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Things We Have in Common Kindle Edition
SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD 2015
'Unsettling, deeply moving and very, very readable. I loved it' NATHAN FILER, The Shock of the Fall
'A striking and highly enjoyable debut' SOPHIE HANNAH
Yasmin would give anything to have a friend . . .
And do anything to keep one.
The first time I saw you, you were standing at the far end of the playing field. You were looking down at your brown straggly dog, but then you looked up, your mouth going slack as your eyes clocked her. Alice Taylor. I was no different. I used to catch myself gazing at the back of her head in class, at her silky fair hair swaying between her shoulder blades.
If you'd glanced just once across the field you'd have seen me standing in the middle on my own, looking straight at you, and you'd have gone back through the trees to the path quick, tugging your dog after you. You'd have known you'd given yourself away, even if only to me.
But you didn't. You only had eyes for Alice.
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Product description
Review
"Tipped as the next cult hit" ― Daily Telegraph
"A striking and highly enjoyable debut" -- SOPHIE HANNAH
"A highly compelling, truly excellent plot that will absolutely surprise you all the time, it is one of those stories that will leave you emotionally on edge - the final sentence is definitely going to come back to haunt me" ― LivLovesBooks Blog
"I love it. The voice is perfect, the writing sublime . . . beautifully endearing, a stunning book" -- KEVIN BROOKS
"
The next Gone Girl success story
" ― Independent on Sunday"
Genuinely chilling, this is one of the best books I've read this year
" ― Independent"A brilliantly twisted coming-of-age tale . . . the story chillingly, compulsively unravels" ― Sunday Express
"The most chilling last line you'll read this year" ― Independent on Sunday
"A first-person narrative that poignantly captures the loneliness of an unlovable teenager . . . There are moments of real poignancy . . . Kavanagh expertly brings out the pathos" ― Guardian
"Kavanagh captures the voice of her troubled teen protagonist with clarity" ― i
"Kavanagh's command of raw suspense ensures that it grips from the very beginning" ― Mail on Sunday
"Unsettling, deeply moving and very, very readable. I loved it" -- NATHAN FILER ― The Shock of the Fall
"A pitch-black comedy thriller. This is a novel you read half covering your eyes, willing it not to venture where you fear it might. But of course it does, with great panache" ― Guardian
"Insightful, compellingly plotted" -- Costa First Novel Award 2015 judges
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B00P6IV7JE
- Publisher : Canongate Books
- Publication date : 7 May 2015
- Edition : Main
- Language : English
- File size : 2.1 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 257 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1782115960
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: 547,823 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 13,590 in Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures
- 37,773 in Contemporary Fiction (Books)
- 43,527 in Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- Customer reviews:
About the author

Tasha Kavanagh lives in Hertfordshire with her family and three cats. She has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia, has worked as an editor on feature films, including 'The Talented Mr Ripley', 'Twelve Monkeys' and 'Seven Years in Tibet' and has had ten books for children published under her maiden name Tasha Pym. 'Things We Have in Common' is her first novel.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book's writing quality for its convincing voice and find it a gripping, well-paced read that elicits empathy. The character development receives mixed reactions, with some appreciating the brilliant portrayal while others find the protagonist unlikable. The pacing and ending receive mixed reviews - while some find it thoroughly captivating, others describe it as frustrating, and while the story is full of tiny twists, the abrupt ending makes little sense. The creepiness aspect also divides opinions, with some finding it weird in a wonderful way while others consider it profoundly creepy.
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Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-developed and convincing, with one customer highlighting the gripping dialogue that engages the reader.
"...At times Yasmin’s voice is self-deprecating and knowingly self-aware, reminiscent of a childhood spent largely in the company of adults, whilst at..." Read more
"...would i recommend this book, yes, i would as its a good story and well written, just be prepared for the book to not come to a final conclusion." Read more
"...Firstly she has created an original narrative voice, secondly our narrator is totally unreliable, and finally the narrator refers to the suspect as &..." Read more
"This is an extraordinary book about an unforgettable character called Yasmin – although the kids at school call her Doner. ‘..." Read more
Customers find the book well-paced, with one mentioning it's a fast read that flows smoothly.
"...But the pace is lively enough and the characters engaging enough to keep the reader going...." Read more
"Great book that draws you in and stays with you after the final page. Well-paced, with clearly defined characters...." Read more
"...This novel started off quite slow and i wasnt sure if i would stick with it, but i persisted which im glad i did, as at about 30% of the way through..." Read more
"I found the writing engrossing and quickly got into this. The story moves along and you're drawn into what is a real train wreck...." Read more
Customers find the book gripping.
