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Letting Go
When Agnes made a promise to her girlfriend Ellie, she thought they would be together forever. One year later, Agnes is keeping that promise and it's put her in a situation she never could have predicted; climbing a desolate mountain, in miserable weather, with Ellie and her new boyfriend Steve. But when the weather takes a threatening turn and the sky-high tension between the trio hits its peak, Agnes will have to push herself further than she ever thought was possible...
A gripping and moving story of love, loss and finding yourself from an award-winning YA author. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 14+
A gripping and moving story of love, loss and finding yourself from an award-winning YA author. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 14+
104 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2019
About the author
Cat Clarke
17 books1,155 followersCat was born in Zambia and brought up in Edinburgh and Yorkshire, which has given her an accent that tends to confuse people.
Cat has written non-fiction books about exciting things like cowboys, sharks and pirates, and now writes YA novels. She lives in Edinburgh with a couple of cats, Jem and Scout, who spend their days plotting to spit up furballs at the most inconvenient times. She likes cheese A LOT, especially baked camembert.
Cat has written non-fiction books about exciting things like cowboys, sharks and pirates, and now writes YA novels. She lives in Edinburgh with a couple of cats, Jem and Scout, who spend their days plotting to spit up furballs at the most inconvenient times. She likes cheese A LOT, especially baked camembert.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 30, 2019
WHAT an ending wow.
November 23, 2021
Rep: lesbian mc, bi character
Read
July 21, 2019[Gifted]
A beautiful combination of recovery and grief, set during an action packed descent of a mountain during a storm. Really great characters who I cared deeply about by the end of the novella.
A beautiful combination of recovery and grief, set during an action packed descent of a mountain during a storm. Really great characters who I cared deeply about by the end of the novella.
January 23, 2020
When they were dating, Agnes made a promise to her girlfriend, Ellie, that she would climb Ellie's mum's favourite mountain so that Ellie could scatter her mum's ashes. However, she never realised that she would be making that journey heart-broken and with Ellie's new boyfriend...
This is difficult to review, as the story was only around 70 pages long. The characters were likeable and their personalities seemed established, but I would have loved more exploration of their relationships and emotions. Since this is just a novella the author could only skim over subjects of grief and self-discovery. What I did like was Agnes' ability to come out of the end of a relationship and realise her own self worth. I thought this was a sweet story. It's just a shame that it was so short.
This is difficult to review, as the story was only around 70 pages long. The characters were likeable and their personalities seemed established, but I would have loved more exploration of their relationships and emotions. Since this is just a novella the author could only skim over subjects of grief and self-discovery. What I did like was Agnes' ability to come out of the end of a relationship and realise her own self worth. I thought this was a sweet story. It's just a shame that it was so short.
October 1, 2019
This is a very quick read but still packed a punch. It follows Agnes on a journey up a mountain all because of a promise to her ex-girlfriend. She gets a lot more out of the experience then she ever expected though.
Great little novella, well worth a read!
Great little novella, well worth a read!
August 19, 2019
RTC
Rep: gay MC, F/F, Bisexual (?) side character.
Review copy sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Rep: gay MC, F/F, Bisexual (?) side character.
Review copy sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 25, 2019
What I really loved about this was the ending, that she realised that being on her own wasn’t the happy ending she hoped for, but she would be just fine on her own. Being on your own especially in teen fiction isn’t really shown in positive light, but this has been done very well. This book was all put self-discovery, grief, and overcoming obstacles
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2019
Firstly, this was not what I was expecting. Most of Cat Clarkes books are around 300 pages, so when this arrived in the mail i have to admit I was pretty disappointed at its size. Mostly because in love her books and I was going to smash this out very quickly. This book is 75 pages that could be condensed into 40 for the average reader. I totally respect however that the choice and style of book is aimed at a particular audience. Love that.
This packed so much emotion an honestly into such a simple concept that drew me in quickly and kept me there. Very hard to do with short stories for me. Would have loved to read a fully fleshed out version of this but loved this all the same.
This packed so much emotion an honestly into such a simple concept that drew me in quickly and kept me there. Very hard to do with short stories for me. Would have loved to read a fully fleshed out version of this but loved this all the same.
July 5, 2023
I gave letting go four stars. What I loved about this book was the weather atmosphere the wind and the rain the setting of the mountains and the characters. My favourite characters were Agnes and Ellie they showed emotion to each other and determination. And hope. That they were going to climb the mountains together. This book was a cliffhanger it wanted you to read more and more to find out what happened. It had a happy ending because some rescuers came and rescued Agnes and Ellie and Ellies boyfriend Steve and they took them home where they belong. I want to read more of cat Clarke's books in the future. I like her writing style a lot.
