The Things We Leave Behind

'The Things We Leave Behind' is an amazing book, it explores what our future could be if we don't sort ourselves out. The main character, Clem, finds herself no longer able to stay in her family home in London, so she and her sister Billie run away to Edinburgh. This story is brilliant in the way that breaks your heart, for there are many plot twists. I highly recommend this book for anyone who doesn't mind crying at a good book.

Isolde

HHS

OMG what a read!!!!!! Gripping. best Carnegie this year! I was hooked. I was sad, happy, scared. The thought that this could be in our future. Whilst I had guessed the plot twist that didn't mean it didn't bring me to tears. Well written, great characters and what a storyline. Probably far more meaningful reading this as an adult though. 100/10. Cried my eyes out and it took me a few days to shake it!

Deborah

Ousedale Olney

Jemima

Sandroyd Bookivores

William

MAT Co-curricular

George, Marcus

MAT Co-curricular

Lola, Amelia, Georgia, Macie

MAT Co-curricular

It was a lovely but confusing story. I think it is 3/5.

𝕊𝕒𝕒𝕟𝕧𝕚

Beauchamp Champs 2025

The Things We Leave Behind showed a possible future for our country, where there is a strong lack of freedom and trust. I enjoyed the story, though I felt the pacing was a bit slow at times and I was often confused at the switches in timeline. The book explores themes of change and loss, and shows how trauma can affect people such as Clem.

Elizabeth

Augustine’s Carnegie Challenge

I really enjoyed reading this book. The plot twist at the end blew my mind. Its really sad how this is happening in many countries, but overall I think this is a great book.

Inaayah

Beauchamp Champs 2025

This book offers an amazing insight into the struggles of a teenage girl facing a uncertain future in a dystopia world. This book is cleverly crafted to keep you guessing till the end!

Emily

Lionheart25

The book it very interesting it's a very serious book that I would like to find more like it

SMMA BOOKWORMS

I really this book about a girl that had to leave her home. I was gripped from the moment I picked it up because it was emotive and had a big plot twist at the end.

Ned

Bookwizards

'The Things We Leave Behind' by Clare Furniss was a rollercoaster of emotions. It is about the journey that Clem, a 16 year old girl, and Billie, her little half-sister take, trying to escape the terrors of England and flee to Scotland. It is also about Clem trying to make sense of the harsh realities of her past and how she grieves. It starts gently but very powerfully and definitely leaves you on the edge of your seat and almost immediately you feel like you have known the characters for years. By the end of this book I had so much sympathy that the emotional, unexpected plot twist near the end made me tear up. I absolutely loved this book and I would give it a 10/10!

Violet

The John Mason Shadowers

One of the things that are the most eye-catching of the book “The things we leave behind” is the front cover. It gives us an interesting contrast to contemplate, with the gold popping out of the darker colour. I found that the circled technique that draws attention towards the centre image was symbolic towards the meaning of the story - like a sort of connection that brings back to the same point. The feather at the end of the golden barbed-wire line looks like a quill that is used to write. This detail made me think that the story was going to be narrated, rather on the side of storytelling. On a whole, the gold details add depth, symbolism and outlines the important themes of the play, like freedom (this concept is shown in the stuck paper cranes) and new beginnings (which is shown in the central image by the rising sun in front of two characters holding hands). The little note “Their world is in crisis. Freedom calls.” tells us a little about what kind of story this is going to be; to me it seemed like it was leaning to a dystopian genre. Overall, the book cover is the perfect balance to me: not too crowded, simple, and the right amount of hints and symbols.

Chiara

CFBL

“The Things We Leave Behind” by Clare Furniss is an immensely emotional story about authoritarianism, grief, identity, terrorism and the importance of family. It follows a teenage girl, Clem, who is forced to escape London with her younger sister as it is unsafe under authoritarian rule. At the start, the book was slightly confusing, but eventually the plot made more sense. I found that it had many plots twists that kept me eager to find out what would happen next and that the loving bond between Clem and her sister Billie made them easy to connect with. Clem’s deep emotions captured the fear and uncertainty she felt as she had to protect her sister and survive. She tried to hold herself together for Billie, whilst trying to comfort her, which showed how much she really cared – this especially applies to when Clem lost Billie in the crowd and she started to panic. I found the plot twist at the end quite heart breaking and unexpected that Billie had died – I think Clem couldn’t accept that and made up that Billie was still with her for the rest of the journey as coping mechanism. I really loved this book, and I would recommend it as it is a great dystopian fiction. I rate it 4/5.

Hannah

Augustine’s Carnegie Challenge

Another amazing read which made me think of After the Party with a similar government in power. A very compelling What If style story, a future you hope does not happen because of the disastrous effect it would have on society as a whole. Clem and Billie are forced by their father to leave London after Claudia, Clem's stepmother, is arrested and threatened with deportation. Arriving in Wales in the little village her grandfather lives in, Clem finds the villagers hostile and under the sway of their councillor who wants to root out anyone not belonging to the village citing lack of food and supplies. Clem and Billie camp out and eventually make it to Scotland which is safer as it's independent (spoiler!). There is a twist to the tale reminiscent of All that It Ever Meant. Satisfying!

Mrs. P

Cake a Book Club

"All the Things We Leave Behind and ” is about remembrance and attachment, about what we collect and what we leave behind. In this highly affecting novel, Nason explores the permeability of memory and the sometimes confusing bonds of human emotion.

Elma

Reading allowed

I enjoyed the things we leave behind as I loved the characters, and the journey that they went through. However, I think I expected it to focus more on the dystopia. I found it was too slow-paced for me and I felt like it begun to lose focus, and became a little random. I appreciate the representation of what was going through Clems mind and how trauma can affect younger children.

Charlie

Carnegie Elizabethans

The Things We Leave Behind was an amazingly well-written dystopian story, with well thought out emotions and ideas. It follows the tragic story of Clem, a 15 year old girl, and her little half sister Billie. In a country destructed to rubble by politics, they must escape before it's too late. Staying with their Grandpa in the countryside also becomes dangerous, however, and Clem and Billie must escape further north - to Scotland. Following their journey during this book opened my eyes to the world of politics in a whole new lens. This is a perfect choice for all dystopian, and adventure lovers. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope to read more of Clare Furniss's stories in the future.

Anushka

Watford Girls

The Things We Leave Behind wasn’t really my favourite, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped I would. I found the story quite slow at times, and I didn’t always feel connected to the characters or fully understand what the main message was supposed to be. Because of that, it didn’t really stick with me. That said, the book did have some good parts. It explored important themes like loss, growing up, and change—things that a lot of people can relate to. Even though it wasn’t really my kind of story, I can see how someone who enjoys more thoughtful and emotional books might really connect with it. It’s not a bad book—it just wasn’t the right one for me. I would consider reading it again in the future, as I might understand it better or connect with it more the second time around.

Vanessa

Rainbeau Readers

All the Things We Leave Behind was a powerful and moving story that gave a real insight into the lives of refugees and people living under authoritarian rule. It was sad to follow Clem as she slowly lost everything, and the twist at the end was truly heartbreaking. Knowing that something like this could happen in our country—and is already happening in many others—is honestly terrifying. I would definitely recommend this book, and it’s easily one of my favourite Carnegie reads so far.

Aria

Rainbeau Readers

This book is an exceptional young adult novel that captivated me from start to finish. This excellent novel follows 16-year-old Clem and her half-sister Billie as they embark on a dangerous journey to Scotland in search of safety. One thing that stands out about this book is that is told through Clem's many journal entries, the narrative dines into numerous themes including: family, identity, and many more. I would recommend this book to young adults or teenagers and readers who love to read emotional resonant fiction.

Freya

Fiction Addiction

This is my favourite carnegie. It had a great story line and it was really enjoyable to read. In my opinion it was a amazing. I loved it.

rafferty

Ermysted’s

SPOILER ALERT The things we leave behind is a really good book all about adventure but at the end she realises that she imagined her sister being alive as she died at the beginning.

Charlotte

Gabbot Games

It was a very emotional book about going on a journey with her sister who we then find out is not there. It shows how some people deal with loss. It shows an England we never want to happen. It also shows family struggling with memory loss.

Alex

Gabbot Games

A great book and a must-read out of the selection. Reminds me of The Hunger Games with both the distopian type setting and the bond of two sisters. I was invested from the start and felt a connection towards both of the sisters. One of my personal favourites out of the collection.

Hollie-Rose

Rad readers

'The Things We Leave Behind' is an emotional story about grief , sadness , and loss . it is about two girls from London who flee to Scotland to escape from being persecution. They both become refugees. One of the girls , Clem was dealing with emotional difficulties as she didn't know how to deal with her long lost past.

River

Kingdown

I did not finish this book because I found it confusing. It is dystopian, dark and gloomy. If you like riddles this is for you.

Lilly

Hall Park

This book was a thrilling adventure of a teenage girl and her little sister trying to survive when they have to flee their home in London. I found this book a good read as it had you on the edge of your seat at numerous points but also had points you would find yourself happy for Clem and her sister Billie.

barney

Kingdown

Grief, identity, and the difficulties of closely related relationships are all explored in the compelling and emotionally complex book, The Things We Leave Behind. The narrative is told from the viewpoint of Clem, a teenager dealing with the emotional difficulties of growing up and trying to make sense of her past. Writing with honesty and empathy, Clare Furniss sensitively and deeply captures the unfiltered, frequently perplexing emotions of puberty. With her quiet strength and vulnerability, Clem makes an engaging protagonist. Readers will probably identify with her quest for self-awareness, belonging, and truth because her journey seems genuine. The friendship at the heart of the book is among its most poignant features. It provides comfort, stress, and a strong emotional connection that emphasizes how crucial it is to be seen and supported. Through memory and contemplation, the author skillfully combines the past and present to progressively unveil Clem's emotional landscape. The book addresses challenging subjects, but it also makes room for healing and hope. It's a well-written, thoughtful tale that sticks with you. Ideal for readers who like books with strong characters and themes of emotional development and real-life problems. Zoe

Zoe.G

The Lotus Readers

The Things We Leave Behind is a dystopian novel that explores themes of painful loss, traumatising memory, and emotional healing. The story unfolds gently but powerfully, pulling readers into the inner lives of those holding the weight of their unforgetful past and regrets. Most readers like the emotional plot twist change. The characters feel real, shaped by love for family mostly, friends, and the powerful love of relationships, regret, and resilience. The author handles difficult topics with sensitivity, allowing space for quiet reflection without becoming overly dramatic. Even though the first half of the book is slow, it is a silent but emotional build up to the climax. Though the pace is calm and steady, every moment feels purposeful, building toward a quiet yet impactful resolution. It’s the kind of book that leaves a lasting impression until the last page. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional richness and thoughtful writing, The Things We Leave Behind is well worth your time. A heartfelt, memorable read. Recommended for people who love reading emotional and romance YA novels. A recommendation of 8/10.

Nhu Y

The Lotus Readers

The things we leave behind by Claire Furniss follows 16 year old Clem and her younger sister Billie as they flee dangerous London to try find safety in Edinburgh, carrying only a notebook filled with memories and stories from their past. Claire Furniss explores the themes that family and sisterhood, refugee experience, loss, grief and hope. Overall I found the book very enjoyable and would recommend to people 13 and up who enjoy stories about family survival and social issues

Kainat

TTS Readers

This book passed far beyond my expectations and sent me down a rollercoaster of emotions. As the story progresses you could see the bond between Clem and Billie grow stronger and stronger. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age as it can be an eye-opening experience that makes you realise how important family really is.

Charlie

TTS Readers

A book I will remember. Even though it took a while to get into it, I am so glad I did. This book left me feeling so happy and sad at the same time with the thoughts of what they are going through. It makes you think about people who have been through very similar and how lucky you are. I get to look at this book as a reminder to appreciate everything while it lasts and be the girl who lived with a bright spirit and constant friendliness like Billie. I loved reading about their journey and really admire the storyline as it swaps between the past and present to show that a person's past makes them the person they are now. All those stories covered up what truly happened but once Clem had admitted the truth and stopped blaming herself only then would the puzzle pieces start to fit together.

Ellena

Reader Leaders

The book “The Things We Leave Behind”, by Clare Furniss is such a ravishing book about two young girls, Cam, and Billie, who lived in London and fled to Scotland in hopes to escape being an “outsider”. The book consists a lot of thought-provoking and sympathy towards the girls as we pass between the two girls lives and perspectives on how they see the world that they’re in. It is truly a remarkable book as it contrasts between chapters about what some teenagers could be experiencing as well in real life. Though at times I wasn’t so engaged in the book as I read on because things felt a bit too relevant and relatable, not in a bad way of course, but it almost seemed too good to be true. This book genuinely does reflect on what some lives are like, and I think it’s an amazing book to understand and read as you can feel emotions and feelings you’ve probably never felt before! This book is truly ravishing and is definitely something I’d read again. I would recommend it to any high school, though it does contain foul language, heartfelt scenes, and a nice but subtle sense of ease as you read the chapters, and can sometimes put you on the edge of your seats, but it is so worth the read!

Alexandra

Marshland Readers

Calling all 12-15 year old readers! If you like stories with a gripping plot, and story that touches your heart, then this book is for you. This story had me on the edge of my seat, constantly giving plot twists that would either end in triumph or leave me sobbing into the pages. The things we leave behind, follows the refuge of Clem. When things go disastrously wrong for her family, Clem is forced to evacuate London and live in the faraway village with her grandpa. As Clem travels through the story she forms several new relationships, all with her little sister Billie by her side. One by one, Clem has to leave everyone she knows, and loves, behind, to try and reclaim a normal life for her and Billie, but there seems to be something stopping her at every turn, whether it’s Imogen Glass, or the controversial new prime minister. Despite her struggles Clem tries her hardest to work on creating a safe new life for her and Billie. You should read the thing we leave behind for 5 Reasons. 1. In some books, the twists can be seen from a mile off, but not in this one. The things we leave behind are full of epic plot twists, making me gasp out loud, or even cry into the pages. The story keeps you on your toes, constantly making you wonder what will happen next 2. No-one wants to read a book with boring characters, but that wasn’t a problem in this book. Each individual character pulls on you heartstrings, whether it’s through their love for Clem (the main character) or a tragic backstory, this books knows how to connect a character to it’s reader 3. If i was to sum up the things we leave behind in 2 words, they would be: love and friendship. Throughout the story, there is a constant connection of love and friendship between Clem and her family/friends. This makes for a truly heartwarming piece 4. The things we leave behind addresses deep topics, such as: riots, abandonment, child refugees and more, yet it handles them well. This book is a great example of topics that will be shown in higher level books, and is a great bridging point between tween and adult reading. 5. This book was written in a seamless way. The use of no chapters made it flow smoothly, while still being interesting. The book was cleverly structured and included engaging characters, a gripping narrative and tension and suspense, making it an emotionally powerful book that makes you think. Hopefully, now you will want to read ‘The Things We Leave Behind’ as it is a book filled with fun characters, a suspenseful plot and a story that will leave you wondering what will happen next. I truly loved ‘The Things we Leave Behind’ and it even made it into my top 20 favorite books. If you love a suspenseful, runaway novel, this book is for you.

Siena

Parmiter’s Carnegie Book Shadows

'The things we leave behind' is quite an interesting book. I was enjoying it at the start, but felt as it went on it had quite a jerky plot and some things didn't really flow very well. I think there were some great characters such as Clem's best friend, and I did quite enjoy the parallel fairy tale even though I feel that it wasn't really needed. However I really did not like the twist at the end, as I felt that it meant the whole rest of the book just doesn't really make much sense. I also got a bit confused with what actually happened and what didn't, especially when Clem was talking to her counsellor and telling stories and half truths. I think the idea could have been a good one, but it just wasn't developed in the best way.

Mabel

The High Storrs Shadows

I think that this book was different to the rest due to the style it was written in. It is about Clem, a girl who is sixteen. She must flee to Scotland because of civil unrest. Slowly, her past starts catching up on her though... I rate this book as a three out of five because it was boring at some points.

Anya

Beauchamp Champs 2025

I was interested in this 90% of the way through but the ending felt rushed and it wasn’t satisfying which I think books for children and young people should be, It is dystopian but not very. You can see a possible future like the one described just around the corner. This made it intriguing to read. I liked the part when they stayed with the Grandpa - that got very folk horror in tone but the whole book didn’t hang together and felt disjointed. I also didn’t enjoy the interjections of the fairy tale which ran alongside the main story and began skipping them. Not my favourite anyway.

Mrs M

Blake Book Buddies

'The things that we leave behind' certainly wasn't my favourite book. Let's put it that way. On the blurb it says that "London is the centre of a refugee crisis" when it clearly isn't because I'm not entirely sure that you would want to want to run towards and seek help in an authoritarian regime or oligarchy. The book simply lacked plot, It was driven by the same old, same old - Lost a parent, Oh no, mental trauma - type story which gets old pretty fast. Unfortunately the "Where's my mother" subplot is never resolved even though she seems to be a key character in the story, leaving me rather frustrated. I did like, however, the fact that - and I won't give away too much here for those that haven't read the book - one of the characters is part of Clem's imagination in a way that you would not perhaps expect. Would not read again, 3/10

Rory

KES Bookworms

I like this book. It was different from the books I usually read. I think it was an emotional story and I felt uneasy because the protagonist's childhood was very poor because of political issues and her family background. This book also taught me to empathise with people in need and help them.

Joey

St Angela’s Reading Angels

This book is one of the most heartwarming books I have read. I will suggest this book to children who are 11-13 years old. I think this genre is non-fiction. I love how it shows the world outside as well and how young people are in danger because of political decisions. I think this is a great book and should be read by many people.

Laura

Book Squad

This book is written really well. It has a nice high ending but also dramatic sad moments. It's chapters are a bit strange in the sense that they are not numbered and are VERY far apart. The characters are really easy to connect with and they have been developed really well . Lots of moments had me on the edge of my sear (Spoilers: for example the boat and when Claudia gets arrested. The beginning has a bit of a slow start but once the book begins it becomes very gripping. I'd recommend this a friend.

Toby

OP No Shelf Control

This book was incredibly thought provoking, and a real emotional rollercoaster. I loved how Clem’s journey was followed by the voices of people who mattered to her, like Claudia’s warning about antibiotics and Billie’s character being shown as following her despite her revealed death at the end. It just goes to show how powerful emotional attachment can be. It’s very engaging and written very well, I loved it

Michael

SJB Shadows

The Things We Leave Behind is an amazing and emotional book. This book was written excellently. Every page I read, I envisioned easily. This book is about Clem and her half sister Billie fleeing to Scotland after trouble breaks out in London. Her journey along the way is far from easy, and she has to overcome several heartbreaking obstacles in her way. The Things We Leave Behind is an amazing story, I strongly sympathised with the characters and it made me feel so grateful and blessed for the life I have now. The ending is bittersweet, but it was written beautifully. This book is so emotional and is now without a doubt one of my favourite books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as it really can make you change your perspective and make you appreciate your life.

Priscilla

Brentwood Carnegies

I loved reading The Things We Leave Behind. The writing was liquid like and I found myself completely immersed in Clem's world within seconds of reading. I was enraptured by this book and how it was disturbingly realistic and close to home it was whilst still maintaining a dreamlike quality that kept me intrigued and allowed for the changes from present, past, and to the occasional snippet of a fairy tale that was being told throughout the chapters. I grew to love many of the characters, especially Billie, which I think reflects the authors's skills because she shared Clem with the reader so well that whatever she felt, I felt too. The ending left me in tears, but also in awe as this has been my favourite Carnegie book so far and the rest have a lot to live up to!

Eden

Logs

I really enjoyed this book. I love how Clem expresses her feelings through stories and how she reveals secrets throughout the book and gets the reader engrossed. They escaped to Scotland for safety. It demonstrates the determination and how much they love each other to go all that way together and how Clem loves her step sister even tho they aren’t blood related, it shows that family isn’t always by blood, it's got lots of important morals for the reader to learn.

Jasmine

TTS Readers

Book full of mysteries!! It's full of adventure with loads of twist and turn until the end!! But it is difficult to understand initially yet re reading makes the more interesting!!!

Smrithi

Lostock Carnegie Shadowers

The things we leave behind did not stick in my head that well. It was a beautiful depiction on how life for people in the UK could look in the near future if we are not careful enough. My only problem with it is that it felt like something was missing the entire time because it didn't really give the plot enough depth. Overall, it's a 5/10 overall (or 2.5 stars).

