'Marina Magdalena has crafted an intriguing story that explores the ranging emotions of teen-hood with the pressures teenagers feel in this world. She has a great understanding of the teenage mind and emotions, and expresses them in a heart-wrenching story that is beautifully crafted. About Last Summer is a brilliant book that will open conversations between parents and kids in a wonderfully healing way.'
- Becs Millington, radio presenter at UCB,
'In her debut novel, Marina Magdalena takes young readers on an exciting, laugh-out-loud journey - with enough dark twists and drama to keep them fully engaged to the very end. About Last Summer introduces us to the inner world of young teen Antigone Kingsley. She is both complex and relatable, and demonstrates many aspects of what it means to be human. It is a heart-warming but hilarious story of redemption, and a lesson in feeling the fear and doing it anyway. With unlikely heroes and gripping cliff-hangers, this book certainly leaves the reader wanting to see what's next for Antigone and her friends.'
- Emma-Jayne Browne, play therapist and psychotherapist,
'A story skilfully told, written with warmth and heart, Antigone Kingsley: About Last Summer explores the tumultuous world of a teenager struggling to recognise her own self-worth. It's a story of friendship, jealousy, tragedy, forgiveness and redemption, set against the evocative backdrop of a struggling theatre. Marina Magdalena captures the voice of a young teen perfectly, taking us on a roller coaster of emotion. This book is a page-turner that tackles timeless themes with a fresh, contemporary voice. It had me gripped until the last page.'
- Daniel Ingram-Brown, author,
'About Last Summer encompasses family life, catastrophes and the pain of teenage years through perceptive writing, born from a deep understanding of teen emotions and behaviour. It is insightful and beautifully written by one who truly understands the teenage journey and all the emotions along the way. I was drawn in to Tig's mind and felt her confusion, disappointment and anger . . . and ultimately her decision to take responsibility for her actions. I cared deeply for her, even as she raged against her situation and made mistakes - then I rejoiced as she reflected, understood and matured.This engaging first novel reflects the complications of family life, the shock reactions to sudden change, and the challenges of navigating a confusing and complicated world. It has an underlying wisdom that will resonate with those reading it, whatever their age.'
- Kay Benbow, children's media specialist,