The Space Between

'For a moment I imagine that she’ll be sitting there on her bed listening to music through her headphones. She’ll look up at me and smile. Her absence makes me dizzy. It’s almost like I’m seeing two different things at once: a world with Daina and a world without Daina. How could she be so close, almost here, and completely out of my reach?'

When seventeen-year-old Daina Valaitis vanishes without a trace on a weekend camping trip, her best friend Erica finds herself falling apart – and falling in love with Daina’s brother. Through the turmoil of grief and guilt, Erica is desperate to know the truth about what happened to her friend. But what she discovers – about Daina, their families, and herself – will change her life forever. This gripping, heartbreaking debut young adult novel was shortlisted for the 2016 Ampersand Prize. NB: This novel contains sex scenes, drug use and swearing and is suitable for older young adult readers.

• Shortlisted for the 2016 Ampersand Prize

• Shortlisted for ACT Book of the Year

About the Author

Rachel Sanderson has worked as a bakery assistant, cleaner, telemarketer, receptionist, yoga instructor, university tutor, researcher and public servant. She studied philosophy, Spanish, law and has a PhD in history.

Sanderson also co-wrote a documentary film, The End of the Rainbow, which won the First Appearance Award at the 2007 International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam. She lives in Canberra with her partner and son.