‘I’m very impressed. Lots of emotional power.’ Martin Waddell

‘Any child who feels like a misfit should find some solace in this book.’ Daily Telegraph

‘Georgie won Doyle many admirers, and the new book further proves that this is a unique and challenging voice.’ Books Magazine

‘Critically acclaimed Malachy Doyle's latest creation is a highly original, hugely funny and warm tale of one 14 year old working out who he is and why he never seems to fit in.’ Waterstone’s Books Quarterly

‘...its delivery and the originality of Jesse’s voice will resonate with readers, who may feel after reading Jesse’s story that life is manageable after all.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘Malachy Doyle has a distinctive and accomplished narrative voice. The opening chapter...is startling and totally gripping; the pacing is perfect, leaving the reader physically breathless. Doyle’s unusual use of a second-person narration positions the reader as witness to the event and heightens the sense of involvement. In Who is Jesse Flood? Doyle creates a portrait of male youth which shows that masculinity and sensitivity are not antithetical.’ Books for Keeps

‘Malachy Doyle's latest young adult novel opens with one of the most powerful descriptions of teenage angst I have ever read. ...exceptionally well written, a very exciting and multi-layered novel.’ Achuka

‘...stunningly crafted first-person glimpse of an anxious adolescent. Jesse’s compelling voice radiates throughout with wit and honesty.’ Booklist

‘Jesse’s voice comes through with poignant tellings of embarassing situations and with a wonderful sense of humour, as well as with an honest exploration of painful emotions.’ School Library Journal

‘Observant enough to communicate the big picture, smart enough to see life’s ironies, self-absorbed enough to resonate authentically, and Irish enough to show that the teen years - ‘the slowest years of your life’ - are tough all over. Jesse allows teen readers to see their own concerns about family, friends, society, nature and identity through the consciousness of a likeable survivor.’ Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

‘The writing is spare and tense, effectively conveying the overwhelming fears and emotions of a teenager.’ Irish Post

‘a very, very intriguing book. He has a wonderful turn of phrase. I love the portrayal of small town Northern Ireland. One of the things Malachy Doyle does very well in passing is that he conveys awfully cleverly what young Jesse at one time calls "the unremitting tedium of small town life," of living at what he calls, very disrespectfully, I’m sure, "the arse end of the universe."’ Robert Dunbar, Rattlebag, RTE Radio

‘In Jesse Flood, Malachy Doyle has created an enchanting and utterly believable young man who we watch with concern and admiration growing up over the course of one summer.’ Emily: Write!Away website

‘Another story of a teenager suffering the anguish of growing up in a dysfunctional family, coping with his mother leaving and a feeling that he is different and doesn’t belong, desperately searching for his own identity... Well, yes it is in many ways! But there is something extra here, something which lifts the tale from the ordinary. Certainly the opening is gripping... Then there is the feeling that you are right inside the mind of the lad. There are chilling incidents to hold your interest, and lastly, the well written ending is satisfying, even hopeful, without giving the false hope of a completely happy conclusion.’ Carousel

‘A really powerful piece of storytelling.’ Laura Hutchings, The Ultimate Book Guide

‘This enthralling powerhouse of a novel takes you to hell and back as Georgie struggles to face up to the secret of his past.’ Daily Telegraph

‘14-year old Georgie is a boy who has largely withdrawn from human contact… his story is totally enthralling, brilliantly written, and still manages to finish on a note of hope.’ Nicholas Tucker, The Independent

‘In other hands this story would have sounded preachy but Malachy Doyle pulls it off triumphantly. It is sensitively written and exciting, classic storytelling. By concentrating on Georgie and allowing the reader to see through his eyes, he succeeds in giving readers a tautly-written, emotional masterpiece.’ Allan Gibbons, The Ultimate Book Guide

‘The writing is powerful yet tender, gritty without being gratuitous, devoid of gloom, and surprisingly light in tone.’ Chris Stevenson, Carousel

‘A remarkable and courageous debut… extraordinary story… the power and strength of this astonishing novel.’ Sarah Webb, Irish Times

‘Harrowing and shocking, yet surprisingly tender… An extraordinary book that builds with great sensitivity and sadness. Highly recommended.’ Damian Kelleher, T2 Online

‘It’s headlong and compelling, and I read it between breath and breath. ’ Kevin Crossley-Holland, The Guardian

‘A very good book. What Malachy has done so effectively is to give a new kind of child a voice.’ Julia Eccleshare, Radio 4

‘Powerfully told and strong… tackles a difficult subject very well.’ Kit Spring, The Observer

‘Doyle's subtle and perceptive portrait of Georgie's persecutory inner world is told in a daringly understated way.’ Rosemary Stones, Books For Keeps

‘Powerfully written… breaks new ground.’ Dinah Hall, Sunday Telegraph

‘…one of the most moving books I've read. It is absolutely brilliant about a child in care.’ Alan Gibbons

‘Quite wonderful…a brilliant piece of writing…Georgie is totally believable…I was so moved by it.’ Wendy Cooling

‘An extraordinary insight into the mind of a silent, deeply aggressive boy living in a home for disturbed children. An assured and moving novel which is striking in its portrayal of damage and recovery’ School Librarian Journal

‘A beautiful and moving account of a therapeutic process, painful yet full of hope.’ Children's Book News

‘The novel brilliantly takes readers inside a damaged psyche. This book is exceptionally well crafted from its gripping opening to its hopeful conclusion’ School Library Journal

‘Georgie’s voice is utterly real, and his recovery is realistically gradual. Doyle’s debut is a remarkable book for both strong and reluctant readers.’ Booklist

‘Georgie is an outstanding book and Malachy Doyle has written it with raw honesty.’ Brisbane Courier Mail

‘A stunning cover and a powerful story.’ Irish Post

‘Disturbing yet realistic… this book had a profound effect on me.’ Leslie Sim, Head of Services to Children and Young People, West Sussex

‘It's a sad, horrifying, happy story, and I couldn't put the book down until I had read it …even after I had finished the book, I was still thinking about it for a long time afterwards. Brilliant! Highly recommended.’ Jill Marshall, readingmatters.co.uk

‘A great read for teenagers aged between 13 to 17 years. This novel just proves how strong the human spirit is, even when all seems lost. I really enjoyed Georgie and recommend that everyone reads it; it truly is a powerful novel.’ Sokvanna (aged 15) Canberra: Young Australian Readers' Awards

‘I was struck from the first paragraph and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. With every step Georgie makes, you are holding your breath to see if he is going to succeed and you are really with him throughout the whole book.’ Elizabeth, aged 13, Herefordshire: coolreads.co.uk

‘Georgie is and emotional, gripping read dealing with child mental health. An excellent book’ Jenny Wilson, age 14, Plymouth Feedback Magazine

‘I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down.’ Ruth, Holy Cross School, Chorley

‘A very deep, moving, powerful novel.’ Kelly, Holy Cross School, Chorley

‘One of the best books I have read in my life’ Amy, St Mary’s College, Leyland