Product Description

As the hot Brisbane summer unfurls, Rosie cannot help but lust after her exboyfriend, Scott, who has returned after two years abroad. Rosie's mum says Scott is a man, and deep down all men are rotten. But what does she know? She doesn't seem to have noticed that her teenage daughter is spiralling out of control. In some ways, Rosie's mum is right, Scott's out to treat her like dirt. But every time Rosie sees him she can't wait to have sex with him. Rosie's best friend, Hollie, can't stand Scott, but then she's been acting weird since her brother got out of jail. The one person Rosie can rely on is Trish, who always has a joint to share, or a pill to take. Through it all, Rosie tries to stay in control, but the lure of darkness is only just under the surface...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49511 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
"'Felsty...Impressive...a vigorous exploration of social rituals during a hot Brisbane summer.' Michael McGirr, Sydney Morning Herald"

Michael McGirr, Sydney Morning Herald
`Feisty... impressive... a vigorous exploration of social rituals
during a hot Brisbane summer.'

About the Author
BELINDA BURNS was born in Brisbane in 1974. She studied English Literature at the University of Queensland and a Masters of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University College. She lives in London.

Customer Reviews

Surprising
I picked this book up from the recommended shelf in the library. I was looking for a light read - a bit of fluff to relax with in between heavier reads. This book fit the bill perfectly, but it was also much more.

I'm sure this book would probably split readers. There's a fair bit of sex, a generous helping of drugs, and some other crazy stuff along the way. Because of this, some readers may find it offensive. If you can get past that though, it's actually a really enjoyable coming-of-age story. It centres on Rosie, an dropout law student, whose world is thrown upside down when her ex-boyfriend comes back from travelling. Add in a quirky best friend, her crazy brother and some sex and drugs and you're in for a juicy story.

Sound like chick-lit? Well yes it is, kind of, but it doesn't really conform to the rules and still stands in its own right. I really enjoyed this book.

Brilliant, Belinda!
I don't know if I love this book for personal reasons or if it's a brilliant book anyway. It just suited me like a new risky hair cut.

Everything about it is immoral. The characters, the plot, the language ... Immoral in a good way. Because the author never goes into a sentimental or self-pitying or teaching mood. She just describes what is.

The story follows the 19 year old Brisbane girl Rose through a very hectic Christmas and New Year. Her former boyfriend Scott is back after two years abroad and all she cares about is when she can sleep with him next. It might sound shallow, but it isn't. You live with Rosie, with her frustration. There are a couple of sub-plots: the divorce of Rosie's parents and what that lead up to, the friendship with the motherless siblings Holly and Danny.

The descriptions and details are perfect. The story is told in the past tense but now and again the author switches to recall scenes from the past which are written in the present tense. I wouldn't change a thing. It is true completion of late teenage decadence. It's brutal. Not romantic.

Dark and Deep

Not for the faint hearted, I have recently re-read this book for the third time and could still happily
read it again. It is quite raunchy and towards the end there are some subjects covered which may not be
to everyones taste. I think it is very easy to relate to the main character.