September 3, 2019
Fast paced adventure story about climbing a mountain both literally and figuratively. Powerful themes of dealing with depression, grief and building self confidence and independence.
March 22, 2021
As ever, Cat Clarke writes a story that is moving and visual but with a human connection.
But this is so short - 73 pages - and I feel like it needs more. I was getting connected to Agnes and then it just ends. It needed a few more pages at least!
But this is so short - 73 pages - and I feel like it needs more. I was getting connected to Agnes and then it just ends. It needed a few more pages at least!
August 12, 2019
I always enjoy a Barrington Stoke novel and I always enjoy a Cat Clarke Novel so this was always going to end well.
I thought this book was a lovely read with a lot to say about friendship, grief and those first relationships that are oh so important at the time you are in the middle of them.
I thought this book was a lovely read with a lot to say about friendship, grief and those first relationships that are oh so important at the time you are in the middle of them.
August 31, 2019
As with all Barrington Stoke books, Letting Go is a short story that is perfect for those with dyslexia to read but it is also very much an enjoyable story for people without dyslexia to enjoy too. I, personally, am a very big fan of Cat Clarke so when I found out she had written a new book, I jumped at the chance to read it.
With this one being shorter in length, it is a book that definitely packs a punch and fortunately gets the message across fairly quickly too. Luckily the short length doesn’t detract from the story at all and thus this book is truly accessible to all, which I absolutely loved about it.
In this book, Agnes, Ellie, and Steve are climbing up a mountain in Scotland to honour Ellie’s dead mother. What makes this book more interesting is that Agnes and Ellie used to date but since split up and now Ellie is going out with Steve. But a promise is a promise – especially one concerning the deceased, and thus Agnes comes out of her comfort zone to get the mission over and done with.
The book is one that will pull you in and grip you. It looks at how grief can change you – not just when you physically lose someone in the world but even when relationship ends and you end up mourning someone who is technically still alive. It also looks at how despite this, it is possible to let it go – metaphorically and literally.
I really connected with Agnes in this story and thought that she went on a really interesting journey in this story – both physically and mentally! I loved how the story eventually ended and felt that it was just the perfect end to this book.
I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something short that also packs a good punch and has a really powerful and important message running inside it.
With this one being shorter in length, it is a book that definitely packs a punch and fortunately gets the message across fairly quickly too. Luckily the short length doesn’t detract from the story at all and thus this book is truly accessible to all, which I absolutely loved about it.
In this book, Agnes, Ellie, and Steve are climbing up a mountain in Scotland to honour Ellie’s dead mother. What makes this book more interesting is that Agnes and Ellie used to date but since split up and now Ellie is going out with Steve. But a promise is a promise – especially one concerning the deceased, and thus Agnes comes out of her comfort zone to get the mission over and done with.
The book is one that will pull you in and grip you. It looks at how grief can change you – not just when you physically lose someone in the world but even when relationship ends and you end up mourning someone who is technically still alive. It also looks at how despite this, it is possible to let it go – metaphorically and literally.
I really connected with Agnes in this story and thought that she went on a really interesting journey in this story – both physically and mentally! I loved how the story eventually ended and felt that it was just the perfect end to this book.
I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something short that also packs a good punch and has a really powerful and important message running inside it.
October 23, 2021
Agnes made a promise to Ellie that she would help scatter her mum's ashes at the top of a mountain/ However, the promise was made when Agnes and Ellie were still dating and madly in love. Yet, when the time comes to spread the ashes, Ellie's dumped Agnes and has brought new boyfriend Steve along for the journey. If that was not awkward enough, things get worse as a storm rolls in and the mountain becomes treacherous.
Things I liked:
- Agnes is a great character. She's relatable, friendly and a badass.
- I liked how the pace of this book developed and how each character had a journey and depth despite its small size.
- The descriptions were beautiful and brought back some memories of when I got stuck up in the Peaks in very bad weather.
- I really liked the ending of how Agnes realised she didn't need Ellie anymore to be happy and she could just rely on herself to make her own happiness. A very profound message!
Things I didn't like:
-No way Agnes could have done all that in jeans!
- As a huge Clarke fan I wanted more - perhaps Agnes can have a spin-off story in a much larger book.
An engaging small read which is great for dyslexic or reluctant readers. The age group is probably 13+ due to language. For such a small book it is action-packed and the story is told at a great pace. The ending isn't rushed and feels concluded as Clarke keeps the plot small enough so the book doesn't feel underworked. Agnes is a great character.
