The in-between by Stewart
When Elanor’s near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by bold, beautiful Madeline, she finds her life quickly spiraling out of control
Fourteen-year-old Elanor Moss has always been an outcast who fails at everything she tries—she's even got the fine, white scars to prove it. Moving was supposed to be a chance at a fresh start, a way to leave behind all the pain and ugliness of her old life. But, when a terrible car accident changes her life forever, her near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by Madeline Torus . . . Madeline is everything Elanor isn’t: beautiful, bold, brave. She is exactly what Elanor has always wanted in a best friend and more—their connection runs deeper than friendship. But Madeline is not like other girls, and Elanor has to keep her new friend a secret or risk being labeled “crazy.” Soon, though, even Elanor starts to doubt her own sanity. Madeline is her entire life, and that life is drastically spinning out of control. Elanor knows what happens when your best friend becomes your worst enemy. But what happens when your worst enemy is yourself?
With her debut novel, The In-Between, Barbara Stewart presents a bold new voice in teen fiction.
Publishes in US: November 5th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin
Source: St Martin's via Netgalley
Series? No
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This is a strange and dark story with a narrator that I am not sure if I could trust since she was in a car accident and was seriously injured and had a history of depression.
I feel like I have read something similar to this before but I still had a good time reading it. I had a lot of questions and as things changed more and more, I was still wondering what was going on even more. I had several ideas, but they were somewhat discredited as it continued. I was back and forth a lot on if it was paranormal or contemporary while reading because of all that was being put into question
I think that Ellie's depression was realistic, I have felt similar things in my battle with it. But I think that hers was a more unstable and severe form of mental illness, and I didn't know what it was, but there was obviously something coming from. Thought it dealt with so much that was emotional, I feel like I didn't connect with her on that level that I really wanted to. I wanted to feel her pain, desperation and confusion rather than feel like it was 2nd hand.
Madeline was just as mysterious, but I appreciated the acceptance that Ellie felt with her. Their friendship felt really fast and deep, but I know that is the nature of things with teens, intense and deep all happening quickly.
The pace is somewhat slow because it is a psychological build up and character driven.
The ending didn't really answer all of the questions that I wanted to, but it pieced it together as well as could be I guess. I just wanted more healing, or hope. But I guess if you look at it sideways, that will be what's brings her peace. She did realize a lot about herself, and I think she was on that road to realizing that she needs to take steps for healing and her mental health.
Bottom Line: Dark book that had me questioning everything I read.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever wanted to hurt yourself?
