Candy

Luke Davies (1997), Allen & Unwin, 300 pages

I found this book very hard to put down which is always the sign of a very good read. I was also racing to finish the book before seeing the film version (see review below). The book tells the story of two young lovers whose lives spiral out of control as a result of their heroin addiction. But despite the context of their love story, their affection and devotion to one another rings true and seems to work amidst the constant desperation for their next hit. The book certainly shows the gritty and seedy side of this kind of life and should be compulsory reading for all teenagers who may think the can handle just one 'taste'. I thoroughly recommend this book but it is not for the faint hearted.