Charlotte

Bramcote College Library

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is the story of Clem and her sister Billie fleeing from civil unrest in London. I enjoyed the plot and found it gripping, and it was very well written too. Personally, I found it difficult to care about the main character, although overall I enjoyed it. I would give it 3.5/5 stars.

Oliver

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The Things We Leave Behind, by Claire Furniss, was a dramatic telling of refugee Clem’s story as she navigates the challenges of an oppressive government and a journey she has to make while caring for her young sister Billie. The book imagines London as a setting in which an actor has risen to power, possessing misguided and damaging opinions, leading to the unfair arrest of many innocent civilians. When Clem’s stepmother is arrested, and the city is truly thrown into a state of turmoil, she is told to flee with Billie to her grandfather’s home, in the north of the country. Eventually, she makes it to Edinburgh, where the English political reign doesn’t reach, and begins telling her story to a social worker there. Beautifully told and fantastically executed, The Things We Leave Behind illustrates some of the very real problems facing refugees today, opening our minds and forcing us to think. With multiple chronological viewpoints within the story, we as readers discover more only when Clem’s decides to tell us: it’s as if we are the social worker in Edinburgh, being drip-fed details - but we gain a deeper understanding through Clem’s narration of her time in Edinburgh. With a story told by Clem to Billie woven through chapters, presenting a fairytale outlook on the events, each aspect of the book adds and adds to the development and plot. I enjoyed this book a lot, and the plot twist at the end had been set up brilliantly and was satisfactorily clever way to enhance the story. Overall, I would recommend!

Maddy

JGHS Shadowers

This is a really amazing book, and I loved reading it. It was very emotional, and it felt like I was going through Clem’s journey with her. It is a dystopian novel, set in the UK, and in the book, a new Prime Minister with some really scary ideas comes to power, and Clem has to escape to Scotland. This was one of the things I really liked about this book - the fact that it was set in the near future, which is a bit scary, because there is a chance that this might actually happen. My favourite character was Billie, Clem’s little sister because she is really sweet, and funny. I felt like she added a bit of humour to an otherwise really sad and emotional book. Also, my favourite moment in the book is right at the end, when Clem meets up with Claudia again after such a long time, because it was a really happy moment for them, but it was also sad as well. Finally, my favourite part of this book was the twist at the end. It’s a super big twist, and it is really exciting! The best part is, I definitely did not see it coming! I would rate this book a 9.5/10, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian, emotional, or adventure books. In my opinion, I think it is suitable for ages 11+. I really hope you read this book, and enjoy it as much as I did!

Lauren

Watford Girls

This book was more than I expected. The events took me by surprise and I was shocked at how quickly things escalated. It was an eye-opening plot and I was riveted until the very last page.

Sandy

Readerraptors

I think that this book was the best one. It was interesting, but I think that it was a little bit...messy. It was good, but there were too many side plots and a few characters that I feel didn't have a good/deep enough character building. It was slightly confusing and the end wasn't as good as I expected. However, as I am more of a fantasy person, this was the one I liked the best. I think that it did highlight some very important and interesting points and problems though.

Joanna

Townley Book Club

I quite like the book overall. It had a very nice storyline but I didn't like the ending. I feel like it could have gone a little differently like her or Jonas could have managed to connect again . I also don't like how she was hallucinating some of the characters and they died before the story even started or didn't even exist in the first place. Except for that, I really enjoyed reading this book.

Tiphany

Southmoor Storywriters

The things we leave behind is an amazing book. It is so exciting, and emotional. I also found it to be extremely detailed and that helped bring it to life. I don't usually read this genre , but have really enjoyed the excellent layout, and storyline of this book. I have really enjoyed reading it, and hope to see many more books from Clare Furniss very soon!

Lianna

Hasmonean Pages

I really liked this book's dystopian themes and emotional moments as Clem struggles with her losses, and faces challenges and danger with her sister Billie. I thought it was beautifully written and very moving, as well as being relevant and well-thought out. I really liked the depictions of all the characters, in particular Clem, as I though that instead of portraying them as one-sided, one-dimensional people, they had real depth and emotions.

Eleanor

The Tiffin Girls’ Shadows

I loved this book, it had a great plot and the way it was put together was really good. The most disturbing thing is that I can see this happening in a few years, it was a dystopian book but very relevant to current times. I also loved and really sympathised with the characters especially Billy. This is the first dystopian book I have read and I found it quite troubling but very exciting to read, it kept me wanting to read to find out more about what happened to the characters. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to try this genre and likes books with twists.

Eben

THS Shadowing

I really liked the idea of this book, I thought it was interesting how it was a book about people fleeing a futuristic version of this country, which made it quite scary and personal, especially because I felt like this could potentially happen. I found this book quite slow to get into, not a lot happened in the first half, but it started to pick up in the second half. The plot twist of Billie being dead the whole time was well written and actually really moving, however I found it quite confusing as the whole book was written with her speaking to Clem and it didn't feel as though it quite made sense. The ending was supposed to show Clem's mental disorentiation but it seemed like there were a lot of plot holes because of that. I also thought the book could have included more about the fall of the prime minister but it was just mentioned.

Natalie

Townley Book Club

I really enjoyed "The Things We Leave Behind" because it has a lot of emotions such as sadness and happiness. We go on a road trip that is full of mystery. My favourite page is Page 190. It has a mixture of curiosity and calmness. "I can't wait to live in the forest... like Robin Hood. Or squirrels. Or witches" says Billie. I really enjoyed this book and I gave it a 9/10. Loved it!

summer

Rebel Readers

I really liked the book but the ending could have been better. I didn’t like how she was hallucinating half of the time.

Tiphany

Southmoor Storywriters

6.6/7 stars. The Things We Leave Behind is a well-written, poignant commentary on anti-migrant and xenophobic politics. It explores what happens when we take things too far. It follows two half sisters during a time when an oppressive Prime Minister is issuing strict anti-immigration laws and is deporting anyone with non-British heritage. After both of their parents are arrested, Billie and Clem are forced to flee. This book was eerily close to our modern society, despite being dystopian, and it slightly scares me how realistic this dystopia is. The book was well written, and it kept me hooked throughout. The ending left me shocked and slightly devastated. The only reason it wasn’t a 7 was the short romantic plot line midway through the book. I honestly loved it.

Iris

Carnegie Literary Circle

The story is based in a Future-London, where an authoritarian government has taken control of the country, causing civilian distress and the mass-deportation of innocent people. When reading the book, I enjoyed the writing style of the book and the dystopian feeling it created. I felt that the story was well thought-out and also well-written. However, I thought that the pace of the story was sometimes a little uneven, particularly in the middle – which I thought was a little slow. But, overall, I thought it was a decent book – four out of five (****).

Medina

Rockwood Reads

The things we leave behind is an interesting book, it is a dystopia and depicts a possible near future. The future presented is one in which the English government is led by a racist President who wishes to deny all “outsiders” permission to enter England and to deport all non-British citizens. This sets events in motion as the protagonists law-abiding stepmother is not of British origin. The way the story is told is often confusing, Clem, the protagonist, is recounting her past to Polly, a kind social worker. This is confusing as there is no clear transition between present and past. None the less the story is well written, and we recognise that the past Clem is recounting could be what is going to happen, or has already happened to children in other countries. Throughout the book we are made to understand Clem isn’t totally telling the truth. The novel also addresses the mother-daughter relationship as we see that those who love you the most aren't necessarily blood relatives. Overall, it was a pleasant read, my favorite part being when Clem encounters her grandfather. In my opinion, a major flaw in this book is that the way it is written is quite confusing , mostly at the beginning and could put off most people who want to just quickly read a simple book.

MuzzammilHG

4Shadowers

I found the things we leave behind a moving story, it was filled with many emotions as it had many plot twists throughout which were very engaging, in the beginning it took me a while to get into but once I did I enjoyed it! With a message of hope all the way through I thought it was easy to sympathise with the characters and also spread awareness about the struggles refugees face as well you are able to see Clem’s internal struggles and the external dangers she faces. It has a relevance to global issues making it a good read for young adults and adults.

Ella

LatLit

The Things We Leave Behind follows Clem and her sister Billie as they escape London, which has become too dangerous under an authoritarian regime. Their journey to Scotland, filled with uncertainty, is guided only by a notebook full of memories from the past. Along the way, Clem reflects on what they’ve lost and what they must face ahead. The novel explores survival, identity, and the weight of history. Clem’s narration keeps the story gripping, making readers question if she’s revealing everything. The ending leaves a lasting impression, showing how the past shapes the future and how some things are never truly left behind. I truly enjoyed this heartfelt book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoy stories about survival and resilience. It's perfect for those who like emotional journeys with hidden secrets and powerful endings.

Yumna

Beauchamp Champs 2025

I think "The Things We Leave Behind" is a book suitable for teens who are interested in Dystopian books. Unfortunately, I couldn't really get a grip of this book. I would rate it a 5/10. I just don't think it was my type of book.

Jennifer

Rebel Readers

The Things We Leave Behind is an emotional book about a girl called Clem who is struggling after the death of her mum. She has to deal with grief as well as the challenges of growing up. The story shows how lost she feels at first, but also how she slowly starts to find her way again. Clare Furniss writes honestly about real feelings and problems that teenagers go through. The way she describes Clem’s thoughts and emotions makes it easy to connect with her and understand what she’s facing. This book shows that even in the toughest times, it’s still possible to find hope and happiness again.

Elizabeth

Rainbeau Readers

This book was a sad one but truly teaches about real life problems. It was hard reading through it and sad at the same time but it was really engrossing. The responsibilities Clem had to carry throughout the book were sad, and the fact she never knew if she was going to survive the next trip to somewhere safer was even sadder. Even though her life will never return to its normal state it is nice that she started once again to live a life where she feels safe. :)

Salma

Bellerive Bookies and Cookies

I really enjoyed this book! It was an exciting journey of the two young girls and the plot twist was very surprising. I loved how there were little clues throughout the book about billie that I only recognized once I knew what happened to her. Overall I think this was a great book

Jenna

Eltham Hill Y9 Book Club

Gracie

Flegg Heads

An unexpected end to the story! It kept me guessing right to the end and it was hopeful and sad at the same time.

Claire

FPHS Reading Crew

I have mixed opinions on this book. While I found the beginning very enjoyable and I thought the plot that the author had set up seemed promising, I found the rest of the book less exciting. I thought that the ending was quite pointless as it meant that the previous 200 pages were a waste of my time. So...you're telling me that this happened...but at the same time it didn't happen? And although the ending provokes some emotion and is sad, the whole plot twist could have been written so much better. I also felt like some characters that were introduced didn't get enough background and I thought the dialogue at some points was incredibly cringe and corny; no-one in real life talks like they do in the book. If this book had been longer and the author could have expanded on the world and the characters more then The Things We Leave Behind could have been a lot better. I just feel like the author was trying to get across a message, but couldn't and instead we got a book that was boring, corny, repetitive and could have been so much better.

Ela

KES Bookworms

I thought that this book was quite unique because of the setting that we read about. I think the way that it deals with grief and fear makes it special, especially when Clem talks about her half sister Billie. I think that made it link so well to how, slowly, the main character is able to begin to process what has happed and look forward to a brighter future.

Bella

Balla Bookworms

The book The things we leave behind represents Clem (who is 15) and Billie who is her younger stepsister. They live with their father and step mother. They begin their hazardous journey just to become safe. Forced to push through obstacles and while the new prime minister tries to push his people out of the country. Unfortunately, their stepmother gets arrested and the father then joins the resistance however he gets arrested as well. Billie and Clem have to fight through and try escape via train in a large crowd. The ending wasn't as fortunate. It highlights the dangers of refugees and makes us imagine what it would be like to be in Clem's shoes. However I really enjoyed the book and I would rate it a 9/10. I would recommend it to 12-14 year olds

Leila

FGCS Carnegies 2025

The things we leave behind is an emotional tale that follows Clem a 15 year old girl and her young sister Billie on their treacherous journey to safety, by road and then by sea, fleeing with nothing but a notebook filled with stories and memories of home. Clem's 15th birthday is the last normal day she can remember, having a picnic in the park with her family and her best friend Mischa it seems perfect. When Clem's step mum Claudia gets taken by a crowd of mysterious men and women in black uniform Clem knows it's not safe to stay. I really enjoyed this book as it kept me engaged all the way through and the plot twists kept it unpredictable and interesting. This book explores the topic of refugees and highlights the dangers of xenophobia and extremism.I would recommend this book to 12-15 year olds and would rate it 4 stars.

Rosie

Book Squad

My favourite part of this story was when Clem told back the story of when Billie died and we realise that she was dead the whole time and not there being alive but dead. This is because I found that this was a really good plot twist and it had lots of hints the whole book leading up to it and I found it interesting the style the writer used to make this work throughout the whole book and give Billie a living feeling even though she was dead. My favourite Character was Clem because even thought most people don't like their siblings to much or they don't care for them but Clem was like a parent to Billie and when her dad went it was just her, Billie and Claudia(her step mum) and then Claudia went and through all of the grief and sadness Clem stepped up and became a parent to look after Billie and keep her happy. I really liked the style of writing used at the end in the plot twist with Billie being dead and the way she used lots of techniques to try and give subtle hints on the fact Billie is dead but also keeping us thinking something might be wrong with Billie but we still thought she was alive and that was very interesting.

Matthew

Team Berko

My favourite character was Billie because she was just a small girl in the midst of all of the commotion that was England. For example she never knew how dangerous her situation was, especially when she was in the woods, living in a hut, hiding from the people of the village. My favourite part of the book was the prologue, because I was happy for Clem, and that she had found somewhere safe. For example when it says that her and Claudia are looking for her Dad, it meant that they must be safe because if they weren't they wouldn't be able to try and communicate with him. And also when it says that she's getting messages from Mischa, which meant that she must have been somewhat happy, despite losing Billie. My least favourite part of the book was the part when Clem was telling the fairy-tale, because it distracted me from the story and, although it was telling her story at the same time, I found it a bit annoying. For example, when there was a cliff hanger and then it just changed I found that annoying and it made me want to skip past it.

Eleanor

Team Berko

One part that I like about this book is when they were staying with Grandad, because his house and small village was portrayed as being almost like something from a fantasy world. For example, the small shed/house in the woods was made to seem like a mystery house from a fairy tale that they were hiding in. My favourite character in this book was Grandad because when the sisters first arrived he didn’t remember them. For example, how he asked very often, ‘who are you?’ to the sisters although he had just remembered who they were soon before. My least favourite part about this book was when it was found out at the end that Billie had been dead the whole time and that her sister had actually been on her own the whole time. I didn’t like this part because I felt that there could have been more clues that hinted that she was dead, for example, when she was playing outside grandads’ house, maybe the author could have described Billie as something like ‘Outside, I could see the almost ghost-like figure of Billie playing with the flowers.’

Isla

Team Berko

My favourite character in this book was Grandpa (Huw). This is because he seemed like a really nice break from reality and because he had dementia he often didn't know what was going on around him. An example of this was when he kept calling for Grandma (Nancy). This made me feel sad because although Grandma had died several years ago he didn't remember. He was a break from reality because when war was breaking out he remained how he had always been, calm and collected. My least favourite character was Imogen Glass because she was a really mean person. An example of this was when she tried to force Clem out of the village. Although Clem had nowhere else to go and Imogen knew that she still tried to force her out of the village, because that was just who she was, an awful person. This book was a bit of a plot twister, because right at the end we realised that Billie had been dead the whole time and that was quite surprising. This was surprising because Billie had been present with Clem for the whole book and it was surprising to realise that Billie had just been in Clem's head the whole time, that Billie had died at the protest."

Zahra

Team Berko

I liked this book quite a bit as it expressed the real world problems that could happen in the future.

hasan i

Ermysted’s

A good book with a well written story. I enjoyed most of the book, it has great style. However, it is a bit challenging to get into, being a little slow to begin. Once you get into the book though, it has a great story and a well written twist, even if I did see it coming. For a basic review, I give this book a 6.5/10

Anonymous

St George’s Dragon Readers

This was a really good book with a mix of emotions and lots of suspense throughout the story.The start was slow and hard to catch on but the plot twist caught me off guard.My favourite character in the story was Billie because she was kind and caring and also funny.I would recommend this book to anyone of any age but mostly 12 and onwards.

Millie

Beauchamp Champs 2025

The things we leave behind is an amazing dystopian book set in London under the control of an awful leader I really like the plot twists and how in the end everything becomes clearer but still has a bit of mystery I would recommend this book to any people who love dystopian books.

Sara

Weald of Kent Sevenoaks

Here is my review of the book cover (as someone who has yet to finish the book); The book cover accurately reflects the books genre as the three contrasting colours (black, gold and white) reflect the themes of the story: the black, the most common and background colour, symbolises the death, mourning, grief and loss in the book; while the white and gold symbolise the purity of the characters and their hope and the gold could also represent the value of the “things we leave behind”. In my opinion, the objects that stand out the most are the origami paper cranes, barbed wires and the golden feathers (all of which are gold), the origami cranes could represent a child's toy, and they stuck in the barbed wire, emblematizes that the children are stuck and therefore have no freedom; there are only two feathers and as feather symbolise freedom, this could signify that the children have little freedom. The barbed wire goes in a spiral that leads to the center where you can see two young girls holding hands and looking at the horizon where the sun is rising. This symbolises new beginnings, new hope and in some ways rebirth. I quite enjoyed how the gold really popped out and showed you the most important and significant parts. The deeper meaning that the book cover represented and the overall art style of the cover drew me into picking this book as my book to read for the Carnegie project. All in all, I think that the book cover portrays this book very well and has a very nice aesthetic.

Sophia

CFBL

In this book we follow a 16 year old girl, Clem, trying to escape London with her little sister Billie. This follows the events of the new prime minister - Toby Knight who is trying to deport citizens out the country. Her step-mom is arrested and her dad publishes things against Knight and is also eventually arrested. Clem and Billie then escape by train and have to find their way through life full of people against them. I really enjoyed this book and how the author wrote it, going between present day at Edinburgh where Polly takes her in and back to her telling the story of what happened . This adds a sense of suspense to what's actually happening . Another thing I loved about this book is the plot twist at the end. We find out that that Clem hasn't been telling the whole truth and we learn Billie was killed at the start during the stampede. This makes you question everything you read making the book even more interesting. I recommend this book entirely to kids, even adults. It is so engaging and interesting to read. It makes you never want to put the book down.

Ella

TTS Readers

When I first looked at the front cover the first thing that popped into my mind was a dreamy, mysterious, sad and fantasy book. Then I turned the book to discover that what I believed, was nowhere near what the real story was. I read the blurb to discover a fictional, dystopian novel that tells the tale of two girls on a life changing, dangerous and treacherous journey. The dark blue background gave a sense of sadness or despair whereas the white and gold gave a sign of hope, joy and happiness. The title's lettering popped out of the page. The fonts, sizing and drawing helped the novel stick out to me in the different choices. Though I do feel the book would stand more online than on a bookshelf as the dark colours may not show along with all the rest of the books. Even though some details may help it stand out, I don’t think it’s enough to stand out in the crowd. It doesn't really show the clear point and plot of the book.

Maureen

CFBL

Whilst I absolutely adored the beginning of The Things We Leave Behind, I felt that unfortunately the rest of the book didn't manage to capture the expertise so evident at the start. The plot had so much potential- a dystopian story placing London at the centre of the refugee crisis- however the middle of the book felt like a bit more like a draft than the final book, as it rushed things a bit and didn't fully elaborate on the characters thinking processes and feelings. It also seemed like some of the characters had been written just to move forward the plot, and once they had served their purpose they were never mentioned again. I would have loved something like a chapter from Danny or Jonas's perspective. I found the foreshadowing too spaced out the majority of the time. I managed to guess the plot twist about halfway through the book, when they arrive at the Grandpa's house, and I would have preferred if there had been some slightly more subtle foreshadowing. Even so, I was enjoying The Things We Leave Behind until I got to the end. Personally, the ending ruined what I had enjoyed of the book. Even though I had guessed the plot twist, the way it was written was still extremely confusing and I wasn't quite able to piece together what had happened. Whether this was supposed to be a metaphor for Clem not being able to process what happened I don't know, but even if it was, it still could have been a lot clearer. That being said, I really loved the way that the political system was portrayed, as I felt that it depicted the way that many past fascist regimes have managed to gain more and more power. Overall I would rate this book 5/10, because whilst the ending spoiled it all for me, I can see how others would have liked The Things We Leave Behind.

Bee

KES Bookworms

Really touching story. The constant time changes I managed to keep up with (somehow) and the characters' traits and personalities were beautifully explained. The words "There was once a girl who died" genuinely heart-broke me when I realised who it was talking about. Honestly, I just hope Toby gets his just desserts.

