Girl Falling

Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor is a mesmerising novel exploring friendship, love, and the shadowy edges of human relationships. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains, the story revolves around Finn and her best friend, Daphne, who share a bond forged by shared tragedy. Both of them lost younger sisters to suicide, making their friendship intensely close, sometimes excessively so.

As they transition into their twenties, their paths begin to diverge. Finn remains in the Blue Mountains, forging a life filled with the natural splendour of her surroundings and the budding romance with a captivating newcomer named Magdu. Meanwhile, Daphne pursues her academic ambitions at university. This growing distance unsettles Daphne, who is unaccustomed to sharing Finn's attention and begins exhibiting increasingly erratic behaviour to retain control over their friendship.

The plot thickens when all three women go rock-climbing one fateful day, leading to a tragic incident: Magdu falls to her death. The circumstances around the fall are murky — was it suicide, a tragic accident, or something more malicious? This event unravels the complicated dynamics among the trio, compelling Finn to confront the dark realities she had refused to see.

Bold, dramatic, and entirely gripping, Girl Falling prompts readers to consider the narratives we create about the people closest to us. With Hayley Scrivenor's expert storytelling, finely-crafted characters, and vibrant depiction of the landscape, this novel is a breathtaking read that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page.

Packed with emotional depth and moral complexity, Girl Falling is a compelling excavation of truth, forcing us to examine the darker corners of human relationships. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates powerful fiction that both challenges and entertains.

"An enthralling excavation of truth, with a vivid, human heart." — Benjamin Stevenson