Wrong Way Home
By Kate O’Shaugnessy
Review by Bryony
This sensitive, first-person narrative follows Fern on her journey to break free from the off-grid community she has lived in for the past five years. Her mother has realised their charming leader, Dr. Ben, is not all that he seems, and manages to escape with Fern back to her home town. But Fern has been brainwashed to believe the outside world they now inhabit is toxic, full of imagined dangers and threats. But even as she plans her return to the community, she simultaneously starts to realise the world is not what Dr. Ben has made it out to be.
Dealing with some serious themes in a considered, age-appropriate way, O’Shaughnessy weaves a believable narrative which balances tension and reflection. Fern is a totally real, relatable main character who we would love to read more about! Perfect for readers ages 12+.