"...I loved the writing, and found it so gripping - it was one of those books I couldn't wait to get back to and unputdownable at times...." Read more
"...Original, dark, and gripping, Things We Have in Common elicits empathy by showing that even we have something in common with a kidnapper." Read more
"...I devoured it in one day’s listening, it was that gripping!..." Read more
"Gripping and unforgetable..." Read more
Customers appreciate how the book elicits empathy, with one describing it as an intimate read.
"...And then she can swing to the opposite end of the scale and be loving, overly trusting, desperate for assurance and validation...." Read more
"...Original, dark, and gripping, Things We Have in Common elicits empathy by showing that even we have something in common with a kidnapper." Read more
"...obsessive outsider is skilfully portrayed, making this an easy and intimate read." Read more
"...Being inside Yasmin's young mind is illuminating and inspires unexpected empathy without ever being sentimental...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it thoroughly captivating and worth reading, while others describe it as frustrating and pitiable.
"This well-crafted and darkly humorous novel is not only supremely original, but one of the most profoundly creepy and disturbing portrayals of life..." Read more
"...Overall, an adequate read, but it won't blow your socks off." Read more
"...For me, this is the perfect YA read (14+) and I am slightly puzzled by the fact it appears to be aimed at just the adult market, but I hope this..." Read more
"...Yasmin is often very unemotional and unresponsive towards things that she shouldn't be...." Read more
Customers have mixed reactions to the ending of the book, with some finding it creepy and full of tiny twists, while others criticize the abrupt and nonsensical conclusion.
"...Bold and disturbing, Tasha Kavanagh’s psychological character study of a teenager whose retreat into fantasy leaves her vulnerable and unprepared..." Read more
"...Enigmatic and allusive, the mystery around "you" taunts us throughout the whole novel and I was forever changing my opinion and..." Read more
"...In conclusion, would i recommend this book, yes, i would as its a good story and well written, just be prepared for the book to not come to a final..." Read more
"...crafted the entire way through this novel but gives way to a completely flat conclusion...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some praising the brilliant and excellent portrayal, while others find the character eminently unlikeable.
"...her information, readers will appreciate this multi-layered and nuanced persona...." Read more
"...Far fetched, boring, and none of the main characters had any appealing characteristics at all, so I lost interest in them and how the story might end..." Read more
"...34;You" is a brilliant character...." Read more
"...haunted by Yasmin: one of the most complex, compelling and heart-breaking characters I have read in a long, long, time...." Read more
Customers have mixed reactions to the book's creepiness, with some finding it weird in a wonderful way while others describe it as profoundly creepy.
"...humorous novel is not only supremely original, but one of the most profoundly creepy and disturbing portrayals of life as a bullied and desperately..." Read more
"...This a very strange, creepy book which leaves you feeling very unsettled...." Read more
"An interesting, unusual tale - engrossing and absorbing in the most part, but as a lot of other reviewers have said, I did find the ending rather..." Read more
"Weird, compelling, thrilling. Did I mention weird?..." Read more
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 November 2017This well-crafted and darkly humorous novel is not only supremely original, but one of the most profoundly creepy and disturbing portrayals of life as a bullied and desperately unhappy teenager, all narrated by an authentic teenage voice which at times is both discomforting yet truly fascinating.
Fifteen-year old protagonist, Yasmin Lakaris, is a grossly overweight teenager who seeks refuge from her loneliness by withdrawing into a fantasy world of her own imaginings, all accentuated by her obsessive tendencies. Yasmin (“Doner” to the school bullies, due to her being half-Turkish) is infatuated with Alice Taylor, a wildly popular girl in her class who she dreams of being friends and possibly more with. As the novel opens Yasmin catches sight of a man standing on the other side of the school grounds gawping at Alice, and only having eyes for Alice herself, Yasmin imagines the man is similarly entranced. It is from this glance that Yasmin goes on to picture herself as the heroine coming to Alice’s rescue in an envisaged abduction attempt, thereby forging an unbreakable bond with her schoolmate. As Yasmin fixates on this dramatic scenario she seeks refuge from her isolation in a world entirely of her own making and starts researching everything from local missing girls to what a paedophile might look like, whilst simultaneously compiling her own rather incriminating box of Alice keepsakes (an old sock, a heart sketch and a biscuit wrapper foil).