Matthew

TBGS Readers

After glancing at the cover, I was having trouble knowing what the genre is, as the dark colours gave the book a dreamy sense of mystery. However, after further inspection and reading the blurb, I found that The Things we Leave Behind is actually a dystopian novel where the characters, that are two sisters, go through many adventures. The colours and design of the front cover remind me of the colour scheme of the night sky, with the background a mix between navy blue and jet black, and, resembling the stars, golden origami cranes caught on an equally golden barbed wire. This wire spirals around the title, which is written in big, white capitals, that stand out against the dark background. In the center of the cover, there is a yellow circle where we see the silhouettes of two girls, possibly sisters, holding hands, like a window of hope against the dark sky. This cover attracted me because of its interesting design, even though it was slightly misleading in the start, I quickly understood after reading the blurb, which made me want to read it even more !

Margaux

CFBL

After glancing at the cover, I was having trouble knowing what the genre is, as the dark colours gave the book a dreamy sense of mystery. However, after further inspection and reading the blurb, I found that The Things we Leave Behind is actually a dystopian novel where the characters, that are two sisters, go through many adventures. The colours and design of the front cover remind me of the colour scheme of the night sky, with the background a mix between navy blue and jet black, and, resembling the stars, golden origami cranes caught on an equally golden barbed wire. This wire spirals around the title, which is written in big, white capitals, that stand out against the dark background. In the center of the cover, there is a yellow circle where we see the silhouettes of two girls, possibly sisters, holding hands, like a window of hope against the dark sky. This cover attracted me because of its interesting design, even though it was slightly misleading in the start, I quickly understood after reading the blurb, which made me want to read it even more !

Margaux

CFBL

This was a really good book with a rollercoaster of emotions and builds lots of suspense throughout the story, I would highly recommend this book to anyone and any age. A key theme in this book was nostalgia, which made it really special and expressed the bond between Clem and Billie.

Matilda

TTS Readers

This book was a whirlwind of emotions. The characterisation of this novel relates to modern day events . I absolutely loved the relationship between Clem and Billie and made me realise that family is more important than anything. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Amelia

TTS Readers

WAS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE! I LOVED IT. THE WAY THE SETTING MIRRORED MODERN IMMIGRATION! THE PLOT TWIST AT THE END MADE ME CRY FOR 30 MINUTES STRAIGHT!

ELIZA

JCA Book Club

At first glance the title of the book jumped in my face, so that’s what I deciphered first with the letters being written vertically. I thought it was a dreamlike title that I quite liked and the cover seemed rather attractive. When I looked at the front cover, I thought the book was about a sort of mysterious and dreamy story, though I did understand it was fiction. Then I looked at the blurb and caught a sense of a dystopian novel, with notes of adventure and danger. To me the dark colour palette of the front cover makes the book look more like a mystery novel though the blurb tells otherwise. The dark background resembles the night sky and its exact colour that balances perfectly between black and dark blue. I found it so calming. At first sight the golden origami birds looked like stars shining in the night sky. I find it has a dreamy effect especially with the golden barbed wire that spirals onto the soft image of two girls, possibly sisters. This round image resembles a moon at the center of this starry night. Amongst the sweet imagery of the cover, the barbed wire adds a note of danger. As I looked closer at the cover I was intrigued by this round image with the city skyline in the back. Could the night sky be a metaphor to the story or the genre of the book: so beautiful and harmonious but holding such danger and mystery?

Auriane

CFBL

The first thing that I can say about this book os that it is a great book for anyone who likes reading (more teenagers and young adults.). My favourite character in the story is Billie as she is fun and caring character. My favourite part of the book is that it is the ending where she wakes up early and she thinks of her favourite things. The worst part of the book is the start as it’s quite slow start to the book.

George

MAT Co-curricular

The things we leave behind is a fantastic Book for anyone who enjoyed reading with lots of different twists and turns as a reader, you would not know what happens next. I would recommend this book to teenagers and kids, my favourite/best part of this book has to be the ending my favourite character like a lot of you I’m sure it’s Billy as she is all you need from a character. The worst part is the start of the book as it takes a lot of getting in to. The book is absolutely fantastic and I would recommend to everyone of you here.

Marcus

MAT Co-curricular

This book is soooooo good! I loved reading it and genuinely cried when I found out the plot twist. My friend who had read it before me warned me but I wasn't quite prepared for what actually happened! I think the idea has been really well imagined and executed and very plausibly written - I could definitely picture myself in Clem's shoes. For anyone who is thinking about reading the book I really recommend.

Greta

Newstead Wood Carnegie Shadowers

Honestly, I didn't like the book because It didn't hook me in so i was bored nearly always through the book.

Jiya

Newstead Wood Carnegie Shadowers

The reader will feel sorry for Clem and her family while understanding the challenges refugees of unfair countries and victims of racism face. The book perfectly highlights the problems of having a racist prime minister and the consequences of judging others based on their appearances or where they are from.

Rithu

Newstead Wood Carnegie Shadowers

it really expresses how clem feels about all of this and the swearing expresses that too. it is unfair how a bad person is in power of england so clem and billie have to leave the country.

Zara

Newstead Wood Carnegie Shadowers

This book is amazing ! It's a beautiful adventure filled with sorrow but also joy; a teen girl's view on a traumatic experience which is really relatable and can be imagined actually happening in real life. A lovely story about family and holding on to what you have. It's about a girl who travels across England , facing many dangers along the way, but also meeting kind people who help her and her half sister Billie across the Scottish border , with just a notebook full of stories in her hand. The twist at the end is heart-breaking but beautiful , and really helps the story come together and helps you understand how a young teenage girl could feel in a dystopian world; It shows you that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. I even cried when I read it ! I I loved this book because of the plot twists that reveal new hidden layers to the story , the three different settings, the past, Clem's stories , and the present when she is telling her story to her therapist and the way its been written: you can really put yourself in the main character's shoes and connect with her story. I really like how she talks to her therapist because it helps people who go to therapy feel empowered and not ashamed, as well as helping people feel familiar with therapy. All in all , this is a book that will stay with you forever even after finishing the last page.

Rowan

Newstead Wood Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed The Things we Leave Behind. I liked the characters especially Billy and Mischa. I found the storyline very thought provoking and some bits similar to today even though it was dystopia. It was interesting to hear about the politics in this book and hear it from someone who was really hurt and affected by it (the protagonist Clem ). I loved hearing about her journey and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves dystopia mixed with real life matters.

Annie

The Maynard School

The things we leave behind was a very relevant and remarkable story about a girl who is in her teenage years and is unfortunately met with civil war in her country. She has to find her way to safety leaving her friend and loved ones behind. It is a very emotive story that is very educational about civil war and the struggle needed to survive. I really enjoyed tis book as it was very realistic and I felt I could picture it the whole way through. This was one of my favourite books that I ever read and I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. It was fun reading about someone in my age group and learning about the parallel universes we are in on this world.

Grace

Chiswick Carnegie

The Things We Leave Behind broke me in the most beautiful ways, I felt it so easy to feel sympathy for the characters. My favourite character was definitely Mischa as I thought she was really funny. I love the idea of having three interlinked storylines, however I personally found this quite hard to follow at times. Overall I thought this story was beautifully written and in my opinion a dystopian story set in a world not to different from our own is an amazing way to raise awareness to what is going on in the world currently.

Lauren

OLSB Shadowers

This dystopian novel is a dramatic, moving story that reimagines London in the midst of a political crisis. It is an extremely gripping story that truly captures the essence of grief that envelopes the whole country during this difficult period. The author cleverly varies the plot in surprising ways throughout the book and writes in a combination of fairytales and flashbacks. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book due to its believability and the difficulty to put it down. I would highly reccommend it!

Louisa

Diary of a Wally Kid

I enjoyed this read. The story had been intriguing and made me want to read more!

Alice S

Herts and Essex

I thought this book was incredible! The start was probably the only thing that let it down for me because I didn't understand it as it threw you head in to the story. The rest of it ,however, was an absolute masterpiece especially the twist with Billie,

Ben P

Ermysted’s

I enjoyed reading this book as it felt like I was there. The book was described beautifully, with three intertwined storylines- the past, the therapist and the story Clem wrote which echoes her own. My favourite character was Mischa because she was funny. I also enjoyed the short stint where Clem was at her Grandpa's house with Shaun and Jonas. The twist ending was not the twist I was expecting but was still better than I thought it would be. The happy(ish) ending felt a bit sudden and unrealistic though, contrasting with the stark reality of the rest of the novel.

Elijah

VISTA Academy

A great book for mystery lover full of unravelling twists until the end..though it's a bit confusing at first but still is a great read.

Smrithi

Lostock Carnegie Shadowers

This is a book about a girl and her stepsister, who run away from home. Life becomes dangerous and these are worrying times for them. I enjoyed the build up to this book.

Rehan

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

The Things We Leave Behind is an engrossing novel that brings us into a dystopian world, where a political leader decides to capture and imprison every non-citizen of the country. To escape such a crisis, the main characters, Clem and Billie, go to their grandfathers where it is difficult for them to adjust. This book was exciting to read as it made me think of how I would react if such rules were imposed in the country I was living in, if I would be able to sacrifice my family and friends, and move to another country to try to live peacefully. It made me realise that freedom and liberty shouldn't be taken for granted, as I think that moving away from your parents or the life that you have built, must be very hard, especially at this age. I also really appreciated this book, as I found the ending to be really engaging because it showed me that when we face difficult decisions and are separated from the ones we love, hoping and staying positive are sometimes the key things that help us survive.

SrishtiHG

4Shadowers

‘The things we leave behind’ by Clare Furniss is an emotionally compelling novel based around a fifteen year old Clem and her half-sister Billie as they flee London and its harsh regime to seek refuge in Scotland. Clem stands out as my favourite character mainly due to her strength and resilience to her tough journey. Her dedication to protecting Billie really highlights the type of person she truly is making it another big reason as to why she’s my favourite character. I really enjoyed the storys’ structure, and how it alternates from past to present timelines, therapy sessions and Clem’s own narratives. However, I did think that the shifting timelines and narrative styles could be particularly disorientating at times. Nevertheless, I still appreciate the creative structure of the novel. I am recommending ‘The things we leave behind’ to everyone who enjoys deep stories with hidden meanings behind it that really define the books truth.

George

MAT Co-curricular

The Things We Leave Behind was a bittersweet story that tackled many threats that face the entire world today - xenophobia and political hardship. This book being set in a dystopian world not too different to our own helped make the story feel grounded in reality while also highlighting the importance of these issues. Overall, this book was amazing - amazingly sad, amazingly overwhelming and amazingly depressing - a must-read that will have a lasting impact on everyone.

benjaminr

Ermysted’s

The things we leave behind is a great book for teenagers and young adults as it gives them a different perspective on what is going on in the world and what could happen. It taught me to value what i have in life and appreciate the little things as they may all be taken away one day. In the book Clem explains how annoying her stepmother was and how she nagged her all the time. However, when her stepmother was taken away , Clem felt the complete opposite and realised that she wanted the nagging to come back as long as she had her family back. This was my favourite part of the book as i related to it the most. My least favourite part of the book would be when Clem talked about her sister not being with her throughout the story she told. This is my least favourite part because it was a bit confusing. This book is very emotional and has a sad ending however it does show you that although there may be a dark tunnel, there is light at the end of that tunnel and good things may come from dark times, like Clem being reunited with her stepmother. I would recommend this book to my sister and my cousin as i think they would really enjoy it and would learn a lot from it.

Amelia

MAT Co-curricular

It was a really emotive read. To be honest, I didn't catch on until towards the end. I did realise that there were plot-holes, like how Clem had been at the protest, then the hospital, then Mischa's flat in about two pages (I kind of thought Mischa was dead - so happy she wasn't!). And then it was all revealed! I think the message of the book is really important, especially when thinking about current events. Throughout history, there have been things like Hitler Youth (Danny), Kent State University Shootings (the protest) and the deportations (Claudia) that are happening now.

Phoebe

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

In the book, my favourite character is Mischa because I like her personality and how she talks to Clem. My favourite part of the book was when Clem got a call from Claudia because it showed how happy Clem was to hear her after losing most of her family. In my opinion, the worst part of the book was when Clem found out that Mischa disappeared because she was my favourite character. Other than that, I liked every part of the book. I would recommend it to my brother because I think he would enjoy this.

Macie

MAT Co-curricular

This book made me realise how much being separated from family hurts. The characters were really likeable and it was really sad when they left. This book also shows how dangerous our society can be and how it can impact our lives completely and it teaches us the importance of caring for your family whilst they’re still here. This book will make you sad but is an amazing read.

Kenton

Cleeve Carnegie Crew

WOW! What a fantastic read this was. A worrying depiction of what our future in the UK could be like. As a huge fan of historical fiction it was really interesting to read something that looked ahead, instead of looking back. I thought the main character was really gripping and complex and I enjoyed following her journey. I worked out around halfway what the potential twist might be and even though I expected it, it still hit with such a punch to have my suspicions confirmed. I would recommend this book to everyone!

Miss Yeabsley

Lionheart25

I personally really liked this book because of the way it was set in the not to distant future. It helps us to imagine what the future could be like in a way that relates to our own lives. The book is well written and it is one of those books where I just didn't want to put it down. However, one thing I would improve about this book is that it was a little confusing with Clem's little sister, Billie, who seems to be there throughout the entire story but then at the very end, we find out she wasn't actually there. I also like the fact that there is some Polish in the book as I am Polish.

Joseph

Reader Leaders

I really liked 'the things we leave behind' and thought it was very entertaining and hard to put down. This book was very interesting and had so many things happening which made me intrigued to read what was going to happen next, I felt very bad for clem as she went through so much like having to leave her home and her father after her best friend died but that is why I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen next

Grace

Ardingly Carnegie Book Group

This book is about a girl called Clem, and her struggles to find somewhere for herself and her sister to live after troubles occur in her home. It switches between her recollection of what happened and where she got to after leaving home. I enjoyed the storyline, and how the author wrote it, as it can really make you feel what Clem is describing. Some parts of the book really surprised me, which I quite enjoyed. This book was extremely engrossing and I read it all in one sitting. Overall, i enjoyed this book very much due to the fantastic writing and the way it can make you feel emotional.

Isobel

BFS Umbra Readers

In my opinion I found this book really upsetting, which really goes outside of my comfort zone. There were multiple instances where I felt like crying even though I didn't want to. However I do think that this is a really good read! So read it!

Oluwatamilore

St Angela’s Reading Angels

This could be the single most beautiful heartwarming and saddening book I have ever read. ‘The things we leave behind’ really captures the feelings of Clem and her love for Billie. When she tells her story with Billie in it despite Billie not being part of that story. A very clever book that deserves to win 100%.

Holly

Horsham BOok HUNTers

A very gripping narrative. The character dynamics are wonderful throughout. I loved the switching between places because it added a new layer to the book. The best twist in the series was definitely the one with Billie, it added a whole new sense of grief to the story. Whenever books do that, it always makes me want to read it all over again to try and see whether the character is spoken to in any way. next time, it would be great if we could see Clem's biological mum once. Like, maybe, she calls Clem's grandpa on face time just to check if he's OK because she actually does care about him, and then Clem walks in and sees her. It could be just a glimpse or they could say an awkward hi, but it could also confuse grandpa as he might think that Clem is actually her mum that day. Overall, an incredible book and I really enjoyed reading it. I like how room was left for a sequel and I definitely want a sequel where they find Clem's dad. Maybe even life regains normality. this book definitely has room to be a series, maybe even from each different persons perspective would be nice. Like, one for Mishka, one for Claudia, one for Clem's dad. Claudia's one could be when they find Clem's dad, and Clem's dad's book could be about them returning to normal life. Maybe Mishka's could be a bonus book allowing us an insight to her thoughts on Clem and Billie. Maybe a diary.

Chloe

SCD Pageturners

I really enjoyed this book because of the way that Clare Furniss helps us connect to the characters in a way that when they fade away from Clem we really miss them. In that same respect, when Mischa is reunited with Clem at the very end; it feels very crushing and sorrowful when we hear about the plot twist which Clem had been keeping hidden. On another note, the world in which Clem, her dad, Billie and Claudia is scarily close to what reality could be in only a few years, which makes it such a captivating Dystopian world. With the excellent combination of characters and setting, I would highly recommend this story for all readers aged around 9-15.

Matilda

Bassingbourn Readers

I really enjoyed this book! I’m not sure what it was but there was something so unique about this book, every page was a cliff hanger, making me want to read on. I felt in myself what the characters were going through, it was so well described I felt I was there in the moment, watching it happen. The main character, Clem, had my full sympathy, she shows some great qualities like persevering in tough situations, love and care for her sister and is such an amazing person which was key to making me love this book even more. All the characters were well described and you could tell a lot of effort has gone into this book and it payed off majorly. Another thing I love about this book is how it spreads awareness of what some people like immigrants (the example in the book) and others have to go through, the constant run when all they want to do is be free, it shocked me that this is a life someone people go through and made me feel lucky to have my life. On the whole, I really loved this book. I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking for a book like this!

Amelia

Lost in Pages

I absolutely loved reading 'The Things We Leave Behind' by Clare Furniss! I felt that how to book was written from Clem’s point of view really kept me interested the whole time. The story is emotional and thought- provoking, making you think about important issues. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes character-driven stories. 9/10!

Natalie

TPS Carnegie Collective

I really like how it was written and this book kept me reading for hours. I really like how it showed the society issues that happen today.

Michelle

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is a compelling dystopian YA novel set in a near-future Britain under authoritarian rule. It follows Clem and her half-sister Billie as they escape a collapsing London, grappling with family secrets and survival. The book's emotional depth and timely themes make it a poignant exploration of resilience and identity.

Aanya p

Winchmore School Carnegie Group 2024/25

The things we leave behind, is about a girl named Clem, and her half sister Billie, having no choice but to leave London, and to try to get to Scotland after civil rest in London had reached an all time high. However, the journey won't be easy ! I don't normally read books such as this one often, so it's definitely a big change in genre, however, I did enjoy reading it, and I felt that it was quite easy to get through with its unexpected plot twists. Despite the ending being sad it also allowed the main character to move on and start at a new beginning which I found to be very engaging and very well thought through which made it one of my favorite parts into the book though I kind of wished we would've been able to find out more of what happened in the end. Overall, I thought it was a very interesting book to read with many different characters that helped it to develop in many ways and would give a rating of 4 stars, and would recommend it to people around my age who may like the set of dystopian or corrupt governments.

Chloe

BCS Book Squad

I think the book The Things We Leave Behind is a great book about a girl travelling over borders to find safety. It tells the story of Clem who has gone through difficult things in life and then settles down with her dad, stepmom and half sister. But this all changes when Toby Knight wants power and this rips the family apart. The author Clare Furniss describes how Clem feels and the journey she has to take. I like how Clare has put a story that Clem has written within the book and how she has described the emotions Clem feels. Overall this is one of the best books I have read, even though it is quite sad.

Georgia

MAT Co-curricular

The Things We Leave Behind is a heartbreaking novel that explores themes of grief and the refugee crisis. At the start, I was slightly confused, but as I kept reading, I began to understand the powerful message the book is trying to share. Clare Furniss does an amazing job of tackling sensitive topics like terrorism and political division, with Clem as the main character guiding us through her emotional journey. The dystopian world she lives in feels frighteningly close to the reality we see in the news today. Overall, this is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. I would definitely recommend it.

Chantelle

Rainbeau Readers

it was a decent book, not bad by any means but not too good either but it got better towards the ending.

Davide

TPS Carnegie Collective

I really enjoyed this book as I found the characters interesting and it had a good plot line. I think that it was easy to relate to and the ending changed my whole perspective when reading the book. This book was engaging as the storyline could happen to anyone. This is a dystopian book set in an authoritarian Britain. A book that will always keep you on your toes, feeling the same stress as the main character and saves the biggest twist to the end. Every page left a question to be answered on the next and the ending was written beautifully and brought realisation and tears to my eyes. The ending cliff hanger was sad but overall it left you satisfied. I would recommend this book. Overall 4.5/5

Oussama

Isleworth & Syon

This book is fantastic. I loved the storyline, the characters and the concept. Honestly I thought Toby Knight made for an interesting antagonist, since we don't ever see him and he is still a major threat. I nearly cried reading this book. It was just so unbelievably sad. What makes it even more sad (and terrifying) was that this is not some sci-fi novel where its set in the future and everything has changed, its set now, in the present day. I loved the story Clem was telling about the girl trying to save her sister and I thought it represented Clem and Billie's journey so well. I wont lie, the plot twist that Billie was dead was not that surprising to me. That plot twist was similar to the one in "All That It Ever Meant" so I noticed that no one was talking to Billie or acknowledging her sooner than the book wanted me to. It doesn't make the twist bad though! I just wish that we got to meet Clem's biological mum. I know we did see her in flashbacks, but I feel it would be better if we actually saw her. Don't know where, don't know when but it would have been nice to see her and then we could find out what happened to her. Not saying this book needs a sequel, though. Please, it doesn't need one. Other than that, good job Clare! I'd say this one has a good chance of winning!

