The Gosling Girl

The Gosling Girl is a powerful novel that explores the context of a child's crime and simplistic notions of evil by society and the media. It fosters understanding & empathy and draws us deep inside the protagonist's psychology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

The Gosling Girl is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex context of a child's crime and the simplistic notions of evil perpetuated by society and the media. Through its compelling narrative, the book fosters understanding and empathy, allowing readers to delve deep into the psychology of the protagonist, Bernardine Evaristo.

Michelle Cameron's name is synonymous with the most heinous of crimes. She is known as the black girl who murdered a little white girl, portrayed as evil incarnate by the media. As the book opens, she has served her time and is released as a young woman with a new identity, ready to start her life anew. However, when another shocking death occurs, Michelle finds herself once again in the spotlight, this time as the prime suspect in a police investigation.

Natalie Tyler, a black detective constable, is assigned to investigate the murder. She has faced ostracism from her family and often feels that she is in the wrong job. However, when she meets Michelle, she develops a complicated need to protect her, despite the doubts surrounding her actions.

The Gosling Girl is a powerful and moving account of systemic, institutional, and internalized racism, and the resilience of the marginalized in the face of adversity. It explores the psychological aftermath of a crime committed in childhood, delving into the intersections between race and class as Michelle's story is co-opted and controlled by those around her. Jacqueline's writing is characterized by a cool restraint, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

The Gosling Girl is a raw and powerful novel that leaves a lasting impact on the reader long after they have finished reading. It raises important questions about the nature of justice, the consequences of one's actions, and the complexities of identity. This intriguing procedural is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the human condition and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398504240