Depression, Friendship, Relationships.

Carolyn Hull