Thomas

Rebel Readers

All the things we leave behind was so well written and you can really get a feeling of the closeness of their family and friendships. I loved the plot twist at the end and I think that you should defo read this. I would strongly reccomend.

Molly

DauntseysShadowTeam

Personally, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. It's about 2 sisters, Billie and Clem, both of whom live with their father and Claudia (Billie's biological mother, Clem's step-mother). That is, until Toby Knight gets elected as Prime Minister. Knight has a wish to exclude people who he deems unworthy of living in England, from England. This book is about the struggles that the two girls have to face and how Clem misses her mum. This story got me very emotionally involved and upset at some points (made me almost cry!). I would give the 'Things We Leave Behind' 5 stars out of 5 - a perfect score.

Edith

Montsaye Librarians

I really enjoyed this book although it was quite emotional with the stories bachground. The reason i found it upsetting was because of the 'childhood trauma' Beckett went through. Overall a very interesting book!

Olivia

St Angela’s Reading Angels

A very good book about how people protest and cause people to flee London in search of a safer home with a good switch between past and present events of one girl and her sister’s life. This book is very good because it shows how unsafe the modern world really is.

Arthur

The Fitzharrys Shadows

This book is very good. I love the whole storyline and it is very interesting. I don't recommend for under 12s. Clem is no longer safe and her and her half sister must go on a long journey to Scotland.

Aniyah

Elms Judges

its really engaging and i love the way the book spreads awareness about the struggles refugees go through.I really put myself in the characters shoes,showing sympathy towards them. however i do not recommend this for under 12 years of age.

halima

Elms Judges

This was a cool book, it always had me guessing what was next and I was completely hooked.

Mariam

Elms Judges

The Things We Leave Behind is set in a dystopian England where people report on their neighbours and trust is almost impossible. The main character is called Clem. She is in a sort of hospital, and she tells a woman named Polly her story in what appear to be counselling sessions. After her world is torn apart by events set in place by the Prime Minister, Toby Knight, she sets off on a journey seeking asylum with her distant family. It is full of interesting twists and turns. It is accompanied by a separate, fairytale-esque story that Clem tells to add meaning to the main story. One of the most intriguing points of this book is how it is told afterwards, to a different character, and Clem decides that she can tell us a less depressing version of the tale because she doesn’t think she can get through saying what really happened. Therefore, at the end, we experience a major plot twist that makes us rethink everything we have previously been told. Although this story resolves itself, it leaves us enough loose ends to make up our own, long-term ending, where the storyline could go either way. All in all, it is a very interesting and well-written book. I recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian fiction.

Theodora

SHSK Shadowers

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is a moving story set in a dystopian version of London. It follows the story of a teenage girl called Clem, who is forced to leave her home and her dad behind due to civil unrest in the country. The emotional plot twist towards the end showed how much courage and bravery Clem has, even though she has been through so much grief. Although this book is fictional, I felt as though that this was the story of many, many other children and adults across the world. This book shows what it is like to live during a time of civil war, discrimination and constant uncertainty. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I would rate it 9/10.

Asha

Beauchamp Champs 2025

The Things We Leave Behind, by Claire Furniss, is a brilliant read about the refugee crisis. Living in London, Clem and her sister Prim need to flee as a totalitarian regime holds all the power. They escape up the country by road, and then to Scotland in a car and in a boat! This heartbreaking read will wrench you in half. However, is contains quite mature themes and language. Overall, though, it is an amazing read, with many twists and turns contained within the plot. I definitely recommend it.

Zachary

MTS Northwood

I enjoyed the book as it explored topics that I have never read about before and it explored the hardships and difficulties of life. I thought that the plot was amazing and liked how it switched between the therapy sessions and what she had to cope with and go through. The story is sorrowful and meaningful whilst having a beautiful ending. I would say that if I was to write a book similar to this, I may develop the sister more and share more of the memories of Billie in the book because Billie seemed like a lifeline to Clem as the protagonist was a rather worried and introverted person. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic read and would recommend it to others any day.

Isabelle

Carnegie Elizabethans

In The Things We Leave Behind, I really liked the relatability of Clem and her Scottish story. I like how its not very fictional as it is set in London and about the Civil Unrest is something that can actually happen instead of being a thing that is way far from the truth. I really like the thought of giving clem her notebook so she can Reminisce her old memories and gives a sense to the reader that there is still some happiness in her life as the story gets darker, its like a beacon in the darkness of her story. My main point is that the character development of Clem is is very moving and shows how much she changes throughout the book.

Zack

Carnegie Elizabethans

This was a really emotional and personal read. The main character, Clem, goes through such horrific hardships. It is set in an ulterior universe where the UK is going through unrest due to a tyrannical president, and is on the brink of war. Clem is forced to leave England as an immigrant, and has to make the lonely, dangerous journey across the sea to Scotland. The unfortunate circumstances she is put in and the way she rises above them, makes it a heart-wrenching read, with the shocking plot twist in the final chapters. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys emotional fantasy.

Emily

Carnegie Elizabethans

It's an amazing book that I would recommend as it is one of my favourite books, which is outside of my usual genre of fantasy, and the story fascinated me. At first I thought I probably won't like it but when I read, I realized how wrong I was. I loved how the plot shows a girl's horrifying past and we get to follow her story. One thing I like about it is that it doesn't pretend that it wasn't too bad; it shows how the actual person would feel if they experienced it in real life.

Axel

Highcliffe Carnegie Crew

The Things We Leave Behind is a very raw look at a bleak future that doesn't feel too far away. Right from the beginning of the story, Furniss starts to build the tension and maintains it all the way through the book. As more information is slowly released, the reader's understanding of events develops. I especially liked reading the part of the book where Clem spends time with her Grandfather, and how she experiences arrival in his small village, dealing with hostility from other locals. Unfortunately, I guessed the twist at the end quite early on in the story, so it didn't have quite as big of an impact as it might for other readers. Overall, this was a good read and I love that as a 12+ book, it is covering some very difficult themes (authoritarianism/civil unrest/refugee detention) at an appropriate age level.

Mrs Sirrelle

BFS Umbra Readers

I truly enjoyed reading "The Things We Leave Behind". It was extremely well written and the author did a very good job building tension, which constantly kept me wondering what would happen next. I also found the characters to be very well crafted and appealing to the reader. The plot was original and interesting. However, I do have one complaint. At the end, there is an enormous revelation about Clem's sister. However, I found it confusing, and a little bit anticlimatic. If it had been in another place in the story or presented in another way I feel it could have been clearer and have a more lasting impact on the reader. Anyway, I congratulate the author for writing such a good book.

Hugo LI

4Shadowers

Clare Furniss’s *The Things We Leave Behind* is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that feels more like a wake-up call than your typical speculative fiction. Set in a near-future Britain that feels alarmingly familiar, it tells the story of sixteen-year-old Clem, whose everyday life gets turned upside down by the rise of an ultra-right regime. When her stepmother is taken by the authorities during a mass deportation, Clem escapes London with her younger sister, Billie, setting off on a journey that is as much about physical distance as it is about emotional growth. What really makes this novel shine is its emotional richness and relatable realism. The dystopia isn’t wrapped in sci-fi fluff but is rooted in our current social worries, political chatter, and the precariousness of our civil liberties. However, Furniss manages to keep the story from getting too dark by focusing on the powerful ties between family, especially the heartfelt relationship between Clem and Billie. When the twist finally hits, it carries a lot of weight, reshaping the whole narrative and making us question how reliable Clem really is. The way the story is framed—Clem sharing her experiences with a counsellor—opens up some really engaging discussions about memory, truth, and how we cope with trauma. Furniss’s writing is sharp and filled with empathy, capturing the essence of British culture in a way that makes the story feel both personal and eerily realistic. While the themes are undoubtedly political and super relevant, it’s the characters that truly drive the story. This novel not only encourages us to think deeply but also prompts young readers to reflect on their own world and consider how they might respond to unimaginable challenges. It’s a beautifully crafted tale of resistance, sisterhood, and the narratives we create to help us navigate tough times.

Mrs Ward

BCS Book Squad

This book told a gut-wrenching story about the dangers of unrestrained extremism and intolerance that is very relevant today. 7.6/10

Jack

Horsham BOok HUNTers

I really loved this book. I thought it was a really interesting narrative and such a clever way to dictate her story. This book brings you on Clem’s journey through a changing world and I found myself hooked throughout. The parallel fairytale confused me at first but was a great way to mirror the experiences Clem was going through. I really recommend this as a book for everyone to read as it is really in tune with current events and I found it was very powerful. 10/10 one of the best books I have ever read.

Isabelle

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book was a very moving story about a girl and her sister who has to leave London as it is no longer safe. I enjoyed this book because even though it is set in another world, it is also the story of many other refugees. Overall, I would rate this book 9/10.

Asha

Beauchamp Champs 2025

It feels alarmingly close to home and makes the reader feel sorry for the protagonist.

Jaime

RGS Junior Book Club

I really enjoyed this book and I like how the narrator tells her story. I like how the truth isn’t revealed until the end and the ending is very good when everything comes together.

Anita

St George’s Dragon Readers

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The concept was great and in my opinion quite relevant to today. I liked the character building and overall concept, although I do feel that some of the plot points were mentioned once and never fully explained, like what happened to the mother, Danny and Jonas. I think the concept of the end was good, although I thought it was a bit of a let down compared to the book, but I LOVED the parallel fairy tale. All in all, a good book that was well written. 7/10.

Martha

KES Bookworms

'The Things We Leave Behind' is a bittersweet dystopian novel about Family, War, and friendship. It follows sixteen year old Clem as she flees her home, all she's ever known, for Scotland. Furniss has created a War-ridden London that resembles something new. It is a beautiful heart-warming (and wrenching!) novel I would suggest for older readers, as it does touch on Death, War, and some other things readers might find disturbing. FIVE STARS!

Alice

Diary of a Wally Kid

This book was probably a 7/10 because the start was slow but then it got a lot more exciting towards the end. I liked this book because I love london and like scotland.

Cody w

Ermysted’s

The things we leave behind is the book everybody needs to read. It is transformational : you are transported to a world which could be the present and you discover a terrible future where freedom, peace and hope belong to a distant past... But even in her desperate situation, Clem, the story's main character, manages to retain some precious hope. This vital hope is symbolised by poetic paper cranes and her notebook. Her love of her sister also keeps her going. I really really loved this book, because it is a kind of warning, an overview of a very dark future which nobody deserves to inhabit. I recommend this book because Clem, Billie, Mischa, Claudia, Jonas, and all the characters deserve that their story be told to everyone.

Clotilde

4Shadowers

I think that this book is brilliant. I really liked how the story was really interactive and I loved how it was in a different type of world, but also had reference and warning in the real world. I think that it was a really moving story and I loved how I became immersed in the fate of the characters. The only thing I didn’t really like, was the story within the story…. Overall, I loved it!

Merryn

Diary of a Wally Kid

The best part about the book was the plot twist and my least favourite part was the slow beginning. Billie was my favourite character because she was such a positive character, and was a massive part about the plot

Michelle

The SBSJs

Clare Furniss’s The Things We Leave Behind is a hauntingly relevant dystopian novel that feels more like a warning than a work of speculative fiction. Set in a near-future Britain that’s disturbingly close to our own, it follows sixteen-year-old Clem as her ordinary life is shattered by the rise of an ultra-right regime. After her stepmother is taken by the authorities during a mass deportation, Clem flees London with her younger sister Billie, embarking on a journey north that is both literal and emotional. What sets this novel apart is its emotional depth and grounded realism. The dystopia here isn’t wrapped in science fiction tropes but rooted in current social anxieties, political rhetoric, and the fragility of civil liberties. Yet, Furniss avoids bleakness by anchoring the story in powerful familial bonds, particularly the moving, fiercely protective relationship between Clem and Billie. The twist, when it comes, lands with weight, reshaping the narrative and forcing the reader to reconsider Clem’s reliability. The framing device, Clem recounting her experiences to a counsellor, raises poignant questions about memory, truth, and how we survive trauma. Furniss’s writing is sharp, empathetic, and deeply British in its cultural touchstones, making the world feel both intimate and chillingly plausible. While undeniably political and timely, the story is carried by character more than concept. It's a novel that not only provokes thought but invites young readers to examine the world around them, and imagine how they might act if faced with the unthinkable. A timely, quietly powerful novel of resistance, sisterhood, and the stories we tell to survive.

Mrs Naden

Lostock Carnegie Shadowers

I didn't really enjoy the book because there wasn't much escapism in there, it was too realistic. The structure was kind of complicated and a bit confusing. It wasn't my best read since I couldn't really relate to any of the characters.

VONGAI

Readerraptors

This Book review is about The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss. This book follows two girls Clem and Billie fleeing an almost dystopian London because of political shift of a totalitarian regime creating an unsafe environment for Clem and her sister. This book goes into large detail about the hardships of being a refugee and encourages empathy towards them as to help readers understand how dangerous an authoritarian regime could be. You can almost relate at times but horrors you read about are horribly plausible and could actually happen. This horror and tension keeps you reading and guessing till the very end. Overall I think it was a great read .

Hugo

Bookwizards

Great book loved reading it, it kept me entertained in the journey that Clem and Billie take in a world that could be around the corner for us. I started to cry on many an occasion and I will never forget this book.

Henry

Ermysted’s

I really loved this book. Its fiction but very realistic in the writing, for example it talks about resting and mental health issues and dealing with grief. I felt the first 90 pages was quiet slow but after that it really kicked off. its the sort of book you finish and you have so many questions and all you want to do is read it again. its dystopian but completely plausible with very realistic effects to the society and politics. I would say anyone above ten could read this but I feel like the older you get the more you will take away from this book and the more you will resonate with it.

Chloe

Bramcote College Library

I cried. It was absolutely amazing. It intertwines reality with the authors imagination into a beautiful story. I love the way its structured with Clem telling a story joining with a fairy-tale and her harsh new reality. The thing that makes it even more moving is that this has happened to real people. It opens your eyes on the scale of the refugee crisis. One of the best books I've ever read. I recommend it to 10 years or older as it is a heavy but eye opening read.

Zsuzsi

Bramcote College Library

The book I am reviewing is "The Things We Leave Behind". I found it fascinating as there was constant use of emotive language; it speaks about the sad and tragic things we see today and the battle of escaping them. Since it was very slow paced at times I rate it overall a bang average of 6/10.

mervin

Kingdown

Set in dystopian England, the book follows a young girl named Clem' as she leaves home to find safety. The story looks back on the rise of a far right politician to leader of the country and his racist and xenophobic policies. It is a story about protecting your own, blood or not. Overall, I loved the story line and I liked the switch from present to past - it felt like we lived in the main character’s head and thoughts. I also appreciated the length of the book, as it wasn’t too long. However, regarding the structuring of the novel, there were no chapters so it wasn’t very structured. It was also a slow start, but it was engaging once you get into it. Five stars (*****).

Hasher

Rockwood Reads

A great read! In the beginning I found it to be somewhat confusing/difficult but after a while the book became clear and enjoyable. I loved how realistic the book feels due to the very real possibility of a similar world being out future. I enjoyed the emotional and realistic way that the book showed the struggles and pain that refugees go through and the resilience needed for both the people and their families in a world incredibly similar to our own in many ways. My only criticism of this book would be that throughout the story it can become somewhat confusing, in some instances requiring the reader to repeat certain pages which can reduce one’s incentive to continue, although nowhere near to a problematic degree. 4/5 stars

Johannes

Augustine’s Carnegie Challenge

The Things We Leave Behind is a book about how Clem and her half-sister Billie go on a treacherous journey from London to Scotland. The characters felt real to me and I always wanted to find out what happened next. There wasn't anything that I didn't like about the book. I would recommend this book to older readers as the ending might be a bit emotional to some people. Overall I would rate this book 9.5/10

Mason

The Fitzharrys Shadows

A heart-felt story about the hidden struggles of a refugee and how talking can help to heal the pain you may have gone through.

evelyn

Kesgrave Bookworms

I absolutely loved The Things We Leave Behind. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. It’s one of those rare books that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go—I honestly couldn’t put it down. The writing was smooth and engaging, and the story moved at just the right pace to keep me interested the whole way through. One of the best parts of the book was the plot twists. Just when I thought I knew where things were going, the story would take a completely unexpected turn. The twists weren’t over-the-top or unrealistic—they felt natural, but still shocking in the best way. They made the reading experience really exciting and kept me guessing until the end. What also stood out to me was the psychological depth of the story. The book really explored how Clem deal with trauma, guilt, and the weight of past decisions and experiences. It got into the minds of the characters in a way that made them feel very real and . gave the story an emotional and thoughtful layer that went beyond just an interesting plot. The characters were well-developed and easy to connect with. Each of them had their own struggles and secrets, and watching how those things slowly unfolded over the course of the book was both heartbreaking and satisfying. It felt like the author really understood people and how complex emotions can be. Overall, The Things We Leave Behind was a very memorable read. It had everything I look for in a good book: an engaging plot, meaningful themes, emotional depth, and surprising twists. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories that are not only entertaining but also make you think and feel. It’s the kind of book that stays with you even after you’ve finished it.

Trinity

Augustine’s Carnegie Challenge

'Things We Leave Behind' is a novel by Clare Furniss about the young girl Clem and her half-sister Billie. When the xenophobic prime minister Toby Knight sets strict laws against foreigners, civil unrest unfolds in London. The sisters have to flee from their home (in London) as it's not safe in city anymore. First, they decide to seek refuge at their grandpa's place in the countryside. Unfortunately, Clem and Billie can't stay there and are forced to travel to Scotland. The journey is long, very difficult and Clem has to face many challenges until she eventually manages to finds some peace. Although this story is very sad, especially towards the end, it also gives hope. The author describes very well the traumatic experiences refugees have to through.

Eric

Beauchamp Champs 2025

With The Things We Leave Behind, it shows how hard life is for refugees and putting that in our country can make it even more real and raises more awareness for refugees. This book is truly devastating but it was so worth it.

Safiyah

Bramcote College Library

The book was amazing, as I got near the middle and end it really sparked my interest making me want to read more. This book brought lots of emotions to me because of what the characters had to go through, however there were some confusing parts for example when we went from the present to the past. Overall the book is great and I recommend it to anyone who likes an adventure!

Valerija

NA Book Club

I very much enjoyed this book although the start was a bit confusing, I eventually understood the plot and the twists. It all began with the new Prime Minister who enforced many various rules and threats to keep the country clean, detaining and deporting immigrants. After various weeks Clem and her half-sister‘s mom gets detained for her heritage, later along with their father. In this tale we follow Clem and Billie as they flee London due to the new regime in place! I found this book emotional and realistic which emphasizes what can happen in the near future, the good and bad! I would recommend this book to people who like emotional, adventure and dramatic stories! In conclusion I am fond of this book but it was a bit confusing throughout.

Leena Saloni

Europa Champs

'The things we leave behind' was one of the most meaningful, emotional, beautifully written books I've ever read. Reading how the main character (Clem) deals with her pain and hurt shows what could happen if such a law happened to be passed in our modern world. Despite being a distopian book there was still a realistic feel to it and I could honestly see this one day happening in this world which I find fascinating. Whilst having some aspects of sadness (it had me sobbing!) I thoroughly enjoyed this and it ended on a somewhat hopefull note. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would fully recommend!

Libby A

VISTA Academy

This book review is about the book called The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss. This astonishing book, where a young teenager tells of their escape from authoritarian London after their mother was taken away and a protest against the prime minister (Which their father helped to organize.) was cut down by the army on grounds that there were riots. As they flee to their grandad in the countryside will they still be safe? Or will they be forced out again? In my opinion, this is a remarkable book. Its main themes are authoritarianism, refugee experience and death. For me it contains almost no negative points at all. My only issue is that there are 3 stories going on and I can not always make sense of which is which because they overlap or contradict each other. Overall it is an extraordinary book, one of the few that I can safely say was worth every second spent reading because of the amazing cliffhangers designed by Clare. Overall I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars for its breathtaking story. I recommend this book to those aged 12 to 14.