Things I liked:
- Agnes is a great character. She's relatable, friendly and a badass.
- I liked how the pace of this book developed and how each character had a journey and depth despite its small size.
- The descriptions were beautiful and brought back some memories of when I got stuck up in the Peaks in very bad weather.
- I really liked the ending of how Agnes realised she didn't need Ellie anymore to be happy and she could just rely on herself to make her own happiness. A very profound message!
Things I didn't like:
-No way Agnes could have done all that in jeans!
- As a huge Clarke fan I wanted more - perhaps Agnes can have a spin-off story in a much larger book.
An engaging small read which is great for dyslexic or reluctant readers. The age group is probably 13+ due to language. For such a small book it is action-packed and the story is told at a great pace. The ending isn't rushed and feels concluded as Clarke keeps the plot small enough so the book doesn't feel underworked. Agnes is a great character.
March 15, 2022
I decided to pick this book up to take up the bus rides home from work and completed it by the time I reached the bus station, and that was easy to do, as the book itself is condensened into only 75 pages.
It was a quick and simple to follow read. Just what I needed.
I hadn't properly immersed myself into a book for a good few months and with the way I was feeling at this moment in time anyway, I didn’t want to overwhelm myself so I’m glad to say this was the perfect excuse to jump back into reading.
The author, Cat Clarke, is someone I have heard great things about from friends, but I’ve never actually delved into any of her works myself…well…that is until now.
The fact that this book was only 75 pages, gave me that little taster into how Cat builds her characters and captures the emotion they feel so beautifully.
I’m actually impressed by how much character growth you manage to see in such a short length of time.
I must admit though, I felt there was quite an abrupt ending. It was a nice sentiment to how it was done but it seemed rushed.
Was Cat sticking to a 75 page limit? Who knows?
Regardless of that, the message of being able to allow yourself to let go, even when it appears you can’t or thought you couldn’t definitely hit me and made me think. Let’s just say it’s exactly what I needed to hear right now. Made me smile actually.
Someone somewhere was definitely listening!
It was a quick and simple to follow read. Just what I needed.
I hadn't properly immersed myself into a book for a good few months and with the way I was feeling at this moment in time anyway, I didn’t want to overwhelm myself so I’m glad to say this was the perfect excuse to jump back into reading.
The author, Cat Clarke, is someone I have heard great things about from friends, but I’ve never actually delved into any of her works myself…well…that is until now.
The fact that this book was only 75 pages, gave me that little taster into how Cat builds her characters and captures the emotion they feel so beautifully.
I’m actually impressed by how much character growth you manage to see in such a short length of time.
I must admit though, I felt there was quite an abrupt ending. It was a nice sentiment to how it was done but it seemed rushed.
Was Cat sticking to a 75 page limit? Who knows?
Regardless of that, the message of being able to allow yourself to let go, even when it appears you can’t or thought you couldn’t definitely hit me and made me think. Let’s just say it’s exactly what I needed to hear right now. Made me smile actually.
Someone somewhere was definitely listening!
August 28, 2019
This was a super quick read that had a lot to offer! I mainly picked this up because it was sapphic and had a pretty cover (I’m a simple woman, ok) and I’m so glad I gave this one a read.
This is a story about finding yourself. It’s about learning to move on from past heartbreak and make your own happiness. I’m really happy with how this book chose to explore that and the way the main character’s arc progressed.
I also loved the way this book talked about depression. There’s a paragraph in here where Agnes describes how her depression feels and wow, I felt that. It was just such a good description.
Agnes was a protagonist I immediately connected to. I mean, she’s basically just established as a homebody who wants to stay in bed all day eating and sleeping and thinking about the girl she loves which is top notch relatable content. I really liked her as a character, though, and enjoyed reading her story.
I will say, the writing style wasn’t my favorite. Or maybe it wasn’t that so much as the fact that there were a few moments that felt… melodramatic. Here and there, there’d be a moment with some sudden outburst from a character or a strangely quick escalation of emotion that felt off. Also, the ending was abrupt. I really loved how the story was ending, I just wish I got a little more closure.
I really liked this overall, though, and I definitely recommend it!
This is a story about finding yourself. It’s about learning to move on from past heartbreak and make your own happiness. I’m really happy with how this book chose to explore that and the way the main character’s arc progressed.
I also loved the way this book talked about depression. There’s a paragraph in here where Agnes describes how her depression feels and wow, I felt that. It was just such a good description.
