Versions of a Girl

I LOVED this book; tender, lush and electric, a wild, heartbreaking, exhilarating ride. I fell in love with Fern and think she belongs to the all-time character canon, like Dodie Smith's Cassandra or Jean Rhys's Anna. There's so much truth, vulnerability and joy in Catherine Gray's prose -- Daisy Buchanan, author of Insatiable and Careering No other writer has ever made me laugh and cry as much as Catherine Gray -- Daisy May Cooper Compulsive, edible, I devoured it -- Holly Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of Quit Like A Woman Versions Of A Girl was that rare literary find: something that does something fresh and unique but without it feeling like a gimmick because the execution is as strong as the premise. At its heart is a central question: how much do our parents shape who we are? This question gives the novel shape and focus but its the fully-formed and brilliant characters that propel it forward. Catherine's writing is beautiful and I was captivated by Fern/ Flick's journeys. One of the best debuts I've read in a long time -- Caroline Corcoran, bestselling author of Through the Wall In this ambitious kaleidoscope of a debut novel, Catherine Gray tells the completely absorbing tale of two possible lives for the same troubled heroine who must find her own way against the highest of personal stakes. Fierce and unflinching about so many important themes - family and friendship, memory and art, addiction and recovery - Versions of a Girl is unputdownable -- Kerri Maher, author of The Paris Bookseller I really, really loved it. It touched me in so many different ways and made me cry. It was one of those books that I didn't want to finish because I knew I would miss it so desperately -- Nadia Sawalha Catherine Gray has skipped past 'first novel' territory and gone straight to veteran writer with her first fiction offering - a clear-voiced, compelling and deeply satisfying read. Her heroine is complex, infuriating and unignorable as she moves through dual landscapes of family trauma, secrets and emotional bad habits. It's a voyage that in other hands might risk clumsiness but Gray's warm-hearted, funny writing and empathetic understanding of addiction in all its forms carries her and us through enjoyable plot twists and resolution. Very hard to put down, and will leave a warm glow for a long while afterwards.' -- Sophie Walker, author and founder of the Women's Equality Party Catherine Gray is one of my favourite writers because she isn't afraid to take risks. And in this incisive, debut novel she does not disappoint, pushing the plot to thrilling heights. As always, Gray's writing is inspiring, fearless, and viscerally entertaining -- Laura Cathcart Robbins, bestselling author of Stash I couldn't wait to get my hands on Catherine Gray's fiction debut and it exceeded all expectations. This is a dazzling, whip smart story that explores the dance between nature and nurture, choice and fate. With rare honesty and humour, Catherine touches on some of the most tender, vulnerable aspects of humanity. I couldn't put it down -- Laura McKowen, bestselling author of We Are the Luckiest A delicious page-turner; expertly plotted and bursting with warmth and wit. Catherine Gray creates two irresistible, heartbreakingly real protagonists out of one girl, deftly weaving together threads of mystery, family drama and tender coming-of-age(s) -- Jessie Gaynor, author of The Glow So honest. So inspiring. A true page-turner -- Shahroo Izadi, psychologist and author of The Kindness Method