Danny

Europa Champs

I often enjoy dystopian fiction, therefore, I really liked ‘The Things We Leave Behind’. I felt like the main plot vaguely corresponds with themes in George Orwell’s ‘1984’, only aimed at a slightly younger audience (the book still contained many upsetting scenes, meaning it is not suitable for young readers). I found this to be interesting. I also liked the idea that the characters are journeying around the country together. This made the novel page-turning, since I was excited about where they would go next, and who they would meet. It was also very suspenseful as Clem and her younger sister were attempting to avoid the authorities. Finally, the plot twist at the end was very shocking, yet fascinating. It placed the protagonist in a very different light. Overall, I would rate the book 4.5/5 stars. The characters were fascinating, and the combination of adventurousness, suspense and sadness was, in my opinion, perfect.

Verity

Norwich High School Bookworms

A beautifully written book with a great twist at the end. I think this is my favourite book so far. One thing I would want to improve would be to get the pace of the story a bit quicker. The story was sometimes quite slow.

Emma

Fiction Addiction

Clare Furniss’s The Things We Leave Behind is a young adult novel that explores themes of grief, family, and self-discovery. The story follows Tara, a teenager grappling with the sudden loss of her mother. As she navigates her new reality, Tara uncovers family secrets that challenge her understanding of her past and herself. Furniss’s writing is poignant and sensitive, effectively capturing the emotional turmoil of adolescence compounded by tragedy. The characters are well-developed, with Tara’s journey feeling authentic and relatable. The narrative delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the process of healing, offering readers a thoughtful examination of loss and resilience. However, the novel’s pacing can be uneven, with certain sections feeling drawn out, potentially hindering reader engagement. Additionally, while the emotional depth is commendable, some plot developments may come across as predictable, lessening their impact. Overall, The Things We Leave Behind is a heartfelt exploration of grief and growth, resonating with readers who appreciate character-driven stories. While it may not break new ground in the genre, its emotional sincerity and relatable protagonist make it a worthwhile read. Rating: 6/10

Navid

Europa Champs

This book was so sad I LOVED it. The plot twist was so sad and the entire story is really gripping. It feels so realistic - like it could have the ability to happen in real life to real people, which just brings the plot closer to the reader and also makes it stand out against most dystopias. I felt so immersed in the book. The only negative thing I have to say is that I do feel like the romance felt ever so slightly forced, but I think thats probably just a matter of opinion. Will definitely be rereading at some point! 4/5 for definite!! So emotional and well written.

Divya

Watford Girls

I liked the book because there was a clear theme of hope.

John

Tallis Reads

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss explores a world not too different from our own - a place that fights for equal rights, yet still has evil politicians and racism to oppose the peace. One of the reasons this book is so effective is because of its closeness to our own world, making the characters and setting relatable. the story is well-written, yet sometimes begins to feel repetitive. A good read, but not a reread.

Roo

Isleworth & Syon

Zosia

Europa Champs

I loved reading this book so much because of the amazing way the plot was written. A heartbreaking plot twist at the very end of the book made it so memorable; it also made me think about the rest of the book and the story being told. It also was very emotional and felt almost real.

Anna

SJB Shadows

Engaging - confusing at times, a little cliché, and some story arcs felt incomplete - but engaging.

Alice

Wyedean School

After an extremist is put in charge, Clem's parents are arrested and she has to travel across the country with her little sister to find refuge. I enjoyed this book because it has a nice message about the importance of family. I also enjoyed the style it was written - both a past and present perspective. The story within reflected the story of the book which I found very interesting. However, I found really sad and confusing, also the fact that were no chapters made it quite difficult to read.

Lily

Chiswick Carnegie

It was absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt and incredible. It shows how the main character handles her pain and suffering and shows what can happen if such a law was to happen in our time and how it will effect people and the trauma it could cause. Our main character is very strong and resilient as she navigates a dangerous world with her half-sister Billie. The bond between the sisters is the central and moving element of the story with the narrative twist and turns. Told in a mixture of flashbacks, therapy sessions and fairy-tale narratives creating sense of mystery and keeping the reader engaged. The book develops themes of family, friendship, loss, the refugee crisis, the dangers of a totalitarian regimes and the power of hope! I rate this book 5 out of 5

Victoria

FOFF Girls

I think this was a really good book because it brings the reader into the book and has a bit of everything in it. It was interesting because they told us why she ended up in a different place. I rate this book 4 out of 5

Tasmeia

FOFF Girls

The Things We Leave Behind is a thoughtfully written book about learning to move forward whilst dealing with loss and growing up. The way Clem handles her grief is authentic, showing how hard it is to move on from your problems. The friendships in the book felt honest. The writing style was pretty simple but impactful. It wasn’t too unrealistic, which I liked. I’d recommend this book to people who like simple, quiet but still meaningful and quite immersive stories.

Carena

MSJ Shadowers

Audio book. This is a dystopian story, but set in present times, which makes it quite haunting in nature. Clem’s family live in London and find themselves on the wrong side of the new Government’s thinking about freedom of speech and immigration status. As social unrest spreads through the capital, it is no longer a safe place for Clem and her younger sister. Escaping to their grandfather’s country village seems the best course of action, but England is a small country and the Government is everywhere. An interesting political dystopian adventure. I found this book a little disappointing, the beginning was captivating but it rambled towards the end.

Mrs B.

TGS Book Group

This book wasn't my favourite, as I found the switching from the past and present confusing.

Sophia

MSJ Shadowers

At first I found it a bit hard to get stuck in, but after about halfway it was really interesting and I found that I could hardly put it down! I thought that the plot twist at the end was well written in that it made sense the more I thought about it and yet I didn't see it coming. I also enjoyed the bitter-sweet ending. I really loved it and I'm glad I stuck with it to the end.

Izzilizzi

MSJ Shadowers

I thought it was an amazing book. There were lots of twists and turns but it never felt like it was trying too hard to be interesting. I have never physically reacted to what was happening in a book but I was on the edge of my seat in the later half. It was really intriguing, well written and exciting. My one critique would be that the romance half way through felt really unnecessary and like it was taking up the parts of the book that could be more interesting and that should focus on how Clem is dealing with the events rather than her trying to date someone, especially since she started trusting him way too soon. But I still couldn't recommend it enough.

Jessica

Eltham Hill Y9 Book Club

i really enjoyed this book. i thought the pace was a little slow at times but the setting and background was interesting and thought provoking as it correlated to current climate affairs. i would highly recommend this book... the ending was properly insane. it was really sad but it added yet another layer to the story.

alice

Eltham Hill Y9 Book Club

The Things We Leave Behind is a very emotion- provoking and gripping book, it is very engaging and has many great plot twists and kept me invested in the plot until the end. It is so heart felt and I still think about the clever plot.

Elsie

Eltham Hill Y9 Book Club

I loved this book. I really enjoyed the plot line and the dystopian and slight romance element. The plot-twists were so surprising and very emotional. I would read this again.

Eliza

Eltham Hill Y9 Book Club

This was a really good read with a really nice message. It had a heartbreaking twist ,that was somewhat predictable, but still hits hard emotionally. Despite the sadness, it ends on a hopeful note. Overall, it's a powerful and memorable story that will stay after the final page.

Jola

Beauchamp Champs 2025

"The Things We Leave Behind" is one of my all-time favourite books. It's a beautiful tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, creating a narrative that's both suspenseful and heartbreaking. It reflects real life problems, and the characters are relatable. The only things I didn’t like was that at some parts it was slightly rushed and that it wasn’t longer! The story's emotional impact stays with you long after you finish reading, it is a truly unforgettable read.

Lily

TPS Carnegie Collective

I really enjoyed this book as I found the characters interesting and it had a good plot line. I think that it was easy to relate to and the ending changed my whole perspective when reading the book. This book was engaging as the storyline could happen to anyone.

Sophia

St George’s Dragon Readers

I really enjoyed this book because it was quite fast - paced but also includes a lot of detail on how the characters were feeling. Although this is a dystopian book, it felt quite real as it was set in the near future. Some of the book was quite sad and the ending was slightly unexpected but overall, I think that it is a very hopeful story.

Angela

RGS Junior Book Club

This is a dystopian book set in an authoritarian Britain. A book that will always keep you on your toes, feeling the same stress as the main character and saves the biggest twist to the end. Every page left a question to be answered on the next and the ending was written beautifully and brought realisation and tears to my eyes. The ending cliff hanger was sad but overall it left you satisfied. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 14+ who wants a "What If?". 5/5

Haydn

BCS Book Squad

The Things We Leave Behind has me in mixed feelings, at the start, I found it very hard to get into but but as the storyline started to move, I found it a quite emotional and storyline based book. I would love to talk about this to other people doing the Carnegies shadowing this year. Overall it had a very shocking ending and a bad start, it is one to recommend.

Annabel

Broadland Bookworms

This book goes through the journey of Clem and her sister. They are travelling to the safety of Scotland away from the dictatorship of Toby Knight in England. This is a story about letting things go and what happens if the wrong person becomes the leader of a country. This really makes you think about what some people go through, even today.

Laurence

Reader Leaders

At first, it was hard to get used to switching between the past and the present, once you got used to it you really got to know the characters and always felt it was building up to something which made the twist at the end very good. Overall I liked the book.

Robin

Ermysted’s

I really enjoyed reading The Things We Leave Behind. The story is a very well written, easy reading story which includes many twists and always keeps you wanting to read more. I found the plot to be very easy to follow and it seemed to be very thought through with how you learn more as you read on. You can build a relationship with the characters and connect ,which only emphasizes the plot even further and the twist at the end. It also includes a sense of reality in the plot, showing us how easy it is for the world to fall into a dystopian like place and through issues which we can see all over the globe. I never got bored and would absolutely read another book by Clare Furniss.

Scarlet G

Logs

I think that this book starts well but from the start of 'Lost', it gets a bit confusing and is hard to follow. It is really well written with an interesting dystopia theme. I think the transition between the sections should have more context so you understand what is happening in between.

Franklin

The High Storrs Shadows

I really enjoyed this book because the journey which the main characters (Clem and half sister Billie) was quite intense and exciting to read. They had a dangerous journey to Scotland and Clem faced a disaster while traveling across the sea. Although Billie is quite different to Clem, I think they work together well as a team. Towards the end of the book I think it got more exciting although there were no parts of the story which I didn't like. I would really like a second book or a part 2 so we can see more of the characters.

Abigail

Plumites

The Things We Leave Behind is one of the best books I have ever read (and I read a lot of books). It is about a girl called Clem who is a refugee, and her younger sister, Billie. The story is separated into 3 parts, the past, the present, and a story that Clem made up. The ending of this book made me really sad because the author made me care. I would rate this book an 11 out of 10 because to me it was like a wake up call because every single terrible thing that happened in that book could happen to any of us in a number of days, weeks, years etc.

Esme

Bassingbourn Readers

I found this book really intriguing and I found it comparable to real life situations. The book presents a dystopian version of England, which I found comparable to Nazi Germany. In the book, foreigners were persecuted, and in Nazi Germany, many groups were persecuted. Although, Nazi Germany was a lot more extreme. 9/10

William B

Ermysted’s

The things we leave behind is a very emotional book. With some parts making you feel sad, hopeful and even scared. The story feels very real even though it’s set in a future where things have gone wrong. I think this book is amazing. If you like stories about family, bravery and standing up for Whats right, you’ll love this book.

Cole

LHS Shadowing Group 2025

I should know better than to judge a book by its cover, but The Things We Leave Behind caught my eye on my first day in the Shadowing group—in a good way! When I read it, it was like I was Clem, going through all her struggles. I felt all her emotions, even the little sparks of hope. I love how it’s written as if Clem is slowly opening up and remembering, telling us our story---and unlike other books, we didn’t really know what originally happened at all. There were many surprises, each one better than the other. It was sorrowful, intriguing, and much more. I would say that this book is recommended for all, 9/10!

Vanya

TPS Carnegie Collective

Not my top book, however i admire how much the main character pushed through all that

Jennifer

GreatB00ks

I couldn't put this book down once i picked it up. Whilst many others describe this book as dystopian, I can personally see this story as a reality in our near future. The author's descriptions really immersed me and i could picture some of the scenes in my head. One criticism would be that some of the different perspectives are a bit difficult to understand but it gets easier as the book progresses. The plot twists are extremely surprising and very emotional overall I would definitely recommend.

Olivia

STAGS Shadowers

It was a bit hard for me to get into the style of the writing of the book due to the fact that its story is going back and forth between present and past. However, as you continue reading and get more attached to the characters it gets easier to read. The whole plot of the book is amazing and entertaining. I especially loved the plot twist.

Ksenia

STAGS Shadowers

While reading this book I felt for the characters and was moved by their experience. At first, I wasn't sure about this book but as soon as I got into it I couldn't put it down. A spectacular read.

Emilia

Cake a Book Club

To put it simply, I loved it. the story had me really going and the plot twist at the end was mind-blowing. I would highly recommend the book, as it fills genres that i enjoy reading quite a bit and I believe that people would enjoy it! It captured my imagination, had me hooked, and I just enjoyed it in general. I could not find anything wrong with this book, and I would love to read more books like this.

Alex

TPS Carnegie Collective

I think 'The Things We Leave Behind' is a brilliant action/adventure story. I like the book because it - Captured my attention - Kept me on the edge of my seat - Had a brilliant plot twist at the end - Had many elements of a fantastic story - Made me want to keep reading until the very ending. I honestly can't find anything to fault with this book and I'd love to see other books as good as this.

Yusuf

TPS Carnegie Collective

It is a really deep and moving book, with a big plot twist. The way it was written wasn't that good but it had some amazing ideas and plots. Overall, I really liked it, as it was a really nice but bittersweet ending and just hooked me all the way through.

Annabel

Cake a Book Club

I honestly thought this book was quite interesting, mainly because the author chose to write from the perspective of the protagonist, retelling Clem’s story. Even though I found it interesting, I didn’t really enjoy how slow-moving it was. I also didn’t find the beginning very gripping, and it only really picked up for me about halfway through. I think if the story had moved a bit faster, it might have been more engaging for the audience. Overall, though, I still think it was a very emotional and meaningful book, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of dystopian stories.

Charlotte

Rainbeau Readers

This book was the last one I had to read out of the eight and at the moment it is my favourite. It was heartwarming and an easy read. I really enjoyed it and liked the twist at the end. Looking back now, I realised how the twist fitted in to the story. I thought the ending was good and I found it fun. I would rate it a 9/10 because the twist did at first confuse me, although it does make sense now. I would recommend it to 8+ year olds because some parts of the book are quite sad.

Amelia M

Skipton Shadows

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is a dystopian book set at an unspecified date in London, starring Clem, a girl whose 15th birthday opens the book. The love and sunshine doesn’t last for long, though, as Toby Knight, an MP takes power and becomes the new prime minister of England. He discriminates against people from other countries, and Clem’s stepmother, Claudia is forced away from her family as she has Jamaican roots, and her English citizenship has not been recognised yet. Clem’s father urges her and her half sister, Billie to go run away, and seek out their grandfather. They go away whilst their father dangerously works with a group of rebels to oppose Knight. Once they reach their grandfather’s house in a small village, Clem realizes that after their grandmother died, their Grandpa had dementia as a result. The book continues to follow Clem and Billie as they make their way to Scotland, seeking out Clem’s travelling mother. But this is a story. And stories are lies. This is a book filled with so many emotions and ideas, I was almost overwhelmed by it all. But, by the end the fast-paced book made sense, and I feel that was the desired effect. The Things We Leave Behind is full of so many surprises and twists and turns in its plot. This is a good book, and I think people who are 12-17 would like it. I would also give it a 7/10 rating, as it can sometimes be a bit confusing or boring.

Cora

SHSK Shadowers

The Things We Leave Behind is set in a semi futuristic totalitarian London where Clem and her half sister Billie live. When their parents get arrested they are alone and flee the city to find their grandpa in Scotland. The book takes a while to get going because of all the dialogue and the time shifts are a little confusing.

Beau

Book Squad

I really enjoyed The things we leave behind. It is an incredibly emotional book full of twists and turns, excitement, suspense and a possible dystopian insight to what our future could be like. It is about a sixteen year old girl called Clem who lives in a near future London. But civil unease is growing due to a shift in political power, and eventually, the city becomes too unsafe to live in. Clem and her half sister Billie become refugees, and the book tells of their dangerous journey to Scotland. It is narrated in three different timelines: Clem’s present, where she is having therapy sessions with the woman who rescued her; Clem’s own storytelling; and a series of her flashbacks which may not be entirely truthful. I found this way of narrative really interesting, because I had not read anything like it before, and I found that it slowly pieced the story together throughout the book, and kept you guessing until the end, which I found very effective and acquired a sense of mystery. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone aged 12 or over who likes dystopian novels full of adventure and emotion.

Sufia

The Maynard School

I really like the book but I found the start was a bit confusing as it kept switching between times and people. It took me a bit of time to understand it but when I got into it I really enjoyed it. I like the relationship between clem and billie and I liked the second mother role she played with billie. I liked billie's mum and thought she was a clever character throughout. There was lots of dialogue but I liked that and thought it added to the story. I quite like war stories and it wasn’t too much war but had a factor of war to it. Billie dying was definitely a sad part near the end of the book but overall I really enjoyed this book.

Alexa

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I thought this book was a perfect blend of dystopia, hope and sadness. It was really touching at times, and I even admit to shedding a tear at the really emotional parts of the book! The things we leave behind is set in a world of danger and uncertainty, mostly caused by dictator Toby Knight, who basically wants to get rid of anyone even slightly different. Though the story felt far away from life now, there was a hint of reality in it, which definitely put me on edge a little bit. The main character is called Clem, and, when she is forced to leave her home, her and her sister Billie have to set out on a terrifying journey to find a safe place to live. The story is told from Clem's point of view, and is narrated as Clem telling her story to Polly, a therapist figure. I think this story was woven together brilliantly, and the characters and plot are vivid and felt so real. This is a great book and one that I really enjoyed, and I think you will too!

Josephine

The Maynard School

I found this book okay but I wouldn't recommend it to someone else. I did like the story of it but found it a bit confusing at times and that is the reason why I wouldn't recommend it to friends.

Isla

PGHS Shadowers

This is the best book I have read all year. From the heart warming hellos to the heart wrenching goodbyes this book had me in tears on every page. When civil unrest lies in London Clem and her younger sister Billie must escape London and head for Clem's grandfather's house but is it even safe there? It seems wherever Clem goes she seems to find more trouble and more danger... phenomenal, I enjoyed every page 10/10.

Ava

Book Squad

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is a gripping emotional story about Clem, a 16-year-old girl who is forced to flee her home in the future England that is falling apart due to political unrest. Along with her sister, she escapes to Scotland, but their journey is filled with loss, trauma, and tough decisions about what it means to survive. I particularly liked Clem because throughout this story she has experienced so much and shows bravery and strength when others couldn’t. This story didn’t quite interest me at the beginning but as I read on it found myself staying up late to find out what happened next. I felt that the stressful and chaotic scenes where the ones that I found were written best. Something I disliked about the book was that it was quite hard to understand what was happening at the beginning therefore making me uninterested about finding out what happened next. I would recommend this book to people 12+ who are drawn to dystopian literature with real world relevance. I would give this book an 8 out of 10.

Trisha

SHSK Shadowers

This dystopian fiction kept me hooked till the end as the idea of the main character, Clem keeping a ‘secret’ from us intrigued me. What piqued my interest was the way we readers find out she’s hiding something; she doesn’t tell us directly but her audience, Polly the therapist deduces from her stories that something is amiss. I was in awe of the complicated structure the author implemented for the flashbacks; the present, with Clem telling Polly her story is short and told between the main story that Clem tells in the form of flashbacks. Another interesting element is the side story that comes in sometimes at an odd moment in a chapter in the form of a fairy tale. The author’s retake of the famous Grimm story, Jorinda and Joringel. Towards the end of the book, everything becomes clear and the reader makes the connection between the two stories. An inspiring novel that reduced me to the point of tears by the end, The Things We Leave Behind is a tale I shall never forget.

Aarna CI

4Shadowers

This book is emotive, lyrical and deeply harrowing. It deserves all the praise it can get - a rare gem of a story and a must read! This was one of those books I could not put down. Trigger Warning: this book contains topics of a sensitive nature including parental loss and terrorism. Please take care when reading.

Librarian

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

An outstanding read. Emotional and full of real life action!

Greg

Desborough Reading & Biscuit Club

This book is awesome - it tells how sometimes we have to let go and leave things behind. It is a bit sad but enjoyable at the same time, so readers who like sad but enjoyable books should enjoy this one.

