Run Rebel – Manjeet Mann

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Amber runs, it is the only time that she feels completely free and far away from her claustrophobic home life. Her father wants her to be a dutiful daughter and wait for an arranged marriage like her sister Ruby.

Running is only a quiet rebellion but Amber wants so much more and she is ready to fight for it. It’s time for a revolution. It’s time for a revolution.

Run Rebel is a throughly compelling debut novel that I found myself flying through. I had never read a book in verse before picking this up and I will certainly be reading more.

This book explores so many real-world issues that need to be talked about more. These are issues such as feminism, identity, class, poverty, family, friendship and the many forms of abuse that so many people face in day to day life.

Run Rebel is quite a short novel but that doesn’t stop it from packing a huge emotional punch. I felt myself trying to read quicker to find out more about Amber and I was desperate for her to fight her battle and win.

Manjeet Mann has created an amazing story that manages to make you feel the claustrophobia that Amber is feeling too. You can feel the tension lifting off the pages and even I felt like I was walking on eggshells whilst reading this book.

This story feels incredibly authentic and you can tell that Mann has put so much thought into the story to ensure that it felt as authentic as possible. Manjeet Mann is the founder of the organisation called Run the World that uses sport to empower women and girls and this book does exactly that! I felt empowered after finishing this story.

This novel is a heartbreaking and heavy read and that needs to be mentioned. So many people are facing what Amber is facing or have faced what Amber is facing and it is hard to deal with. It is hard to read about at points but throughout all the difficulties Amber is facing there is an inspirational and empowering character who shows hope in the face of adversity.

Manjeet Mann has written a beautiful debut novel with stunning characterisation, an empowering storyline and one of the best and most realistic books on abuse I have ever read. I cannot wait to see what else Mann bring into the book world.

Overall, this book is well worth the read and I cannot recommend it enough. If you are a fan of books written in verse this is certainly one for you!