A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd

Shell’s life has been tough since the death of her mother. Her father’s turned his back on reality, leaving her to look after her younger siblings. She’s bored of church, skips school and shares irreverent jokes and cigarettes with her friends. But when a new priest arrives in this small Irish community, things start to change. A discovery in her father’s wardrobe unleashes a scandal that rocks this small community to its core. For ages 13+

This is beautiful, dramatic writing that deals sensitively with a tough subject. Set in Ireland, the story follows the characters as they stumble through life’s challenges, making the best of tough circumstances. The language is simple, lyrical, and evocative; the storytelling humorous but never sentimental. The take on religion is not predictable and the outcome extraordinarily life affirming.

An excellent read. Wonder whether it may perhaps appeal to adults more than teens.
I would recommend it to older teenagers and adults

I think that A Swift Pure Cry is a beautifully moving book. It is superbly written and gives many view points on the world in general!

I would recommend it to 11 year olds who are very confident readers or anybody aged 14 and over.