Agnes was a protagonist I immediately connected to. I mean, she’s basically just established as a homebody who wants to stay in bed all day eating and sleeping and thinking about the girl she loves which is top notch relatable content. I really liked her as a character, though, and enjoyed reading her story.
I will say, the writing style wasn’t my favorite. Or maybe it wasn’t that so much as the fact that there were a few moments that felt… melodramatic. Here and there, there’d be a moment with some sudden outburst from a character or a strangely quick escalation of emotion that felt off. Also, the ending was abrupt. I really loved how the story was ending, I just wish I got a little more closure.
I really liked this overall, though, and I definitely recommend it!
January 29, 2020
In this book Astrid goes on a hike with her ex girlfriend Ellie and her new boyfriend Steve.
As they say goodbye to Ellies mum, they realise their unfinished romantic history needs closure, but when trouble strikes and Steve gets injured suddenly their solemn day becomes one filled with panic and worry.
This book delved into multiple issues in one go, death and loss, sexuality, relationships, friendship and facing a tough situation too. I highly reckon this for quick thrilling read.
As they say goodbye to Ellies mum, they realise their unfinished romantic history needs closure, but when trouble strikes and Steve gets injured suddenly their solemn day becomes one filled with panic and worry.
This book delved into multiple issues in one go, death and loss, sexuality, relationships, friendship and facing a tough situation too. I highly reckon this for quick thrilling read.
April 10, 2024
This was an easy, somewhat moving read - I finished it in about an hour or so, which is fast for me. The plot is simple, and the characters are fairly one dimensional, but it ends on an inspiring note. There's not much to say on this one, but I will commend Cat Clarke's ability to write in a way that engages the reader from the first page. I would rate this 3 stars and recommend it for those who love Cat Clarke's writing.
January 4, 2020
A sharp little novella about love, loss and learning to let go. It was an interesting dynamic between the three characters but I think we could've done with a bit more development about how they all fitted together. And while Agnes's personality was well-defined, I could've done with a bit more information about her background. Regardless, a good dose of drama that you can read in one sitting.
July 19, 2020
Short, snappy and read in one day - two sittings. It's good, but as an avid reader I wish it was longer and more developed although I completely understand why it's written as it is and think that it's brilliant to do that. Would recommend to anyone, in particular anyone with dyslexia or other tjings that mean reading a longer, detailed book isn't as possible.
February 5, 2023
3.75/5 stars
great fast paced short read! if your looking for a book that will get you out of a slump or perhaps just a book that will build up to your reading goal, then this is a perfect book to pick up! Went into this story blind, and I really enjoyed it. It’s very short and might seem like a basic typical story but the ending and little hidden meanings get you thinking.
great fast paced short read! if your looking for a book that will get you out of a slump or perhaps just a book that will build up to your reading goal, then this is a perfect book to pick up! Went into this story blind, and I really enjoyed it. It’s very short and might seem like a basic typical story but the ending and little hidden meanings get you thinking.
February 29, 2024
I think this book had the perfect ending for a simple short story, and it's a great message for the target audience. I thought the characters seemed a little young to be using dating apps and driving, but I enjoyed it otherwise. I also love a queer story where people are incidentally queer and it's not a key plot device; just a part of life.
January 24, 2020
This was a super quick read. Loved the message it portrayed and the character building was fab considering the short length of the book. I just craved more after reading it, and it’s a shame it’s such a contained story.
April 25, 2023
The main character being depressed because her girlfriend broke up with her is stupid and Ellie asking her out again while she’s in a relationship is so weird. Also the ‘gay ‘ relationship was romanticised too much .
December 5, 2023
This book was bit bland, both paced of plot and the writing was okay also the paced of plot was fine. The characters needed to be flash out and the world building okay. The book bit too short for me and the ending was fine.
July 18, 2019
Short, sweet and powerful read! Cat Clarke’s style is so damn readable and relatable for me.
July 25, 2019
I received this review copy from Barrington Stoke. Thank you! I really enjoyed this book and it opened my eyes to some pretty important things. You will have to read it!
August 21, 2019
Really nice short story. I would actually give this 4.5 stars. I always find it's hard to identify with characters in the short story format but this works really well.
September 1, 2019
Practically perfect in every way!
Loved the honesty of the book. I fell for Agnes and the way she spoke and thought. A great read for everyone.
Loved the honesty of the book. I fell for Agnes and the way she spoke and thought. A great read for everyone.
September 10, 2019
Such a powerful and beautiful story ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews