Runaways by E.L. Norry

Told with humour, empathy and a whole lot of heart, Runaways by E.L Norry is a story that will stay with you. Honest, authentic and powerful, it challenges readers to think about how two people with very different lives can feel so similar.

July has recently returned from foster care to live with her young mum, a recovering addict who struggles to hold down a job and make positive choices for their family. All their exciting plans and promises for the future never seem to happen. It’s just the two of them since her grandmother’s death and July often feels like the responsible adult. It’s a lot of pressure for an 11 year old. When mum’s old friend comes to stay, bringing bad habits of the past with her, July doesn’t know what to do. Armed with her favourite book, “How They Survived”, and the positive proverbs taught to her by her Nanna, she sets off to find her foster mum and get help.

Like July, Jamie feels lonely and like he has no one to turn too. Ever since his mum started dating Garrett, nothing is the same. Jamie wants to see his dad but because he works away on an oil rig, it just isn’t possible. When Garrett suggests boarding school (without any of his friends from primary school) and constantly complains about his behaviour, Jamie doesn’t know what to do. A carelessly revealed truth and a momentary lapse in judgement changes everything sending Jamie on the run. Will he ever be able to go home again?

These two runaways feel like there’s nothing they can do to make things right. Traveling independently for the very first time, they’re faced with money worries, dangerous people and unpredictable natural elements. They don’t know who they can trust or where to turn next. Themes of transition, family dynamics, drugs and alcohol, racial profiling, injustice and homelessness create a very real adventure. July’s knowledge of survival and her Nanna’s wisdom sees her through but nothing could prepare either of them for all the emotions that come with being alone.

The use of language in Runaways is exceptional. ‘Things adults say’ and words of wisdom like ‘Good things come to those who wait’ or ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way’ stand out in the text, providing readers with inspiring mantras to live by. July and Jamie learn some hard truths about life, love, the fallibility of parents and the strength of those they can really trust. Friendship and finding your way in life isn’t necessarily easy but there is always hope.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley UK for an early read of this fantastic book!

Fablehouse by Emma Norry

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