One family seeks truth, the other doesn't care as long as the status quo remains. Her writing captures a snapshot of teen culture in England, effectively portraying themes of class division, as seen through Mikey and Ellie's relationship, as well as justice and honesty. It is a realistic portrayal of a certain segment of culture in England by British author, Jenny Downham. Overall this was an very good book which retained my interest throughout. She sees Karyn and understands her pain and when she does that she knows what she must do, even if it means hurting those she loves. As the pressure on her increases, Ellie's acting out continues to escalate she leaves home at all hours, does drugs, drinks and continues in a relationship with Mikey.īut in the end, Ellie knows she has to stop ignoring the voice of her conscience. When Ellie does discover who he is, she is furious and attempts to discover what his intentions are. As a result she begins to act out, skipping school and becoming involved with Mikey. Ellie is experiencing serious conflict over helping her brother Tom not go to prison or telling what she saw that night. Meanwhile Ellie is burdened with the events of that night.

At first she doesn't know who Mickey nor that his intention is to get 'information' on Tom so that he can plan revenge. There he meets Ellie, whom he is attracted to instantly. But things don't quite goes as planned when he first scouts out the Parker residence and then crashes the Parker bail bash. The novel opens with Mikey forming plans with his best friend, Jacko, to get revenge on Tom for Karyn's assault. Tom's younger sister, Ellie was the only witness to what actually occurred meaning that it is Tom's word against Karyn's. Eventually both Tom and Karyn's friends left, leaving a very drunk Karyn incapacitated. Karyn and her friend Stacey spent part of the evening at Tom's house with his friends. Mikey McKenzie's 15 year old sister, Karyn, has been sexually assaulted by Tom Parker.

You Against Me is a visceral and riveting story about two families in crisis and two people who fall in love when really they should hate one another.

You against me book