Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Akemi Dawn Bowman's novel is ungainly at times, but its central character is so complete and glorious she'll stay with you long after you turn the final page
After her parents’ divorce, Kiko lives with her mother – a fading high school beauty who peaked early and has never moved on, channelling her insecurity into passive-aggression that corrodes her children’s sense of self-worth day by day. Her brothers hide behind disinterest and Manga comics, her father has found a new family elsewhere. Kiko is left alone, so in need of her mother’s approval that she will return time and time again to a well she already knows is poison.
Painting is Kiko's life and her lifeline out of her miserable home so, after a childhood friend re-appears and begins coaxing her out of her shell, she sets off in pursuit of her dream. Her story is about overcoming anxiety and learning to see the beauty of who you are, as you are.
Much like its adolescent hero, Starfish is often a little ungainly, unsure of what do with all its parts. Major characters from the beginning are forgotten by halfway, a traumatic twist near the end is allowed to fizzle out. It’s more comfortable playing for warm and fuzzy, at times it’s maybe even a little too cute, but the characterisation of Kiko is so complete in all her uncertain, earnest glory that you miss her after the final page is turned.