Strays and Waifs

When I received my book, I was thrilled it was by Mandy Hager, but a bit dubious as front cover didn't grab me. However I needn't have worried as Mandy Hager is a phenomenal author and she didn't disappoint!

The language in Strays and Waifs is wonderful to read and in many parts of the novel I could imagine in my mind what Mandy Hager had written about. Her descriptions of the characters, gardens, places and scenes throughout the book were detailed and on point. I knew this book was good when I began wanting Freyja and Bella, the main characters in the book, to be my friends…hehehe. Bella and Freyja form an unlikely friendship that blossoms throughout the pages of the book, the humour and banter they have with each other is fantastic.

I love how the story is serious regarding a crime that has occurred, and themes regarding past deaths are spoken about, however the language is not too weighty to digest. This book definitely has adult themes and uses explicit language, there are some sexual contexts so it is suitable for young adults, year 12 onwards.