In the Scrape is a powerful coming of age drama from James Newman and Mark Steensland.  It is a brilliantly detailed and compelling read, which despite being a novella takes its time to draw you in and make you care for the characters. With the overarching story it may not be seen primarily as a horror, but it manages to create an intensity as the events unfold it is easily one of the most chilling books, I have read this year.

Most kids dream about a new bike, a pair of top-dollar sneakers endorsed by their favorite athlete, or that totally awesome video game everyone’s raving about. But thirteen-year-old Jake and his little brother Matthew want nothing more than to escape from their abusive father. As soon as possible, they plan to run away to California, where they will reunite with their mother and live happily ever after. It won’t be easy, though.

Excluding the epilogue which perfectly concludes the events, the book is broken into two parts. The first half of the book is told through the perspective of thirteen-year-old Jake, which sees the story focussing primarily on him and his younger brother Mathew. With the events told from the perspective of Jake, it portrays both the innocence and vulnerability of the two brothers, as they face the hardship of both bullies and their abusive father.  

The relationship between the two brothers is so brilliantly conveyed it adds a realism to the point where you feel as though you begin to know the characters. The story may be fictional, but you can’t help but get pulled into emotions of the characters which makes the events seem almost biographical. Part of this comes from the narrative in the book. Whilst reading you can naturally hear the voice of Jake as if he is reading the words, which give it such a personnel touch.  

The book is still driven by the constant trepidation which continues to build, as you sense the tragedy that will eventually befall them. As the events unfold and the scenarios change, the intensity of the story continues to evolve, creating a claustrophobic feel which replicates the brother’s emotions of being trapped by fear. Yet the sense of kinship between the two brothers and protective nature of Jake, stops it short of being too melancholic, with the occasional humour giving you a moment to actually breathe.

Where the first half of the book is told from the perspective of Jake, the second half is seen from a broader perspective, opening up the story to the wider events. With the increased width to the story the pace of events increases and although it loses some of the more contained tension, the intensity of the scenes keep you gripped. Truths come to light; twists unfold as the story moves towards its final conclusion.

The book is filled with emotion on every page which makes it such a poignant read and instead of escalating the action towards the end, it continues to draw out the tension which forces you to keep turning the page. It leaves you with nothing but hope that they can overcome the Plight of the tragic situations which looks to inevitably befall.

As described in the synopsis and highlighted in the first chapter of the book, it becomes obvious that their drunkard father is not the most likeable of personalities. However, the way in which they deal with this element in the story where the book is both surprising impressive. The actions of their father are never justified and there is never a time that we don’t naturally despise his character, but with the way he is depicted you also begin sympathising with his character.

In the Scrape is an impressive new novella from James Newman and Mark Steensland, whose writing seems to work seamlessly together. I am not sure of their method for collaborating, but I couldn’t distinguish who has written what part of the story. It is a powerful and moving story which makes for a wonderfully compelling read. It draws you in with the characters and the ongoing uncertainly which keeps you transfixed until the end. It has set the bar for 2019 and I am sure will feature on many lists, including mine, as one of the best books this year.

Philip Rogers

Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!