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The Million Pieces of Neena Gill

The Million Pieces of Neena Gill

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020

Summary

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How can I hold myself together, when everything around me is falling apart?


Neena's always been a good girl - great grades, parent-approved friends and absolutely no boyfriends. But ever since her brother Akash left her, she's been slowly falling apart - and uncovering a new version of herself who is altogether more dangerous.

As her wild behaviour spirals more and more out of control, Neena's grip on her sanity begins to weaken too. And when her parents announce not one but two life-changing bombshells - including that they want her to have an arranged marriage - she finally reaches breaking point. But as Neena is about to discover, when your life falls apart, only love can piece you back together.

Reviews

  • Smith-Barton's portrayal from the inside of a mind warping under intense pressure is powerful stuff, almost making the point that first love is close to being a psychotic episode in itself. That's a refreshing and realistic spin on the average teen romance.
    Financial Times

About the author

Emma Smith-Barton

Emma Smith-Barton was born in South Wales to Pakistani parents. Growing up between cultures has heavily influenced her writing and she is especially interested in exploring themes of identity and belonging. Before writing, she taught in secondary schools for six years and is passionate about increasing awareness of mental health in young people. Her short stories have appeared in various publications such as Mslexia and The Bristol Short Story Prize 2016 anthology (under her pseudonym for adult fiction, Amna Khokher). The Million Pieces of Neena Gill was Emma's first novel for young adults. It was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020; the Branford Boase Award 2020; and the Romantic Novelists' Association Debut Romantic Novel 2020.
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