Crocodile (Paperback)

A riveting, heart-breaking, consistently unpredictable novel by an enormously gifted young writer.

'A heart-breaking account of the dangerous and devastating world that vulnerable children are often thrown into... The characters are painfully and purposefully full of hidden depth and secrets, and you'll find your heart aching for each one of them.'

'Poetic, unsettling and provoking, Shand's writing encompasses not only Chloe's psyche, but her coping mechanisms, her fears and her dreams.'

'Carefully and intelligently, Shand uncovers the damage suffered by Angie and the effects that damage has had on Chloe despite her mother's fierce but misguided efforts to protect her. It's a quietly powerful novel, perceptive and compassionate.'

'With skill and precision, Shand has expressed the sad truth that coming of age is not just about discovering who you are, but also about scything down the person you used to be, happy memories and all.'

'Compelling... With Crocodile Daniel Shand has cemented his position as one of Scotland's finest and original literary voices.'

'The more I read the more I respected - and more importantly, enjoyed - how the writing style mirrored the sometimes illogical, unreliable nature of thought, exploring the coping mechanisms used by children grappling with the loss of childhood.'

'This sharp exploration of a dystopian London that doesn't feel so far from our own is full of female friendship, feminism and delicious description.'

Poetically thoughtful, careful, somehow both harrowing and gentle, heartbreaking and heartwarming. His characters are so beautifully human, perfect in their imperfection.'