Really tenderly focuses on Neef and Danny's friendship as it blossoms then burns out quietly. A lot of time was given to character exploration and development, so this is definitely more-so a character study than anything. However, there was also plot that held my attention. Why did Neef and Danny stop talking despite how close they were? The way I'd describe this is domestic solemnity.

My only qualm is I wish I knew more about Danny, as this is very much Neef's story. The start was also quite slow, so it took a while for my attention to catch - but when it did, I was so engaged by the story.

The audiobook narrator was fabulous and captured the story incredibly. Would definitely recommend this one for reading via audiobook.

3.5 stars! Poignant, dark and raw tale about poverty, abuse, drugs, neglect and racism that's primarily told from the perspective of Jen at 14 years of age. The story is set in northern England and the narrator did an excellent job in the telling of the story and capturing the voices of the various characters. Well written and thought out, albeit a sad and bleak story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listener copy.