Book details
Charm & Strange: A Novel
Description
A deftly woven and unnerving psychological thriller from debut author Stephanie Kuehn.
'Don't. Please don't say my name. You have no idea who I really am.'
No one really knows who Andrew Winston Winters is. Least of all himself. He is part Win, a lonely teenager exiled to a remote boarding school in the wake of a family tragedy. The guy who shuts the whole world out, no matter the cost, because his darkest fear is of himself . . . of the wolfish predator within. But he's also part Drew, the angry boy with violent impulses that control him. The boy who, one fateful summer, was part of something so terrible it came close to destroying him.
Fans of Meg Rosoff, Kevin Brooks or Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk About Kevin will be gripped by this story, but it is unlike anything you have ever read before. The pace, tension and raw emotion within this books for teens is almost palpable.
Charm and Strange is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.
Age
13-18
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
261 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Psychological Depth: 'Charm & Strange' delves into the complex psyche of its protagonist, Win, offering readers a deep and thought-provoking exploration of trauma, mental health, and the coping mechanisms one might adopt to deal with past horrors.
- Intriguing Narrative Structure: The novel's unique structure alternates between 'Matter' and 'Antimatter' sections, juxtaposing Win's present experiences with his past, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in unraveling the mysteries of his life.
- Award-Winning Storytelling: Stephanie Kuehn's 'Charm & Strange' is a winner of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award, signaling the book's high quality and the recognition it has received for its exceptional storytelling, character development, and emotional impact.
- Themes of Identity and Transformation: The novel tackles profound themes such as identity, change, and the struggle between one's inner demons and the desire for redemption. Readers who appreciate character-driven stories that explore the human condition will find 'Charm & Strange' a compelling and rewarding read.