Young Doncaster author's debut is a tale to delight

It always fills my heart with joy to see books being released by authors in Yorkshire – this young adult novel, named Etiquette, was written by 23-year-old Isabel Parkinson, from Barnburgh.

In it, we follow a down-to-earth party girl's life change dramatically when she is sent to boarding school by her overbearing parents.

There is something romantic about reading narratives set in upper-class schools. The hallowed halls, high expectations and unlimited wealth are alluring to those of us not lucky enough to attend such a prestigious establishment.

I think it’s the same appeal that watching shows like Downton Abbey or Gossip Girl have – we love a peek into how the other half lives.

Cam, Isabel’s main character, however, is a delightful contrast to the stereotypical rich kids surrounding her. She’s fun, rebellious and a fish out of water at her new school Multhorpe Hall.

In this novel, you follow her trying to wrestle with the world of the rich which she is not accustomed to – she has to learn how to switch raucous nights out with fancy luncheons.

As someone from a rural Yorkshire town, it was refreshing to read a character who says ‘Ta’ instead of thank you – I can’t remember the last time I read a novel with a strong, northern, female, main character.

Isabel leaves a few Doncastarian Easter eggs in this novel, so if you are from the town or the surrounding area, I recommend keeping an eye out for mentions of the racecourse and beloved school meal menu items.

I loved Cam’s unapologetic nature. She isn’t ashamed she doesn’t know the rules of her new fancy school. She isn’t intimidated by those around her who seem flawless – and it’s always fun to read about a rule-breaker with a defiant nature.

As a self-professed nerd who never got into trouble, I had a blast reading the thoughts of someone who strives to break the rules.

This book is something I would have loved to read as a young teen starting to think about the possibility of higher education.

Etiquette, out this month, is aimed at Year 9 children and above.