Lou is a girl in the lower sixth of a Liverpool comp.  Her English teacher asks her to help Isobel acclimatise to school life - her family have moved from London.  Initially, Lou and Isobel don’t like each other… but against the scarlet background of the city, A Levels and friendship… something blossoms.  

Ok, by now you should have sussed this is a teen Scouse version of Pride And Prejudice (Lou as Elizabeth and Isobel as Darcy).  And that also works in the settings - substitute boho Liverpool, beach parties, Ladies Day at Aintree and going out in your PJ’s for balls and banquets.  Isobel even has a nasty old bat of an auntie, Austenites will love that.  

But this is no bad thing.  It’s got an enthusiasm, a warmth and wit that I’ve not encountered this year. And although this is YA book that knows its audience well (with themes of sexuality, neurodiversity, revenge porn) it’s far too good for them. Buy it for the teenager in your life and read it first.  

Leanne Egan should also be congratulated for writing a book that is both definitely Scouse, a brilliant debut and one of my favourite books this year.  It’s published by Harper Collins on 4th July and I thank them for preview copy.  #loverbirds.