All I Ever Wanted

‘I read this novel in one gulp, loving every moment of the narrator’s voice and the strangeness of her impoverished life…Though Mim makes mistakes, and plenty of them, this novel contains none. All I Ever Wanted is a brilliant coming-of-age novel.’ Five stars. * Australian Bookseller & Publisher *
‘This is one of the most memorable YA books I’ve ever read. The voice is original, the characters are real, the language is startling and beautiful. And the plot keeps you trapped till the dangerous but hopeful end.’ – Cath Crowley
‘One of the best debut novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Vikki Wakefield has gifted the Australian Publishing world, and readers of Young Adult Fiction, a superior tale, full to brimming with formidable characters and an exquisite protagonist. Her ability to sculpt full flesh and blood characters, with only words, ensures she will quickly be placed snug among the ranks of those we already know to expect much from, the likes of Cath Crowley, Melina Marchetta, Leanne Hall, Fiona Wood and Tim Pegler, for their talent to makes us love their characters.’ * The Book Gryffin *
‘While it’s both a thriller and a gritty romance, for me All I Ever Wanted is first and foremost a sparkling journey into hope. As the story drives toward its surprising conclusion, we’re left as stunned as Mim as she discovers “that there are so many ways to tell a person you love them.” I loved this book.’ – Paul Griffin
‘[An] absorbing young adult novel…Despite the grim setting, the characters are richly and lovingly drawn with smart-mouthed, determined Mim a particular delight. At the core of the book is the idea that things (and people) are not what they seem. It’s nothing new as a concept, but it’s executed with winningly original style, wit and heart. Think Underbelly meets Hating Alison Ashley.’ * Big Issue *
‘Vikki Wakefield’s first novel walks the tightrope between fate and human agency. Despair is leavened by shards of hope; this is not Young Adult literature that peddles misery or wallows in a nihilistic fug. Mim is one of those resilient protagonists who still wields a degree of control over her life….Like her protagonist, Wakefield plays with the reader’s prejudices. Little by little, the restrictive labels forced on various characters are seen to be products of convenience or carelessness, rather than truth….All I Ever Wanted is a thoughtful and impressive début, and Wakefield a talent to watch.’ * Australian Book Review *
‘A beautifully-written account of one young girl trying to claw her way out of the circumstances into which she was born…It’s a story about daring to dream and the transformative power of hope.’ * Sunday Tasmanian *

Vikki Wakefield writes realist fiction for young adults. Her work explores coming-of-age, family, class, relationships and the lives of contemporary teens. Her novels All I Ever Wanted, Friday Brown, Inbetween Days and Ballad for a Mad Girl have been shortlisted for numerous awards. Vikki lives in Adelaide, Australia.

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