Muhammad H

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

'The Things We Leave Behind' by Clare Furniss is a deeply affecting novel that deserves high praise. I'd rate it a solid four out of five stars. The story unfolds with a compelling narrative, drawing the reader into the lives of its well-developed characters. Each character feels authentic, possessing unique personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward in a believable and engaging way. The setting is vividly portrayed, adding another layer of depth and richness to the overall experience. The emotional core of the story is undeniable; it's a heartfelt exploration of relationships, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. While there might be minor aspects that could be improved (hence the four stars instead of five), the overall quality of writing, the strength of the characters, and the emotional impact of the story combine to create a truly memorable and rewarding read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a moving and thought-provoking story. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish it.

Shanelle

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

I really enjoyed The Things We Left Behind by Clare Furniss because it was emotional and relatable. The story follows a girl named Tara who is dealing with grief after her mum dies, and I found her feelings very realistic. The way Clare Furniss writes makes you feel like you're right there with Tara, going through everything she is. I liked how the book showed that it’s okay to feel sad and angry sometimes, and that healing takes time. It was a bit sad in parts, but it also had hopeful moments, which made it a really powerful read. Overall, I think it’s a great book about family, loss, and finding your way again.

Omar

Beauchamp Champs 2025

I loved this book as a young person. I found it hard to get my head around at the beginning but as I read on I found it fascinating. There were moments when I felt like I was there and it was honestly heart warming.

Frankie

QM Readers

The Things we leave behind is a great, well thought book with twists with different versions of the same story. I love the way it mixes the political instability with 15 year olds experience and how we see what is going on through her eyes. Also, I believe the author, Clare Furniss does a great job at representing an authoritarian regime and the dangers it brings. I love how she turns a 15 year old citizen into a refugee as it adds a whole new layer of excitement. This book is an amazing piece of literature and I have loved reading it.

Jamie

TBGS Readers

I loveeeed this book! I really liked the relationship between Billie and Clem and the tension at certain points of the book. I quite enjoyed this book because it was very emotional and things aren’t always as they seem. 9.5/10

scarlett

The Fitzharrys Shadows

As a French national living in the UK, I read this book with great interest and felt genuinely involved in the story. I cared deeply about the characters, and there were several heartwarming moments—especially when the main character found safe havens at her grandfather’s house or with the “witchy” lady who rescued her after her escape boat capsized. What struck me most—and felt disturbingly realistic—was how the author portrayed the process of first alienating “foreigners,” then dehumanising them, and finally painting them as the enemy. I truly hope this book serves as an eye-opener for the young people who read it.

Céline

Sandroyd Bookivores

I loved it! I think he issues it highlights, of xenophobia and corrupt leaders are so important, and especially now, with America going the direction it is, and the portrayal of this was amazingly done, and it really shows what a horrible thing for leaders to do. Making it a dystopia was very interesting, and allows it to be applied to many places, not just one. The characters were great, and I really felt a connection with them: they each had very distinct personalities and felt very alive. The twist at the end, about Billie, I feel has been done a few times before, but I liked the foreshadowing, where she reads her thoughts at one point, like when she imagines Mischa. Although the separate fantasy story that ran through it was very well written and enjoyable to read, I don't think it had very much to do with the story. However, it gave a good theme/ feel for the book. I also liked the connection to The Little Match Girl. Overall, I really enjoyed it!

Edward L

Ermysted’s

I was recommended this book by a teacher at my school, so I thought I would give it a go. I really liked the book cover as it had a dark blue background that symbolises sadness and then gold and white which stands out on the cover, which could symbolise hope. I really enjoyed the book and it was a journey through the girls life and the difficulties that she faced. I recommend this book to any book lovers who love a book that they can't put down.

Casey

SPS Book Clubbers

Over all I really enjoyed this book. The opening was interesting and made me want to continue, the book was fast paced and events happened in quick succession. It's in a similar style to an adventure story. There were few moments that went a bit too slow and I got bored, the switching from past and present was smooth and the plot twist at the end got me flipping back though the pages. One of the negative aspects of the story was that the book didn't come with chapters which I didn't enjoy.

Ellen

Diary of a Wally Kid

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss was an amazing book! I found the ending engaging and heart-breaking and the author really got behind the aspect of a journey by introducing people and leaving them behind very quickly yet, for me, it never got confusing as there weren't many characters being written about at the same time. She portrayed Clem as a desperate, hopeful young girl which suited the plot well and I liked the dystopian feel to the book although sometimes it appeared a little artificial especially when she stayed in her grandfather's village. Malorie Blackman's words 'Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read' really sums up the book as its incredible ending leaves you wondering why did it happen and what's next in her journey? I would give it a 8/10

Jemimah

KES Bookworms

I found this book engaged me from the beginning, it kept my interest from jumping from past, present and future events. It made me think of current events in the world and what could be if we don’t make a change. The beginning set the mood of the book, the middle kept me guessing and wanting to know more and the ending completely caught me off guard. I really enjoyed this read.

Christian

Waddesdon Shadowers

The Things We Leave Behind is about how when Britain descends into authoritarianism, sixteen-year-old Clem flees with her sister (Billie), whilst facing the aftermath of the arrest of her mum and dad. Personally, my favourite character was Shaun since he helped them even when he didn’t need to. In my opinion, this was an action packed novel with many plot twists and I would recommend this book to people over 13. I would give this book a rating of 4/5.

Tilly

The Fitzharrys Shadows

i really enjoyed this book and thought the twist at the end was well written and thought out. I enjoyed the realism of the characters and the world they lived in 😁

Amelia

GreatB00ks

I really enjoyed this book since it was a really good read but it was sad.

Zofia

GreatB00ks

Really good and engaging interesting twist. Sad. WHY????

SophiaAlyssa

GreatB00ks

The Things We Leave Behind is expressed in a very depressing way. I didn't have much interest for the book myself and it took me some time to read. Even though the book explores the concept of inequality and an idea of racism, I couldn't enjoy the book. Overall a 2/5 book.

Jay Byrepalli

Isleworth & Syon

When I first picked up ‘The Things We Leave Behind’ I thought it would be a generic story about somebody who went on a journey to save humanity or something like that - but it wasn’t. This book showed me the much smaller problems within a larger problem and within minutes I was hooked to reading it. Clem, the main protagonist, and her half-sister Billie must flee London because of Toby Knight, the new Prime Minister who wants all immigrants out of his country. This affects Clem because her stepmother, Claudia, is an immigrant living in England. As a result of Claudia being an immigrant, she is taken away from her family to a ‘better place’. This causes Clem and Billie to flee to their grandfather's house, where he forgets who they are, and a mysterious man is in the kitchen the next morning… For now I’ll let you read on, but be prepared for countless plot twists and unexpected events. I’d say this book is perfect for anybody looking for a mild read with some action and a lot of adventure.

Charlie

HHS

This book was honestly at the start a bit slow which led me to be a bit confused but as I read on I realised it was in three parts. As I read on I grew to see the sisterly bond between billie and clem especially when Claudia gets taken billie clings on to clem which clem seems to think it’s annoying but I think it’s sweet. One of my thoughts throughout the book was that clem’s stories and writing is really poetic and beautiful and it really eases and soothes with the process overall this was a good book that I enjoyed reading

Lucy

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

This book explores a variety of topics including love, politics and consequences of when Toby Knight becomes the prime minister and started acting based on his thoughts that there should be no immagrants in Britain. He believes that the olden days were better, but this is contradicting as he doesn't understand that things weren't always perfect. Also, the present is harsh, as everyone is restless with different opinions who are ruled over by an oppressive government. However, Toby does not realise this and is enforcing strict persecution deportation of immagrants. Clem lives with her dad, step-mum and step-sister, although she doesn't like the word step as it means half to her. Billie's mum Claudia fails her interview even though she is fully a British citizen and she mades Clem and Billie escape to Clem's grandfather's house. The story however, starts with Clem being in Scotland and talking to a therepist about her past and slowly reveals her story. What happens is shocking, and through her journey, she found that her grandfather is finding it hard to remember her, everyone is hostile to eachother so neighbours are trying to deport their neighbours. It was shocking for me when she told us that Billie died during a peaceful protest that turned to be brutal, because police were shooting everyone and this was part of Toby's plan as he blamed the immagrants. However, there were lots of happy parts in the story such as the Mischa didn't turn out to be dead but she escaped to Poland with her mother, and when Clem met Jonas. The story ended when Claudia and Clem lived together in Ireland searching for Clem's dad who they believe is held in a prisoner camp. I really love this book, as it talks of serious topics yet it is also heartwarming and after all the things that happened to Clem, I'm glad that she has moved on and can still be happiness. I really wish that she would be able to see Jonas again!

Mila

Beauchamp Champs 2025

I enjoyed how the writer developed the characters throughout the book and particularly enjoyed the relationships that Clem built up throughout the story. Took me a little while to get into the story and make sense of it in my head but I enjoyed it overall.

Mrs Ashworth

MHHS Shadowers

the things we leave behind is one of the most heart wrenching book i have read so far.

Theob

Ermysted’s

this is by far the best book i have read in a long time i love how well planned out it is.

alfiec

Ermysted’s

i would recommend it to people who enjoy that stuff theres a lot of mystery's that you can try and find out

Maddison

The Breckland Page Turners

I wasn’t too sure if I liked it at the beginning but I was definitely enjoying it towards the end. The start didn’t really catch my attention and keep me engaged but I was left shocked at the insane plot twist I never saw coming. This book left me with a bittersweet feeling because Clem didn’t end up alone but she did lose some important people on the way.

aleena

Fiction Addiction

The Things We Leave Behind is a book on a dystopian future of the UK, one we hopefully will never have to see. It is based in a future where people are hunted for being refugees, families whose ancestors came to the UK being taken away and deported, with neighbours turning on neighbours, reporting each other, people being unable to trust anyone. It follows the story from Clem’s perspective, how she is forced to run to Scotland after her father and stepmother were taken away, England now being unsafe for her and her younger sister Billie. It’s a bit confusing at the start, as it jumps about the timeline a bit, from going from the present day to her telling the story of her journey. The book leads to amazing plot twists that you'll never guess, but the end is heart-warming and sad all at the same time. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a book that keeps you guessing, and it has been one of the best books for a deeply layered story I’ve read in the Carnegies so far.

Rowan

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I really enjoyed this book as it was very captivating and I couldn't put it down! The main story was about a girl called Clem and her sister called Billie and their journey to escape the oppression Toby Knight was putting on immigrants throughout the UK. As the story progressed, the danger for the girls did too as they struggled to remain safe in the new and dangerous society. I also liked the changes in time, from during the girls' journey to Clem sitting in her therapist's office, telling her about what happened although the switches were a little confusing at times. I did really enjoy the fairytale-like story in italics that went alongside with the main story. I liked how it mirrored Clem's feelings and the similarities in the scenery but also the differences in plot and the exaggerated metaphors for Clem and Billie's situation. My favourite part of the story was the ending as it had me SOBBING. I would recommend this dystopian book as it is such a heartwarming story and was really well written.

Evie

Presdales Carnegies Reading Group

‘The Things We Leave Behind’ by Clare Furniss is a thought-provoking and moving dystopian novel. It has strong messages about racism and refugees, along with other issues in today’s society. The story follows Clem - a young girl - and her journey to find safety and peace away from her home. I enjoyed the way the narrative moved from a fairytale style of writing, conveying the story through a fantasy to the startling and harsh reality of Clem’s experiences. I found the ending of the story confusing, as it was slightly unclear what was happening in the plot. I think this story is an important read and challenges young people to think about what they can do to make the world better.

Elizabeth

Fiction Addiction

This was a brilliant book. It highlights the real issues of deportation and being forced to flee home due to authoritarian regimes. An emotional read with great characters, changes in perspective via time and setting entirely sometimes and multiple unexpected twists.

Elsie

St Kaths

The Things We Leave Behind is a tragic book that takes place in England in a dystopian world in the near future. The world this book introduces us to is unfamiliar and unsafe. However, sometimes the action takes place in familiar places for example McDonalds. The main character Clem deals with a lot of different emotions for example, disbelief, fear or love. I experienced shock and sadness but also sympathy for Clem at the plot twist at the end for which the author has cleverly integrated clues. I think this book’s goal is to sensibilise and maybe remind us what could happen to the world if we don’t do anything. However I also think that this book teaches us that some people are bad and we can’t do anything to make them kinder.

YinanHG

4Shadowers

I really like this book and the way it was structured. I like how it switches between the girl, her sister and the witch and how Clem’s telling the story. I liked all the characters and especially Billie. The thing that made this different from other stories is how it has a happy ending, but we lose a character. It made me think about the book more.

Issi

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book. I found that I enjoyed the plot/journey and the idea of a totalitarian government forming and how it was starting to affect the country, along with themes of abandonment and loss. However I felt what really went downhill for this book was that it had too much emotional content for me, that it felt like the plot was an afterthought and that this feature distorted the story which was also not helped by the first person narrative. This made it feel like no one ever really knew what was happening ever in the story and parts of this emotional content bore me a little, so perhaps shortening and focussing more on the journey and characters would improve this books. Billie was a large example of this especially as Clem's emotional state distorted the story to believe her presence and completely confused me, however I can see why this mental instability was a good tactic in the book to create emotional ties to the characters, feeling empathy and love for them despite finding out the bitter truth in the end. This shows the message that not all stories need a standardised 'happy' ending but yet all stories need an end, which is a very deep and philosophical message but an important and virtuous one to interpret and understand. Overall I found this book very intriguing following the beginnings of a dystopian world through an emotionally traumatised girls journey to safety. 4/5 stars

Jade

TGS Book Group

The things we leave behind documents the tale of two sisters who suffer greatly from civil unrest in England. The story is relived by Clem to a counsellor named Polly. The story is occasionally broken by exchanges between Clem and Polly. Clem's journey takes her and her half-sister Billie to Scotland and their Grandfather to marches in London. I liked this book as it portrays a realistic theme that can be related to.

Liam

Bookwizards

Amazing book I would definitely rate high! All throughout reading this book I enjoyed it a lot and couldn’t stop reading it. I wish they would create a part two where it follows on about clems real mum so we can find out more about her. I found it extremely sad about the fate of billie, I loved their relationship and just wished she could’ve made it in the end. Overall I would read this again definitely!

Naomi T

Herts and Essex

This book is about a girl named Clem and how no one was longer safe when the president named Knight was elected. I really enjoyed this book because of how thrilling the book was and how many people could relate to this story with their actual life. For example refugees and people affected by the wars going on.

Meghna

Beauchamp Champs 2025

This book is for readers of novels that can be compared to ‘The Hunger Games’, through its use of action and themes of control and abuse of power. While this comparison can be made, this book is rather original compared to others in the dystopian genre through its scary resemblance to current events and society. This book also includes a shocking plot twist at the end which left me on the edge of my seat.

Lizzie

Presdales Carnegies Reading Group

This was a great thought provoking book that left me questioning the world around me. There were points throughout reading where I could match certain aspects of the politics to our government today, which I found slightly frightening. Emotionally, I found it quite touching and there were moments throughout where found it hard to comprehend the emotions I was feeling, I did also cry (but only a little bit!). The end was definitely faster moving than the start but I didn’t mind the start because I liked how it described everything so clearly. Despite other opinions, I truly felt in the story, I could vividly imagine what everything looked like. But I think what made me feel so attached was the characters - my favourite character was definitely Billy just because she was so vibrant and lively. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an interesting read!

Lily

THS Shadowing

The things we leave behind, follows a teenage girl in a dystopian society under a corrupt leader. It shows strong political views and discrimination between races. It also shows how protective she is of her younger sister and how much she values family. It also shows a case of her post traumatic stress, as although she has escaped to Scotland she is still haunted by her memories. I enjoyed how the author expressed a strong political opinion from the start to make it easier for the reader to differentiate between the good and bad characters while also helping them to connect with the main character. I also enjoyed the use of a flashback, the story starts at a point to interest you and make you question how she ended up in that situation and then it goes back in time to explain how the events leading up to that moment caused her situation. One thing I disliked about the book was the lack of detailed description of the characters and setting. Although the story was intriguing and well written it could have been written in a more descriptive way as to help the reader to picture the environment. Overall I feel the book was interesting and I enjoyed reading it, I feel it would be a good read for those of age eleven to thirteen.

Sophie

BCS Book Squad

I really liked this booklet was very exiting and had some emotional parts, it was very realistic when it mentioned the government.The ending almost had me in tears. Overall it was a very good book and I would highly recommend.

Alesia

Balla Bookworms

I really enjoyed this book and the plot was really well thought out so it kept me reading until the end. My favourite part was the incredible ( and incredibly sad) plot twist near the end. It made me cry with sadness at Clem’s amazing courage, bravery and resilience at what she had to face to get to safety - at the cost she had to take. Overall, I think it shouldn’t win the prize but it should win some other prizes.

Genevieve

Beauchamp Champs 2025

This book really stuck with me. It showed how fast life can change and how important it is to be happy now. It's about losing something big and how hard it is to find your way after. I got really worried about Clem and Billie, and then, the ending. The reveal about Billie's fate wasn't just sad; it was a gut punch. It left me with a heavy feeling, a real sense of how fragile life can be, but also a powerful understanding of how people can keep going, even when things are incredibly hard. It's a story that stays with you, making you think about what truly matters.

Miroslava

Beauchamp Champs 2025

Miroslava

Beauchamp Champs 2025

'The things we leave behind' had an incredibly interesting and thought provoking premise. It explores the terrible consequences of anti immigration politics and also highlights the dangers of populist and radical parties coming into power. I enjoyed the three parallel stories/timeframes in the book as this added complexity to the characters and plot, in particular developing Clem's journey throughout her flight from a dangerous London. The twist was powerful, though very predictable, and certainly made for a sad ending. However, the novel did manage to end on a note of hope which I thought made its messages all the more powerful.

Milly

The Maynard School

This was a brilliant and beautiful read. It was an incredibly woven tale with a brilliant twist, chillingly plausible.

Ben

TBGS Readers

The Things We Leave Behind is such a beautiful and emotional book which leads us to think about the things we take for granted and the importance of family bonds. Themes of love and corruption are explored in this book, and it has a shocking and poignant plot twist. I would definitely recommend it.

Ruqayya

KECHG Shadowers

The Things we leave behind is a very well-wriiten novel which explores the impact of the anti-immigrant sentiment. The story follows Clem and her half-sister Billie, as they take a tremendous journey from London, trying to escape the regime in London. The complex character of Clem appealed to me, and my only criticism would be the similarity to some other novels. I would recommend this to everyone who enjoys a suspenseful, complex story.

Tejas

Colchester Royal Grammar School

THE THINGS WE LEAVE BEHIND is a thought-provoking, heart breaking, but ultimately hopeful tale of a country turning on itself and a young girl’s attempt to survive and find safety. The story is split between Clem recounting what happened to her and Billie on their trip to Scotland and Clem struggling to find a new normal in Scotland. I liked the closeness of Billie and Clem as it shows just how much they love each other, and how much work and kindness it takes from strangers to reach out to those in need – which in a society is often looked away from and forgotten about.

Isabella B

VISTA Academy

This book did not appeal to me because I couldn’t get into the story.

Arlo

Crypt Bookworms

The Things We Left Behind by Clare Furniss is a powerful and emotional story about grief and identity. The protagonist of the story follows Clem, a 17-year-old girl, as she travels from London all the way to Glasgow. Furniss shows Clem’s thought and emotions in detail, displaying how grief isn’t simple, but messy and emotional. The paper cranes Clem originally folded with Billie, her younger stepsister, now become a symbol of her attempting to understand her losses and still be hopeful. One of the best parts of the story is the relationship between Clem and Billie. Their bond is complicated, but it’s clear they care for each other deeply. Billie’s sense of humour and sarcasm also brought comedic relief in some parts of the book, balancing out the heavy themes of the novel. With the help of this connection, as well as a few others, Clem slowly starts to understand that healing isn’t about forgetting things that happened but learning how to live with what’s been left behind. Overall, I think that this story is a touching, emotional book about change. We definitely feel sympathetic for Clem by the end of the book. I rate this book a 6-7/10

Zainab

Beauchamp Champs 2025

The book was good but the plot lacked any dynamics as throughout the book the same thing happened: mum is taken, sister is taken, dad is taken. It lacked diversity. However, I liked the description and character development of Clem.

matt

Brooke Weston Book Busters

I found, The Things we Left Behind, a really good book I found it hard to get into at the start as it skipped ahead in time so i did not understand what was going on. I t was a really good book and I highly recommended it.

