What Red Was is thought provoking, long beyond the climax of the book. As in real life, Kate, the ‘victim’ is left to continue her life, whilst those around her consider the impact of realising who the perpetrator was, and what that means for their family. Self harm was dealt with sensitively and realistically, but could be triggering for some readers. A challenging read, it is easily digestible and due to the many complex themes and richly drawn characters would be great for a book club discussion - there’s so much to unpick!

Two university friends, Max and Kate, find their relationship changes when Kate is raped. She does not tell Max who assaulted her, however as we all know by now, these things have a way of coming out, and in this case, quite a public way.

The first part of the book reads like Mary Wesley; lots of glamorous young things in a stately home, a few random names and some old buffer uncles. It was a pleasant ramble, although I did query where it was all going.

Once the rape has taken place Kate, understandably, distances herself from the perpetrator. Her mental torment and self-harming made for a difficult read, all the more frustrating as those around her seemed oblivious to her distress.

At this point the book took a rather surreal turn with Max's film director mother taking justice into her own hands. I am still not quite sure what to make of this - I was not cheering her on as her motives appeared too self serving to be admired. An interesting book, but I can't quite make up my mind whether I liked it or not.

Wonderful engaging writing in the vein of Sally Rooneys “normal people” but In a more compelling plot.

Max and Kate meet at university and become almost instant friends. Kate, from a modest single parent background... Max from a wealthy film director mother and doctor father with a wealthy extended family. A truly vivid, raw, and devastating incident impacts their relationship forever.

Contemporary, timely, a powerful voice. This will sell well.

The rhythm of the prose along with the pacing of the story brings to mind Sally Rooney's "Normal People"; flowing and modern writing style, captivating characters and contemporary setting. As far as the theme of the story is concerned, it is extremely gritty and impactful; "What Red Was" deals with trauma, "aching" memory and courage to speak up.