Quarry

In Jane White's Quarry, a chance encounter in fields leads to a gripping and believable account of a crime and a parable filled with complex symbolism. The teenagers, Todd, Randy, and Carter, hold a younger boy hostage in a small cave in an abandoned quarry, showing the capacity for violence and evil in their everyday lives. The novel's cool, realistic prose creates a situation that is both fantastic and too horrifying to be true, sustaining an atmosphere of normality that increases its power to shock.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: UEA Publishing Project

Quarry is a novel by Jane White that delves into the depths of human darkness and the capacity for evil. Set in a suburban commuter town, the story follows three teenagers, Todd, Randy, and Carter, who come across a younger boy while roaming the countryside. Instead of seeking help or calling for authorities, they decide to take the boy hostage and confine him in a small cave in an abandoned quarry.

As they navigate their newfound power and responsibility, the boys begin to question their actions and the consequences of their choices. They grapple with the moral dilemmas of holding someone against their will and the psychological toll it takes on both themselves and their captive.

What begins as a simple act of revenge quickly escalates into a chilling ordeal as the boys' intentions shift and their actions become more brutal. They subject their captive to physical and psychological torture, driven by their desire to exert control and dominate.

Through the eyes of the teenage protagonists, White explores the themes of power, morality, and the nature of evil. The novel is written in a cool, realistic prose style that creates a sense of authenticity and tension. It juxtaposes the mundane aspects of teenage life with the horrific acts of violence and cruelty that the boys commit, highlighting the banality of evil and the potential for darkness within even the most ordinary individuals.

Quarry is a powerful and disturbing novel that challenges readers to confront the darkest aspects of human nature. It is a testament to Jane White's talent as a writer and her ability to create a gripping and thought-provoking story that stays with you long after you finish reading.

Dimension: 192 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915812001