Dene is magnetising. An Influencer of great skill, propelled ever forward by her exploitive mother.
Tully basks in the glow of Dene’s interest and radiant personality. Never having had a friend with whom to share private things, and still searching for her place in the world, Tully allows this new relationship to swallow her.
Overwhelmed by the artificial world which Dene lives and breathes, she abandons long-time friend Kira, and allows her own significant artistic ability to become shadowed by all that Dene is, has, and can do.
Finding herself completely under Dene’s influence, Tully becomes outraged when her new best friend withdraws her interest.
Who is Dene really? Her outer image is one of success, fame, and love of material possessions.
But is it possible that someone different may be hiding behind this glamorous facade?
Can Tully manage to return to reality? If so, will there be room for Dene there?
The prose appears to me to be presented in two opposing sections; a forceful, chaotic one that describes the power and influence of one person over another and the damage that can cause, then smooth and subdued, where Tully works to recover her true self again.
Well written and interesting, Webster has done a superb job of subtlety presenting the pretentious side of Social media and the crafty way it steals reality from those easily influenced.
Title: Selfie
Author: Allayne L Webster
Publisher: Text Publishing, $19.99
Publication Date: 4 April 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922790194
For ages: 10 – 14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction