SMALL SPACES BY SARAH EPSTEIN

Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein is a debut novel shortlisted the Children’s Book Council of Australia (2019). Right from the very beginning we are drawn into the troubled world of Tash Carmody. The first chapter sets the scene in this gripping thriller about a girl who no one believed when she told them what she saw. Nine years ago, Tash was witness to the abduction of Mallory Fisher but her own parents, the police and her psychiatrist lead her to believe that the figure she saw and who had been taunting her, was not real. Sparrow was only a figment of her imagination and her need for attention. Mallory was found a week later wandering the state forest and has never spoken a word since.

Tash had been staying at her Aunt Ally’s ramshackle house in Willow Creek when the abduction took place. A free spirited, yoga and organic food enthusiast who was meant to be looking after Tash while her parents were awaiting the arrival of her new baby brother. Ally appears in her life again and invites Tash to come for a weekend. Believing this little show of independence will prove to her parents that she is capable of looking after herself, Tash agrees. When she arrives, she is told that she will be looking after Ally’s dog while she goes on a yoga retreat.

Tash’s life gets more complicated as she believes her mind is playing tricks. She thinks she sees Sparrow again and things go missing around her aunt’s house. When Benny, the dog she’s looking after suffers serious injury from some unknown person, Tash is spooked. Things go from bad to worse as she tries to deal with her mounting troubles.

Sarah Epstein has crafted a wonderful thriller that cranks up the tension, chapter by chapter. Tash is surrounded by people who are tired of her claustrophobia, anxiety attacks and the lies they think she tells. The only good thing in her life right now is the growing friendship she has with Morgan, Mallory’s brother. When bad things start happening again Tash is confused when a good friend points out that Morgan was present each time.

Who can she trust?

Small Spaces is a book about loyalty, family and the lasting damage of childhood trauma.

For Ages: 14+ years

Number of Pages: 378 in paperback.

Published: April 2018

Themes: Courage, friends, loyalty and trust.

Rating: 4/5