Ramshackle

Roe is like any other fifteen year old suburban Chicago teenager. Her only worries are schoolwork, keeping up with her wayward best friend, and whether or not she should sleep with her boyfriend. Then her adoptive father, a locksmith, disappears one winter’s day without explanation. As Roe tries to find out where he is and why he left, her past unravels, revealing secrets and lies that will change her future forever. This is a beautiful novel about loss, identity and self-discovery in the harshest of circumstances, set in suburban Chicago. An extraordinarily assured debut.

Reviews of Ramshackle

'There has been a buzz about Elizabeth Reeder's writing for several years now in Scottish writing circles. Ramshackle is knowing, wry and affectionate, using packed and punchy sentences which illuminate and delight. When I read Elizabeth's work I scratch my head in the familiar manner at why she isn't already being published and acclaimed!' Alan Warner, author of Morven Callar, The Man Who Walks, The Stars in the Bright Sky 'Ramshackle is a hugely appealing and enjoyable novel. Original, moving and insightful, it is a rare combination of pace and narrative drive with lyrical poetry of language. Characterisation is strong and Reeder uses the narrative voice of teenage Roe to great effect. There is real tension in the plotline of the missing father and a true sense of completion in the memorable ending. A beautiful book.' Anne Donovan, author of Buddha Da and Being Emily "Elizabeth Reeder's Ramshackle has the narrative drive of a mystery and the sharpness of a poem. The fear of abandonment is one of the most powerful human emotions, and Reeder sustains and explores it brilliantly." Elaine Feinstein, author of Dark Inheritance, Dreamers and The Circle