The life of 15-year-old Arielle, called Ari, who lives with her father in a high-rise estate, consists mainly of skating and hanging out with her clique alongside her job training as a painter. When a new guy called Tom turns up at the skate park, Ari's world and her relationships are redefined. And then Ari's mum suddenly wants to be part of her daughter's life again.
Written like a diary in 15 chapters, each dedicated to one day, the reader is given an insight into the fragility of the adolescent experience, which threatens to tip over the metaphorical edge at any moment. The fact that it is already hinted at the beginning that Ari's story will not end well creates a dynamic narrative pull. The story of togetherness is told with ambivalence, but also of an infatuation that goes beyond clichés. Eva Rottmann lets her characters have their say in true-to-life discourses on topical, existential and philosophical issues. Her sensitive language moves confidently and with profound ease in the cosmos of growing up. An outstanding coming-of-age novel that takes youth in all its facets seriously. This title is nominated for the 2024 German Children՚s Literature Award.