SLAGS by Emma Jane Unsworth

Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When my husband saw this book on Amazon we both had a good laugh at the title and the cover. And I instantly knew that I had to check it out.

Sarah and Juliette are sisters who decide to go on a campervan road-trip across Scotland. After all, it's Juliette’s birthday and she's about to enter her 40s. The only problem is that they both packed too much baggage from their shared past...

Well, I devoured this book in 24 hours because it totally grabbed me. I had a hard time putting this down. I'm really not surprised because I love reading honest and raw stories about what some might call unlikeable women/girls written by women, but I call interesting and realistic.

The story unfolds in the POV of Sarah, during two separate timelines. Present day, while she's in her 40s. She's a workaholic who loves her job and her close friends, while engaging in a string of sexual conquests. The past focuses on 15-year-old Sarah. A teenager who isn't afraid to get involved in sexual relationships, but is secretly in love with her English teacher.

I enjoyed both timelines. The 90s part is full of nostalgia and the reality of what it's like to be a girl dreaming about love, while also falling into unsatisfying sexual situations. The other shows a grown woman who is content where she is in her life, surrounded by close friends and a job she enjoys, but has quite a few problems with her family. As well as serious issues with alcohol and drugs.

But at the heart of the story is the sisterly love and connection these two women have. I enjoyed how Sarah and Juliette's interactions unravelled the farther they went from home. How the distance, denial, secrets and so many unspoken words come out in the most unexpected ways. Drawing them closer, while also alienating them. The dynamics of their relationship is written really well. It's funny to see them connect with cigarettes, whisky, and 80s movie quotes.

Plus the conversations in this book are a lot of fun to read.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this!


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