Golden

Golden by Jade Timms (Text Publishing) PB RRP $22.99

ISBN 9781923058354

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Golden is a coming-of-age story written in the first person by seventeen-year-old Eddie (Edwina). Eddie lives in a small coastal town in southern NSW where the local teenagers are highly sociable and enjoy spending their free time at the beach and at house parties. Since a tragic accident a few years prior, Eddie prefers not to socialise especially if the group includes her twin brother Pat or her ex-best friend Hazel. Eddie spends her time equally between working at Just Juice, training for the Mud Run, and caring for her older sister who lives alone. However, her interest in socialising piques when the new boy Howl starts paying her attention.

Golden is a beautifully written young adult novel that takes you on an emotional journey with Eddie, a flawed but relatable protagonist. It explores themes of grief, trauma, first love, and complex family dynamics. Golden is highly recommended for mature audiences aged 15 years and older.