Rhiannon

Egglescliffe

The Things we Leave Behind, an adventurous book I found intriguing, left me fascinated by the heart-touching story of a refugee girl who find a place to live desperately. On a personal note, I found this book breathtaking-however, the plot twist at the end was very unexpected and left me with a great deal of sadness!

Zaynab

KECHG Shadowers

Wow. How do I even start . This is one of the most heartbreaking yet meaningful books I’ve ever read . It really taught me about the struggles refugees face while escaping their home country , and how hard it was to simply live their life without being harassed , arrested or even killed . The characters in the book were so deeply described that they almost felt like real people . There was also a twist at the end which gave the story and even higher rating on my scale . This book had me sobbing , and because of that I have to give it 5/5 stars

Holly H

VISTA Academy

The things we leave behind was great but it was heavier than the 100 tonne weight in a roadrunner sketch. Firstly, I both hated and enjoyed how the author always had you on the ropes, they gave information about what actually happened to Clem but then it turns out that they were making it up to cope with the (much worse) real story. It felt like a gut-punch or more aptly, a gut-sledgehammer. I had to put the book down multiple times because I just had to let what was revealed sink in before continuing. I say this as if it's purely negative but that couldn't be further than my stance on it, everything felt so real because of it. Without those viscerally sad moments you wouldn't be reminded that the book is trying to present a future that could possibly be real. The driving force behind the book (Toby Knight's regime) is just plain scary. It parallels Nazi Germany in more ways than one: dobbing people in for going against really trivial rules, uniting the people under a common enemy (terrorist threats instead of Jews) and the absolute power of the leader. But instead of being in Germany in the early - mid 20th century, its in England set in the time period of now. It really makes you think that this kind of thing could-well happen here. Overall I did enjoy this book but it was hard to read.

Alexander

THS Shadowing

This book makes us scared for our future in these turbulent times . It makes us feel scared for our future and our family. It makes us place our selves in the place of refugees instead of only hearing about in the news. It places us in vulnerable positions that us westerners are not used too. Certain details made it seem very real and thoughtful. However, some details were a bit cliche, such as the paper cranes, which is an overused plot device. Apart from that it's fantastic 7.5/10.

Jonty

Bilbo Baggins’ Bookworms

This was such a good book!!! Definitely up there for one of my favourite books. It follows a girl called Clem who is an asylum seeker but in a dystopia where she has to flee London with her sister. The book is told from three different moments in time, one of when she was fleeing, one of Clem talking to her therapist further forward in time, and one which is a story that Clem presumably wrote which though is a complete fantasy does have ties with what is happening in the rest of the book. The changing of times works really well and definitely adds to the novel though at first was a little confusing. It got very sad near the end with a twist that I did guess but still worked really well. I also loved the political aspect that is possibly a lot closer to reality now or in the future than a lot of people may realise/ hope. The book was also really good at dropping hints or loose ends early on and then tying everything up at the end. My only tiny criticism it that when there was dialogue, after one character said something there was often up to a page of background information or past events or something else and then when the other character replied I often had to go back and see what had just been said. This being said I still adored this book and it is definitely one of the best I have ever read.

Freya

The Maynard School

Very good and heartfelt but there was no real twist in the story or if it was meant to be you could tell it from a mile away.

Willow

CGS CAKE Club

I think the front cover describe what the blurb says very well since it it tell us two sisters go on a flight to start a new life an the front cover shows the sister and the bird could symbolise life and the flight

Eve

Emmanuel Literati

The Things We Leave Behind is an excellent story! It is an amazing picture of how family life can scar you. Clem forces herself not to leave behind one of her closest friends and imagines what she'd be like if she were there. Not only does the end twist the story, but also makes me feel sorry for her. Losing so many family members and friends in such a short period of time can be heartbreaking. The way she copes and deals with it is unimaginable. She does find a new life with someone she loves, but not who you would expect. The Things We Leave Behind is an epic novel, it will keep you guessing till the end, keep you turning every page. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Becca

Larkmead

"The Things We Leave Behind" did make me cry towards the end. I found the premise of the book very engaging, as I thought maybe this kind of situation could happen to us in the future if someone threatening got into power. I also thought that maybe it was a case of the premise of the book was better than the actual writing style. I found myself thinking that if the book was about anything else I might not make it all the way through. Having said that I did love some certain characters like Sean who I found very loveable and sweet, and Claudia who I thought acted like I might in those situations. Imogen Glass however I found incredibly one dimensional, and Bridie, who I felt was a bit of a lazy plot device. I did love how it explored very serious issues like dementia and displacement through something more fun and thrilling. The twist I thought was beautiful and I enjoyed reading it very much. I found myself turning through the pages, but I did find it slow at times and I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style so I would give it 7 stars out of ten.

Seb

Bilbo Baggins’ Bookworms

Overall, I really enjoyed ‘The things We leave behind’. It was hooking and hard to anticipate what would happen next, especially the ending. This made it fresh and enjoyable to read. The ending is very sad, however the book shines a light on darker topics, like death and extremism, it also made me think. Additionally, the book hits close to home since it’s based in London and makes the story more believable. The plot follows Clem, a teenage girl from London. She is a strong and likeable character who has to deal with grief and loss. Her interactions with other characters are very moving and her emotions realistic. It is different from many books I’ve read before, which I love to see.

Betty

Skipton Shadows

This was a really beautiful and important book that illustrates a far-right dystopian England and Wales in such a raw and impactful way. It arguably has much higher significance due to the rise of Nigel Farage and Donald Trump's presidency, and invokes a huge amount of empathy for refugees and those living in authoritarian countries, by bringing it closer to home. It also explores grief in a really sensitive and unique style, and has one of the most beautiful endings I have ever read. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, as one that I couldn't put down.

Eve

St Kaths

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is a great book and I enjoyed it. This book is about a girl called Clem and her half-sister Billie. London is no longer safe for them to live in. They have escaped to Scotland as there is civil unrest. I love how the book is laid out and the multi-layered narrative. There are text messages throughout the book and I thought that was really cool and relatable. I rate this book a 7/10.

Ailise

Rebel Readers

‘The Things We Leave Behind,’ was one of the most page-turning dystopias I have ever read! I particularly noticed and enjoyed the way the author took problems we have in society today, such as discrimination and abuse of people’s basic rights, and were exaggerated to expose its dystopian category. It also reveals, to all readers, that, although it was a work of fiction, many of the ideas, and points reflect the hardships of people around the world, and how people deal with them. I think I grew to love Clem throughout the book, and the way the author writes her journey through her unique voice is intriguing; I loved how Clem often expresses her emotions with almost the, ’ghosts,’ of the people she loves- e.g. Mischa. All in all, I would recommend this book to KS3+ students.

Maebel

PGS Library

The Things We Leave Behind is a breathtaking book about a girl called Clem who is telling her story of how she got to Scotland. It was no longer safe for her and her half-sister Billie in London, where they lived, due to civil arrest so they had to move. My favourite character was Mischa because she is kind, always cared and was gentle towards Billie. However, she was also very confident and brave. Yet, I also was fond of Clem because she was always brave and never gave up even when things were hard, and she didn’t know what to expect or if she would ever be safe again. Most of all, I liked that whatever she went through she persevered and didn’t let it change her character and continued to care about other people. This book felt extremely real to me, and I think that it was good that it was written in first person because you could feel their emotions, their pain and happiness. This book was always keeping me on the edge of my seat and questioning what would happen next. I struggled to put the book down as it felt as if there was always something exciting about to happen. This book felt so emotional to me, and it made me cry. I really enjoyed the ending, and my tears turned into happy tears because it felt like the story was complete and everything was going to be okay. Overall, I thought this was an incredible and marvellous book. I would rate this book a 9/10.

Annabelle

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The Things We Leave Behind is a fantastic book regarding the story of a child who is separated from her family due to the growing police state regime and unrest in London. It teaches us the consequences of a dictatorship and constant surveillance, while also having an emotional impact. It is a brilliant story which I enjoyed, and would recommend it to KS3 readers.

Bulent

Fiction Addiction

The Things We Leave Behind is a beautifully written and emotional story about grief, family, and self-discovery. The characters feel real, and the writing is deeply engaging. However, the details about Clem’s sister near the end were a bit confusing. Despite that, it’s a powerful and unforgettable read. I rate this book 5 out of 5

Eeshal

FOFF Girls

This book is the best book I've read in a long time, its about clems journey from London to Glasgow. In the story you follow her and her sister, but then you figure out that Billie was her imagination and that she died a lot earlier in the story. The last 30 pages made me cry, and i would defiantly recommend it.

Billy C

Ermysted’s

If this book doesn't win the award, I'm going to be genuinely upset. From the start, I found the premise of this book to be extremely interesting and topical, especially in light of everything that is currently happening around the world. I believe that the premise of the book was executed very well in terms of how realistic it was, and I didn't once find a part of the wider plot to be far-fetched or unrealistic. Clem, our protagonist, is very easily sympathised with, and I found it very easy to put myself in her position throughout the book, and -at times- made me cry as a result. Which leads me onto my next point: never have I cried more reading a book than I have this one. The emotional scenes are so well written, to the point where I think I was crying for the entire back end of the book just thinking of how Clem may have been feeling throughout it all. If I had to say my favourite part of the book, I'd have to say the ending by far. It was so unexpected, especially the final plot twist, and it's hard to find books that manage to keep such a major secret from you without you catching on. Also, I feel that the slightly more bittersweet ending was needed in this book, especially due to the topic it was addressing; oftentimes, people in situations similar to Clem's don't get to experience a happy ending, and I feel that making it a happy ending would be slightly unrealistic or idyllic compared to the bleak reality of things. All I have to say in regards to criticism may be the way the book was structured, as I found it hard to find natural pauses and areas to put the book down, and I think that the book may have a lesser impact if you were to read it in portions rather than in one long sitting. The Things We Leave Behind is an enlightening and emotional read, and when reading, you should keep a tissue box ready for the inevitable tears.

Amisha

The Gartree Vampires

This book is really intriguing and until I finished the book, I would not put it down. The dystopian setting of this book helps us to realise that this book actually does have some disturbing truth in it. Clare Furniss has done an excellent job with a unique story whilst hiding some truth in it. It is an emotional book that helps us to feel empathy to refugees and show us what would happen if a ‘dictating government’ came into power.

Shreya

Bilbo Baggins’ Bookworms

After reading this book, I was lost in thoughts. I knew that refugees had hard lives but I never imagined how hard. Hearing Clem's story and her point of view made me feel as if I was her and it was really interesting to be manipulated by the author into thinking and feeling a certain way. To describe the book in three words, I would say: interesting, gripping and overall amazing!

Aisha

KECHG Shadowers

A beautifully written story with a lot of emotions throughout it. It was a bit difficult to grasp at the start but once I'd read a bit I got really into it. The plot twist is heartbreaking and I almost cried. I would definitely read it again!

Emma

Fiction Addiction

The book had an interesting premise and emotional moments, but the pacing was slow at times. Pretty good book considering it's not my type. The ending was impactful, but overall, it didn’t fully hold my attention.

Baasit

Ermysted’s

This book took me a while to get into but once you have got the flow of the story it becomes less confusing. I love dystopian books and this was no exception I love that it's in a setting we know and love while being so different. It shows just what could happen when the wrong people get into power. This book made me cry at some points and has the best ending I have ever read. Truly an amazing book.

Jess

CSGS Page Turners 25

'The Things We Leave Behind' leads you through a journey of survival in a future disturbingly similar to what some people face today. It is easy to imagine yourself in the position of Clem, our protagonist, making the message this story leaves you with all the more potent. This book, while being one of adventure, illustrates effectively the need to bring peace through justice in a setting that we once believed was safe from autocracy, and it is done brilliantly.

Theo

Bilbo Baggins’ Bookworms

The start of the book is hard to grasp, I find the book hard to relate to which makes it challenging to read and paragraph layout was slightly confusing which did not make me want to continue the read. Sorry Clare.

Arnav

OAJW Golden Reader Club

I thought it was brilliant,I loved how it was different to other refuge novels and also since it was set in London I could relate to the characters feelings about the country. At the end I felt that they shouldn't of made Billie die because it would of gave it a happier ending I also thought that maybe they should of found the dad again in the end but other than that I loved the writers wording and how they described how Clem was feeling and I also liked the little Mischa voice in her head at all times.

Sophia

VISTA Academy

This book was a great read. It tells the tale of Clem's journey to Scotland to escape the civil unrest in London and I personally loved it.

Plum

St Kaths

This book is an amazing whirlwind of emotions and carefully thought about truths. Clem is a character who despite all the traumatizing experiences she faces, she only has one objective in mind - make it out alive. She is in a world of unrest and danger that can never be shown on her face or in her actions, because she's not alone- she has a sister. This chair- strapping novel is one of upheaval, love, hate and confused truths, will Clem and Billie make it out or will painful memories get in the way and cause unfixable problems. This book is an amazing read and I would recommend this book for anyone aged 12- 15 and in need of a delicious tasting thriller.

Pixie

Book Squad

A challenging book to read. Setting it in a recognisable time with politics as it is presently left me feeling uncomfortable. The description of the journey to Scotland reminded me of stories set in ww2 but also of the channel crossings attempted most days. I didn't spot the twist. I found the fiction story in italics irritating and distracting from the main. Very thought provoking.

Sarah

THS Shadowing

The things we leave behind is a well written and very moving book about a girl who's mum was taken and has to seek safety while also trying to keep her beloved sister safe. The book also helps to spread awareness for those who are homeless and have lost family members. The things we leave behind is an incredibly well written book which showed the characters emotions and physical wellbeing through out. The book is written for the main character, Clem's, perspective as she is retelling her story to Polly. I very much enjoyed reading this book as it is engaging through out with twists and turns so you never know where the book is going to take you. Full of excitement you will never want to put the novel down. I would highly recommend this book to people who like adventure novels and an dramatic story line.

Hattie

Chiswick Carnegie

'The Things We Leave Behind' is a very well written book that resembles the year it was written almost perfectly when compared to the political situation that could have occurred after the 2024 General Elections. The characters are tragic but add life to a story that would otherwise be bland and a slight comedic tone lightens up the story. I like this book because it's a dystopia, but unlike most dystopias I have read which are future (e.g. Mortal Engines) or sci-fi (e.g. Arc of a Scythe, Raft) it is set in the modern day. 8.5/10

Thomas

Carnegievores

I enjoy dystopian fiction, and this book did not disappoint. It was frightening real in its description of how the government moved so quickly to the right and how fast things became dangerous for anyone with a different opinion. It all seems quite close to home and is a reminder not to take the freedoms we enjoy for granted. The story was exciting, it moved at quite a pace, and kept me wanting to read on. I kind of suspected the twist towards the end, but I was so hoping I was wrong! A really well considered story that promotes empathy towards others, and challenges us to think about the way in which aspects of our world are changing... scary!

Ros

Balla Bookworms

At the start of the book, it was a bit confusing because the timeline kept on jumping to different time. As the book progressed, the story became more understandable as it was much less jumpy. I really liked the character development and I liked the side story as it had some connection to the main story line. All round, it was a very good book

Jeevan

Ermysted’s

Hanzalah

Ermysted’s

'The Things We Leave Behind' was an exceptional story by Clare Furniss that led me through many emotional roller-coasters. I particularly enjoyed the ending (which brought me to tears in two separate places!) as it brought the entire novel together in the last gut-wrenching chapters. My favourite part, however, was that if you re-read certain parts, you can see that a certain character (no spoilers) can be written out and it would still make sense. 10/10, I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels with a personal touch.

Kristina

Brooke Weston Book Busters

The Things we leave behind shows that you never know when things will make a change for the worst and that there will be terrible times ahead but there will also be good times in the future too. I felt at one with the author and I think I shared her thoughts as I turned the pages of this wonderful story. I would have liked to see more information about if her Dad had survived or not. I also would like to see how much everything had an impact on the rest of the world. I personally loved the book and it rose to meet my expectations.

Matthew B

Ermysted’s

I loved The Things we leave Behind. I loved the family dynamic that Clem had, it was really sweet to see. The plot twist was really shocking and it would have made me cry had I not been in school. It was interesting to see how the world slowly shifted into paranoia and what could occur if such events did happen. I would highly reccomend it.

Daisy

Wyedean School

Clare Furniss’ book The things we leave behind is a gripping story set in a dystopian England, and it follows key themes of love, safety, power and hope. It is a very emotional story which follows the path of Clem and her younger sister, Bille and their search for safety, recovery from what they have been through and a future of hope. The pace of the story is good, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, with such a shocking plot twist at the end I had no idea of it, which shows what a skilled writer Clare Furniss is. The description is really good, and the emotion floods through every page, making all the characters feel relatable and real. My favourite part of the book was the end, with the plot twist, it almost made me cry because there are tearful reunions and memories of the past. I really enjoyed the ending because the book built up to it and it was an emotional rollercoaster, it tied up all the loose ends and left me feeling happy, but wishing the book would last for longer! I would definitely recommend this to and YA readers, or anyone interested in a suspenseful book of hope and loss. It would also be good for schools because of the dystopian world that it is set in, which is not that far off our own world and could be completely possible in just a few years. Overall, I loved reading this book, especially the plot twist, and would give it a 5/5 because of its cleverly structured, emotive and gripping narrative.

Lydia

SHSK Shadowers

This book was heart breaking but it's sad that this is a reality for some people who have to face what Clem had to go through. The plot twist was so unexpected and I love the counsellor as it added lots of depth to the book. Finally, I loved how it was very realistic and didn't have your typical happy ending.

Tami

Bogle’s Book Worms

Great life lesson, but slow to read. I struggled with the narrative of this book, I thought all the jumping between past and present was confusing, and when Clem missed things out and added things in, I didn't know what was real or not. This may have been intentional, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I would with a different format. I also thought the book had a very important life lesson, like how we don't think sometimes how hard it is for people to live, and how traumatic and devastating changes can be for some people, and how we should speak out if we know something's not right . It is very important it is to treat everyone with respect.

Edmund W

Ermysted’s

The Things We Leave Behind is a book about a possible image of the future where a prime minister is attempting to deport anyone with foreign heritage. In a terrifying turn of events, the protagonist, Clem, is separated from a member of her family and has to escape England in fear of the government. Towards the climax of the book, the author was very good at building tension and keeping me guessing. My personal favourite character was Billie. I feel that she was a very accurate and well written character but also someone you can easily become quite attached to. One issue I had with this book was the way it was written at some points. The book definitely confused me a little bit at first and I had to read it a couple of times to get my head around it. Overall I think it was a good book and I would definitely recommend it, especially if you’re a reader who likes dystopian novels. I would personally give this book between 7 and 8/10.

isla

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The Things We Leave Behind was a great read. Although confusing at first, after a few chapters I was hooked. A key factor of this was the plot, which stayed solid throughout the whole book and never wavered. This was then backed up by some solid characters and a fairy tale that was nicely woven between the pages which simplified the whole plot down although it had a different setting. My favourite character was surprisingly Clem as I found she had a very fitting personality and backstory. Probably the best part about this book however was the setting - London in the modern day with a dictator in power. The reason I liked this so much was because of the stark reality of how close it is to some situations in the world right now. There are very few things to discredit this book on but one of them would have to be the time jumps at the start of the book as they made it very confusing to figure out where you actually are: London or Scotland as the start of each chapter does not contain a phrase that tells you this information. However, the heartbreaking plot twist at the end definitely makes up for it. Personally, I really enjoyed the repetition of the scene of the protest using the same words for the first few paragraphs as it made me think back and reflect on the previous events of the book. Overall it was an amazing book with a good plot, characters and a scarily similar scenario to the modern day. Score: Plot:8/10 Characters:8/10 Setting:10/10 Originality:7/10 Total:33/40

Sevan

Ermysted’s

When reading the blurbs of the Carnegie books, one caught my eye. A dystopia set in a Britain slowly slipping into authoritarianism, what’s not to like? And the book held up. It followed a family of four making their way through life against the backdrop of the dismantling of democracy. The tension rises to the point where the protagonist and her half sister have to flee London after a series of events. They make their way to their grandpa's house and this is where the book starts to fall apart. I struggled to work out the family tree as it was never really explained. Enter a recurring theme in the book: world building with little action, a series of interesting characters that are simply never seen again, at this point the politics basically evaporates apart from a confidently timed power cut and one or two mentions of food shortages. On top of this, a badly written character called Imogen Gras, whose main characteristics are being posh, mean and not really much else. I could fill an entire review ranting about why I did not like this section of the book, so I will proceed. One of the main selling points of the book is that it puts London at the centre of the refugee crisis, well this statement seems to be written by someone who has not even read the second half of the book, indeed few of the refugees even come from London and the majority of the refugee sections of the book are set in the the North of the UK and Edinburgh. This section of the book regains some of the beginning's greatness but the author has obviously not done her geography revision and hasn’t realised that travelling from the UK border to Scotland by boat really shouldn't take that long, even if you get really lost. Once in Scotland, all mention of all refugees getting deported or ending up in camps is seemingly forgotten. (This is basically 50% of the already mentioned sparse politics in the village so makes no sense why it does not come up now) Also the main character suddenly gets lots of money, which is not mentioned before. Finally the pair arrive at a house which the protagonist believe their mother lives in, a mother they have never met but which is never explained why (again when a family tree would be helpful), also all this was because of a scrap of paper found in a old hut in the protagonist's grandpa's house. In the end, the mother left a month ago and they decide to just forget about her. Despite all this, I was overall enjoying the book until the end hit, an ending on the same level as “i woke up and it was all a dream”. Not only this but the whole story was a untrue anyway. The final chapter feels rushed and the author's attempts at finishing plot lines are futile. The final paragraph talks of the protagonist's friend returning to the UK from Poland, despite the entire book being about how bad it is there. The book is full of contradictions. The final area to cover is the fairy tale running parallel to the plot; I never really understood this as it was in too small increments and too spread out. Overall, I liked the author's basic idea but felt she spent too long on certain areas where she didn’t need to, and too little on areas where she did. I felt the book could have benefitted from at least 200 pages more and a major plot change. Despite this, I felt the premise was very clever but was let down by the plot: like an amazing boat scuppered in a geographically incorrect North Sea. 4/10

Ben

KES Bookworms

This book was very good but very depressing. It had compelling characters, and made me want to keep on reading. I loved the twist at the end (which I won't say because of spoilers) but it was confusing at the start. Very good book. 8/10

Elliott.H

Ermysted’s

Front cover: In my opinion, the front cover is quite a powerful image as the paper cranes trapped in the barbed wire represent the captured wishes. Additionally, this has been used before to show article 13 (freedom of movement) of human rights in the book 'We are all born free.' Using this image suggests that the children in the centre are leaving their lives behind. Blurb: I think that the blurb creates a sad effect where fear has taken over and 2 young girls have had to flee to get to safety and have left everything behind. The rhetorical questions at the end create a sense of mystery and leave us wondering how things will work out for the sisters, what stories they have to tell and what secret Clem is keeping.

