Graffiti Girls by Elissa Soave

(This book was due to publish in November, but has been moved to March, and there's no cover image yet.)

A sharp, empowering novel about a group of women who refuse to go quietly when society tells them they’re no longer valuable beyond the age of 40, from the author of Ginger and Me.

Amy, Carole, Lenore and Susan have been best friends since school. Back then they couldn’t wait for the future, for the amazing lives they’d have.

But things haven’t worked out how they expected. Now in their forties, they’re fed up with being taken for granted by their families, being passed over for promotions at work and being told that they’re past their best. And they’re not going to go quietly anymore.

Fuelled by female rage and their charismatic leader Amy, the four embark on a campaign of graffiti in their hometown of Hamilton, scrawling feminist slogans on the walls of local buildings.

But is Hamilton ready for the feminist revolution the Graffiti Girls have in store?

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Graffiti Girls is a fiery, relatable, and sharply funny novel that tackles midlife dissatisfaction and societal expectations head-on. Amy, Carole, Lenore, and Susan are four women who, disillusioned with their lives in their forties, channel their frustrations into a bold graffiti campaign aimed at shaking up their small Scottish town.

The characters are brilliantly distinct and multidimensional, with Soave exploring the unique struggles and triumphs of each woman. Amy, as their leader, is particularly captivating—a mix of charisma, rebellion, and vulnerability that keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The group's camaraderie is heartfelt and relatable, with moments of humor and poignancy as they push against societal norms and their own fears.

What stands out most is the novel’s exploration of what it means to be "past your best" in a world that values youth. Soave’s writing brims with anger and wit, creating slogans that are both hilarious and deeply thought-provoking. But it’s not all rage—the book also celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of finding your voice, no matter your age.

Hamilton itself becomes almost a character, with Soave painting a vivid picture of its streets, inhabitants, and the simmering tensions beneath the surface. The climax is satisfying, balancing realism with a sense of triumph that leaves you rooting for these women long after the final page.

While the graffiti campaign doesn’t lead to sweeping societal changes, its true power lies in how it transforms the women themselves. Watching each character gain confidence and take control of her own life—whether by pursuing a job, rekindling her marriage, or simply finding her voice—is both heartwarming and inspiring. Soave reminds us that sometimes revolutions start small, within ourselves, and that’s no less important.

If you enjoyed Graffiti Girls, I’d recommend the novel Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle Gallen for another sharp look at small-town life and the challenges of breaking free from expectations. For a TV recommendation, Derry Girls perfectly captures a similar mix of humor, heart, and rebellion—though with younger protagonists, the same fire burns brightly.

Graffiti Girls publishes on the 13th of March, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.