Over the next few weeks things become increasingly difficult for Yasmin both at school and at home, as Alice’s crowd of friend pillory her for “stalking” and her opinionated stepfather, plumber Gary, harries indulgent mother, Jen, for Yasmin’s unchecked girth and her status as a social leper. In a misguided attempt to smooth over the frustrations of her new husband, Yasmin’s mother colludes in her daughters weight gain by attempting to boost her so obviously depressed child’s spirits with chocolate and pizza. Under a dietician for the past year, Yasmin’s weight has steadily increased and her excuse is grief over the death of her adored father, Terry, despite six-years having passed since his demise. Part of Yasmin’s dislike of Gary is simply the fact that he is not “Terry”, who still occupies a large place in her thoughts and she is sure that he would be proud of her endeavours to protect Alice.
Things change when Yasmin starts to follow the man who she has seen staring at Alice in a effort to be of more assistance to the police when Alice is abducted and possibly provide a name or other specifics.. however in doing so she discovers that she and this man have more things in common than just a fascination with Alice. Soon Yasmin recognises a similarly friendless, kindred spirit and installs herself in the life of the man, drawn by his initial lukewarm kindness. As Yasmin transfers her growing obsession with Alice to this man and his dog, it offers some respite from a school and home life from which she is desperate to escape. Having finally found herself a “friend”, Yasmin is utterly unprepared for the actual disappearance of Alice... As this second half opens and unexpected twists follow, the novel’s denouement hangs in the balance right down to the closing moments when it is despatched with absolute aplomb by debut author, Tasha Kavanagh.
Capturing the voice of a conflicted and lonely teenager perfectly, at times Yasmin refers to the man who she has seen watching Alice as “you”, adding an extra degree of creepiness to her imaginings and personal address. Indeed, Yasmin can take the most innocuous statement or detail and extrapolate to fit her own purposes and it is this complex characterisation of a unique protagonist that stands out and her flaws and behavioural tendencies make her a difficult character to wholeheartedly feel sympathy for. That I still have questions ricocheting in my mind surrounding her reliability as a narrator is testament to Kavanagh’s excellent portrayal. At times Yasmin’s voice is self-deprecating and knowingly self-aware, reminiscent of a childhood spent largely in the company of adults, whilst at other times it is both disturbing and frankly pitiable, ensuring that Yasmin is sure to play on the hearts and minds of every reader. As the narration journeys from mundane domestic details, to outright deluded fantasy through to forward-thinking surrounding the likely police response of her information, readers will appreciate this multi-layered and nuanced persona. That the reader never feels wholeheartedly sure whether she is wilfully complicit in her unsettling starring role is just one of the many disconcerting aspects of this novel. Fascinating and memorable, the ending, despite feeling almost inevitable leaves a distinct sense of unease. Bold and disturbing, Tasha Kavanagh’s psychological character study of a teenager whose retreat into fantasy leaves her vulnerable and unprepared to navigate the dangers in an adult world will leave readers wondering whether Yasmin is really quite so innocent.
Review written by Rachel Hall (@hallrachel)
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 December 2015I would of given 3 and a half stars if i could, as i was undecided about the outcome.
The story tells a tale of a teenage girl 'Yasmin' who has had tragedy in her life and copes with her emotions by over indulging in food. This has lead to her becoming very overweight and unpopular in school with her peers. There is a popular girl in school 'Alice' that Yasmin seems to obsess over and even stalk, imagining that they have a great friendship and are really close. One day, Yasmin sees a man with a dog watching Alice and starts fantasising that this man kidnaps Alice, and that she becomes Alices savour by rescuing her.
This novel started off quite slow and i wasnt sure if i would stick with it, but i persisted which im glad i did, as at about 30% of the way through, it started to pick up and i was hooked! i literally couldnt put this book down until i had found out the outcome of the choices that Yasmin had made!
Then i got to the end......at least i think i got to the end, for there really wasnt much of an ending at all! Leaving me feeling cheated out of the time i had devoted to reading it, which was quite disappointing as i really liked the story and loved the authors style of writing. I have read books before were there is an abrupt ending leaving it up to your imagination, which im fine with, but this felt like it was to erupt, almost unfinished.
In conclusion, would i recommend this book, yes, i would as its a good story and well written, just be prepared for the book to not come to a final conclusion.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 August 2016Kavanagh does several things that I adore in psychological thrillers. Firstly she has created an original narrative voice, secondly our narrator is totally unreliable, and finally the narrator refers to the suspect as "you" the entire way through the novel which is highly effective in creating an atmosphere of menace - with both the narrator and the suspect.
Yasmin is 15, her father has died; her and her mother now live with her mother's new partner, Gary Thorton - or "Gary Thorn-in-my-bum" - who "wasn't there", so can't fully understand the trauma the mother and daughter have survived. He regularly frustrates both women with his constant reprisal towards Yasmin to confront her worryingly obese figure. Yasmin is a loner. She is a social outcast at school, teased, bullied, ignored with a desperately low self esteem as she repeatedly refers to herself as fat and freakish.
Yasmin's voice is very authentic. Her flippancy, jealousy, moodiness, spite and then conversely, obsession, love, naivety all remind us that she is a teenager - one that is still grieving and whose mother seems relatively ineffective in any significant guidance or support. However, what I really liked is that I was never entirely sure how I felt towards her. Pity? Sympathy? Fear? Horror? Is this a girl who simply gets caught up in her own imaginings or is there something more malicious and underhand at play? Is Kavanagh showing how events can spiral out of control from one or two words shouted in the heat of the moment or has she indeed created a more psychopathic creature?
I can't forget about Yasmin. She has made a deep impression on me. There was something very bleak in her story. Her obsession over Alice is perhaps not abnormal as far as teenage crushes go - particularly for a child who longs to be recognised and accepted. But what is unsettling is the level of delusion and how confused she sometimes become between what is real and what is imagined. Some of the passages were painful to read; either because Yasmin's actions made me cringe or because I wanted to reach out and rescue her. Although Kavanagh skilfully steers us away from becoming too emotionally involved with Yas - she does not want us to feel maternal sympathy towards her. She wants us to be terrified by her thoughts and actions and fear for where things will lead. Yasmin is often very unemotional and unresponsive towards things that she shouldn't be. Her obsessions and ideas are always several stages too far and too worryingly inappropriate. I could not read the pages fast enough I so wanted to see how things would turn out.
Yasmin's voice is punchy. She can be sarcastic. She can be brutal. And then she can swing to the opposite end of the scale and be loving, overly trusting, desperate for assurance and validation. But there is so much displacement and fantasy in her mind, it is sad as well as deeply concerning. It is no surprise that Yasmin compares herself to Snow White and pretends to exist in fairy tales at the beginning of the novel - or how filmic her fantasies are. I was moved by how much all the adults let Yasmin down. There could be some really interesting discussions about responsibility within this book.
"You" is a brilliant character. There is so little real description of this person, who also gives little away through dialogue, we have only what Yasmin tells us to go on which is highly unreliable and also ever changing. Enigmatic and allusive, the mystery around "you" taunts us throughout the whole novel and I was forever changing my opinion and theories.
It's only 260 pages long. Kavanagh writing is simple, fluent, engaging and absorbing. I don't think I can use the words gripping, chilling and thrilling in the conventional sense but as far as reads go, it is a thriller; it will chill you. This is utterly compulsive and very compelling.
I recommend it!
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2016Tension is expertly crafted the entire way through this novel but gives way to a completely flat conclusion. In attempting to create an air of mystery, the author ends up creating a story that ultimately feels lazy and incomplete.
Top reviews from other countries
- Vanya VatsalReviewed in India on 13 May 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good
This was a good YA novel. We follow the story of Yasmin who is deeply disturbed.
- Sarah CareyReviewed in the United States on 22 October 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars Uh..what
This was a crazy book with a sucky confusing ending. It was a total mind warp and I am left dazed and confused. I kept wanting to read the book..seriously good in a twisted way..
-
Dieter MarsonerReviewed in Germany on 12 July 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gutes Buch, einfach geschrieben aber doch sehr komplex im Inhalt. Die Geschichte steckt voller Überraschungen
Das Buch ist sehr speziell und eines der spannendsten, die ich letzthin gelesen habe. Die Konstruktion der Geschichte ist sehr einfallsreich und kreativ. Der Ausgang bis zuletzt ungewiss. Das Englisch leicht verständlich, besonders für Teenagers geeignet.
- VictoriaReviewed in the United States on 6 October 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
I loved this book! I bought it on a recommendation and wasn't 100% sure what to expect. I thought the story was compelling and unexpected, and I loved that the narrator was not your usual run-of-the-mill protagonist. Highly recommended.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Australia on 12 February 2017
1.0 out of 5 stars Stupid and frustrating
I feel like I've wasted my money and my time. Don't bother reading this. I can't believe I 'finished' it.