Francesca

Emmanuel Literati

This book is a fiction story with Clem as a main character along with her sister Billie. Their Grandfather is like a real person to me, as I have had the experience of Clem it that bit. This book made me tear up a few times but kept me guessing all through. The one bad thing is that I wish I could find out what happened to the character at the end. Overall this is a really good book and I would read it again.

Pola

The Fitzharrys Shadows

This book is quite dark and very interesting. The book was very immersive and it captivated me. It shows that not everything will last forever

Tejas

SGS Eclipse

This book was exciting, scary and moving. I really enjoyed this dystopian novel that was sometimes too close for comfort. I loved the characters, and the story flowed well.

Ros

Balla Bookworms

I really loved this book as it was beautifully written and an experience to read. My favourite part was when Clem and Claudia are in the end living by the sea and Mischa contacts her. The most surprising part was when you find out that Billie (her sister) was actually killed at the protest and she has been imagining her sister with her the entire time. I loved it and I rate it a 9.9/10

Sophia

The John Mason Shadowers

I found the pace of this a little slow at the start but it really picked up speed as the book went along and it became quite gripping from about a third of the way in. There are stories within stories as the main character, Clem, voices her own feelings about loss (temporary and permanent). There are lots of loose ends to tie up at the and I think that the author does a good job of leaving the reader satisfied and interested to know how it all turns out for each of the characters. We are left with hope even though we don't know exactly how things end for everyone.

Ms Shakhov

Carnegie@StBede’s

I think this book should maybe be aimed at a higher age as it contains some strong language and some under age drinking. I think that this book should be aimed at 14+. This book is about a beggar named Clem and a more fortune person named Polly. I was shocked at the plot twist. I also think that this book can be confusing at times but I enjoyed figuring out and finally understanding those confusing bits. The story itself is very intriguing and the anticipation makes yo want to continue and read more of the book. I also liked how it was a different type of book to what I would usually pick to read and now I will start to read and enjoy reading different genres.

George

The WH shadowers

This book is absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down at all while I was reading. I loved how the voice of Mischa was there through the whole book and I almost cried at the ending but tried extra hard not to 'cause I was in class. I also really liked the format where there weren't really any chapters and it was just split into 3/4 sections and Clem was telling the story to someone who I think was a therapist or a psychologist so we were experiencing it with her.

Libby

The Willink readers

A fantastic book that evokes a lot of emotion. It was very intriguing and depicts a world where it's an authoritarian regime. Overall, very good and sentimental. I rate this book 4 out of 5.

Vyga

FOFF Girls

An absolutely un-put-downable, dystopian book! Set in a world that is waaaaaaay too familiar for my liking! The story focuses on race, hatred and mixed/blended families and the many political & social issues that under-pin them. I had read this book previously to it being shortlisted and enjoyed it immensely! In fact, I made it my favourite book of last Autumn's term! The story focuses on our main character, Clem, and her blended family. Clem and her half-sister Billie flee London after civil unrest explodes and their dad fears for their safety. So how does she end up in Scotland alone, telling her story to a complete stranger? I loved the way the book unfolds and in one shock revaluation, after another shock revelation, it will leave you feeling like you experienced everything that Clem and her family suffer. I rate this book 4.5 out of 5.

Mrs Allsopp

FOFF Girls

The things we leave behind is very confusing and it has lots of written perspectives the main themes of this book were: Family bonds and Loss and memory. I really would recommend this book if you love books that go back to places. The book was a little bit confusing but really good I was shocked when I read the plot twist and the siblings sound like they have a good bond. I felt like i was in the book myself and i could never put the book down.

Rose

OSSMAORATORS

This book was written in lots of perspectives and not in traditional linear narrative, this did make it slightly confusing, but its theme was very good with a great tone set from the first page. We understand the great relationship between Billie and Clem evident from the get go. Reminisce from the past also pops up through the book making it very heartfelt, however this is contrasted with extreme authoritarian views which underlies the book. Clare Furniss obviously has great ideas and is plentiful of storylines but I believe the book could be slightly more concise focusing on just Clem. Overall a good book, however I would say it's a challenging read. 7/10.

Warren

OSSMAORATORS

The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss is a very confusing novel as you cant follow the story, it stars with one thing like a party then goes to a swimming pool. The story isn't very gripping as was said before its very hard to follow. I believe that the writer had a busy mindset and didn't have a set plotline of what they were going to do with the story. We have said that we are very unlikely to read the book again. Overall it wasn't really interesting however if it was more clear on what the writer was intending then i would enjoy it more but it was really confusing.

Briana

OSSMAORATORS

the things we leave behind by Clare Furniss is a very confusing novel as it takes you through a journey that doesn't really have an ending and for me the story is not a very gripping one as you cant really follow the story. In my opinion the scene with the homeless girl and the café sticks in my head the most as it is one of the most emotional parts and is a very memorable part of the story. My thoughts of the author is that she has a very busy mindset and didn't have a clear idea on where the story was going and i wouldn't read another book by this author

Noah

OSSMAORATORS

The Thing We Leave Behind is beautifully written. It follows a girl and her sister fleeing their home and trying to find somewhere safe while everything they know changes . I loved how there is a story told along with the main plotline which relates to the situations they are in. The ending was surprising while still making sense. The book really makes you think about what the world is like and what it could be like. I loved it and will definitely read it again although it was very sad .

Evie

STAGS Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book because it made me understand the hardships of the world we could end up living in, in the future. I loved the 1000 paper cranes theme as I can make cranes myself.

Willow

Ely College Reading Group

This profoundly captivating novel left an indelible impression, compelling me to soberly contemplate its overarching themes and harrowing denouement. I would bestow upon it a 4.5/5 rating for its exceptional intellectual depth and incisive critique of contemporary societal structures. The narrative is masterfully constructed to counterpoint modern immigration policies, situating itself in a dystopian realm where "pure British" lineage is requisite for societal inclusion—a chilling yet evocative premise. What sets this work apart is the breathtakingly unforeseen plot twist in its final act, an ingenious revelation that redefines the entire narrative. The book merits immense commendation not only for the pertinence of its societal critique but also for its intricate portrayal of character dynamics. The evolving bonds between the characters are both poignant and profound, underscoring themes of resilience and interconnectedness. The revelation of a predestined connection adds an additional layer of emotional gravity, while the unyielding strength exhibited by the protagonists throughout their arduous journey evokes profound empathy. Particularly heart-rending are the experiences of the younger characters, whose trials resonate deeply. This is a narrative that is, at its core, affectionate, empathetic, and imbued with a heartrending despair, making it a literary work of considerable merit and emotional resonance.

Summaya

FOFF Girls

I think the book was very nice and heartfelt. I really felt for Clem with what happened to Billie because it can be hard to deal with loss. I also like how Clem and Billie had to move because of the corrupt government as it helped show the element of adventure. I think that showing more of the backstory of Claudia and more into Clem's life at the end of the book would be good. Apart from that it was a really good book.

Angel

Fiction Addiction

This is my favourite of the Carnegies so far! It was a bit confusing as there were 3-4 different story lines being told at one point. However, I thought it was beautifully written and would definitely recommend to lots of people!

Livie

St Kaths

I didn't really understand this book - I may try to read it again.

Kianna

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

I am finding this book really thrilling and fun to read and the story is spectacular. I haven't found anything that I didn't like in the book so far. I would rate this an 8 out of 10 - but I haven't finished it yet, so there is much more to come!

Toby

QEGS CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB

The things we leave behind was an amazing book, which covered many interesting topics and stories. The plot twist was unexpected and emotional. Overall, I really enjoyed it and found I could barely put it down.

Hannah

Bogle’s Book Worms

This is a gripping dystopian book that had me hooked. Set in a near future world that is distant from reality, but instantly recognisable, this book explores political and social issues that young readers will relate too. I rate this book 4 out of 5

Maryam

FOFF Girls

It nearly made me cry with the shocking plot twist! It was really emotional and heartwarming. A definate must read! I rate this book 4 out of 5

Aqila

FOFF Girls

"The Things We Leave Behind" was a book with a really deep plot, and every page I ended made me want to read more. I could definitely sympathize with the characters in this book, and the political part in this was covered very brilliantly as well.

Yuvan

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Such a great book with an amazing twist at the end that really made me love it. I am hoping for there to be a sequel.

Ernest

TBGS Readers

The book "The things we leave behind" by Clare Furniss is a well thought through piece with a deep understanding of disasters and how people have to carry on throughout hard times even when it gets challenging. She had an original idea, and the believability and consistency of her work was great. She created an amazing atmosphere which gripped the reader until the very last page. On the other hand, at some points during the book it became hard to understand what exactly was happening, since it jumped from the main character in the future talking about her experiences to her actually living them. Since there was no discernible difference between these, it was hard to tell the difference. Also because there was no chapters there was no break in the description making it drag a little.

Alice

Diary of a Wally Kid

Immediately the cover of this book sparked serval questions that I can't wait to start reading to find out such as... Why are there yellow paper cranes circling a presumably woman and child? Why is the book almost entirely black apart from the cranes, the tiny photo of the mother and child walking into a golden sunset and a feather? What is the feather symbolising? I am so intrigued by the book and can't wait to start reading to get more questions and find more answers.

Megan

Emmanuel Literati

The Things We Leave Behind is a great book, which follows the story on a girl called Clem who has to leave her home. I find it very interesting to learn about Clem's journey and how it is set as she is telling it to Polly. I think Overall it is one of the best books I have read (top5), the only thing that would make it better if the mild swearing was removed. Clem's journey is majestic and heart-warming, a good book for anyone who can take some mild swearing and solitariness, and can take some struggles

Talulah

Chiswick Carnegie

‘The Things We Leave Behind’ is a dystopian novel about London being the centre of a refugee crisis. It’s about losing the people we love and having to keep going anyway. My favourite character is Billie because she’s so innocent but always trying to keep Clem happy. It personally made me cry quite a bit but I really enjoyed it. It was a really gripping novel- I couldn’t stop reading! Although I really loved it, I wish it was a little less sad because I feel like happy books are easier for me to read. However if you like sad books, this book is definitely for you. I would suggest this book for slightly older readers, because I know books with themes of refugees can be difficult for younger readers. I would rate it a 9/10.

Hannah

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I thought the things we leave behind was a lovely book. It had an intriguing storyline and the connection through characters were expertly planned. I loved reading this book and I would recommend it to lots of people.

Emily

Fiction Addiction

Enter a world where power goes mad and the anger of citizens target any refugee or foreigner living in the UK. It doesn't matter if you are born in England. If the Government decides your ancestry is foreign, you too are a target. Clem's last perfect day has gone and in it's place is a world that destroys her family and sends her on a journey to find safety and a haven away from the horrors of London and her home. Her Step mom is gone, taken away. Her father is entering a world of danger and resistance. That leaves her, in charge of her young sister, desperately trying to keep them both alive and free. The Things We Leave Behind is an emotional book that delivers a shocking bombshell before the end. The disjointed telling of Clem's Story leaves you wanting to hear more, to discover how she landed in Scotland in a state of total collapse too ill to continue. The writer dwells on the perfect day in order to show comparison to how things have become and it works in a way, but it also distracts. We are led to believe the things left behind are the small thing like a pair of gloves that her sister wore on a cold day. However, in reality the things she left behind was something much more poignant that that. All the way through the book I asked, why isn't her sister making more of an impact in the journey? The bombshell answered that question and the book made much more sense when the tragedy was fully revealed. A good book that finished on a hopeful note without making the mistake of trying to be too Happy Ever After.

A

Egglescliffe

I really enjoyed this book, although (or maybe because) it's utterly terrifying in places. The ending was sad but satisfying, and I almost guessed part of it, but didn't manage to, which I'm happy about.

Edward

CGS CAKE Club

It starts off okay and is quite a good read, but it didn't have me hooked. Until the final twist at the end, which was really depressing but made the book amazing. It also explained some confusion I had earlier in the book that I had put down to a mistake. Overall, it was really good and very sad.

Lizzie

CGS CAKE Club

This is a gripping, dystopian novel alternating between Clem's recounts of her escape as well as her therapy sessions in Scotland. It shows the close relationship and bond between Clem and Billie as well as the fragility of society. I would definitely recommend this book.

Rheem

KECHG Shadowers

This book was a really enjoyable read. The dystopian setting really enhanced the plotline, making Clem's bid for freedom seem even more dire. The whole story and the characters were very intricately created, as opposed to superficial and artificial characters with little depth that are commonly found in books. The story was a genuine thriller, and held my attention until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book, and I can certainly see that this book is worthy of making the Carnegie shortlist!

Manas

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Great twist ending, good description of the journey Clem has to go on to get to safety. Had a happy ending which was nice

mog

Pittville School

The Things We Leave Behind is a story about lies. Clem tells us how she fled the London she once loved and the iron rule of an authoritarian, but not all of it is the truth. The book explores how just hanging on can be so hard when everything else is stacked up against you, juxtaposing fantasy to reality - potentially showing how Clem is dealing with the situation. It hits pretty close to home, with a dystopian setting not too unlike our own. And it explores lies, the ones we are told by Clem and the ones Clem has been telling herself, because sometimes the truth can be too harsh and too ugly. I admit the book saddened me, seeming more and more hopeless, until the end. It's realistic, telling you things don't always turn out okay, but they can be a hell of a lot better than they could have been.

Hanzalah

Ermysted’s

This book is set in a dystopian world where London has an authoritarian regime and civil unrest. It's about a girl called Clem and how she is separated from all of her family and friends in an attempt to hide from the police after her stepmother was taken away. This book is set in the present, where the protagonist is speaking to a counsellor recounting her story. I liked the ending of this book, and how things turned out, but I felt that the book had a very slow pace and it was only in the last quarter of the book that I really started to enjoy it more. I would recommend it to fans of dystopian books.

Isabella

Rainbeau Readers

one of my favourites. great story!

max

Desborough Reading & Biscuit Club

I found this book very good it is one of my all time favourites. The reason I found this good was the different perspectives of all of them and then the final perspective of Johnny what he thinks before the end. That's why I thought it was so good.

Sam

Desborough Reading & Biscuit Club

It was a good book that showed how families are affected when things pull them apart. The characters were easy to get attached to, which made me really enjoy the book. The only con of this book is the ending, which there was a twist that I feel as though it was dropped on you without explanation. Overall, I'd give this book an 8 or 9 out of 10 :)

Ria

St Kaths

It is very good from what I read so far. It gives me a Hunger Games vibe and I absolutely love it

Meredith

SHSCC_Readers!

At first I thought that 'The Things we Leave Behind' would be like every other dystopian book. After a few chapters I couldn't put it down. I think it was different as the journey is unlike most you read about, it had so many stages of the journey.

Fliss

PGS Library

it was a very interesting but good book was very confusing at the start but all got together in the end but had a very sad and also happy ending and had a nice point of view so you can see every thing she is feeling all together it is a very good read 5 stars definitely recommend this book also would read again.

ethan

Ermysted’s

In the book there is this girl called Clem who has a birthday, so she decides to have a party with a picnic somewhere for her 16th birthday, because there is a lot happening in her life that is upsetting. She wants to move away to Scotland with her sister to start her new life because she wants to be in a healthy and peaceful environment not a nasty one .She doesn't want to ruin the memories with her family.

Ellie J

VISTA Academy

A very moving and adventurous book, their journey is thrilling and the ending is extremely sad. Clem's emotional journey is like a rollercoaster and this is a book i would reccomend to anyone and everyone.

Adaml

Ermysted’s

The Things We Leave Behind is an utterly evocative book depicting the story of Clem, a refugee from an authoritarian government causing unrest in London. This dystopian novel highlights relevant topics like racism, extremism and xenophobia through simplistic yet emotional prose. Clem, turning 15, is constantly reminded of her traumatic past along her journey across the length and breadth of the country. Furniss maintains a sense of uncertainty and fear throughout the narrative and lets the reader unfurl the beautifully crafted plot. You will almost definitely feel related and empathetic to the raw experiences of the characters and the fragility of memories and family.

Ayaansh

OP No Shelf Control

This is a well written book that keeps the reader entertained but also on edge. The subject matter is very topical in today’s world-unfortunately. However the characters feel alive and relevant and there is hope in humanity. A very good read

Paul

St David’s readers

The Things We Leave Behind – Clare Furniss It is an intriguing book that is very easy to get lost in as it doesn’t have proper chapters. It is told through flashbacks that conveys emotions that are very relatable. Clare Furniss’ writing is very understanding and expresses emotions in a way that would never offend anyone. The use of flashbacks is effective but one of the only flaws in the book is that there is no scale of time for the flashbacks. The ending is absolutely awesome, and I am sad that I can’t read it for the first time again. 10/10

Jake

KSA Book Wolves

For most of this book, I was gripped however it took me until around page 30 to fully understand what was going on. The lack of chapters was slightly annoying as I could never find a stopping point and it kept jumping back and forth between Clem’s story and the things going on in the present with Polly and the italics story with the blood-red flower, which was also slightly confused. Upon finishing the book, I was left puzzled as to why Billie was with Clem the whole time, yet had died from a coma whilst still in London. Overall I give this book a 2.5/5.

Felix C

Ermysted’s

I really liked The Things We Leave Behind as it seemed very relevant and realistic to today's society. Unfortunately, Toby Knight reminded me of someone currently in power, which I think just added to the relevance of the book. At first, I found this book confusing as it jumped from the past to the present to a fairy-tale-like story but as it went on I began to understand why they had layered so many scenes on top of each-other. Despite being a sad story, I liked the ending as it created hope without it being too unrealistic.

Aidan

Ermysted’s

"The Things We Leave Behind" is a really touching piece that looks at the stuff we carry with us in life and the things we decide to leave behind. It’s all about the memories, relationships, and choices that shape who we are. The author paints a picture of how our past can linger in the form of certain objects or people that bring back strong feelings. It makes you think about what’s truly important to you and how those choices can affect your future. There’s a lot of emotion in it, touching on themes like nostalgia and loss. It reminds us that even if we move on from certain things, they still have a way of influencing us. In the end, it encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider what we cherish and what we might be ready to let go of as we grow.

Al-Aqsa

QKA Shadowers