Lush (novel)

Lush is a young adult novel by Natasha Friend, published in 2006. The story revolves around Samantha "Sam" Cleary, a 13-year-old girl grappling with her father's alcoholism.

The novel explores themes of family dysfunction, addiction, enabling behavior, and the emotional toll that alcoholism takes on family members, particularly children. Sam initially tries to ignore and hide her father's problem, struggling with feelings of embarrassment, anger, and loneliness. As his drinking worsens, she begins to take on more responsibility within the household, acting as a caretaker for her younger sister and trying to shield them both from their father's erratic behavior.

The narrative follows Sam's journey as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while simultaneously coping with her father's addiction. She seeks support from friends and ultimately realizes that she cannot control her father's behavior and must focus on her own well-being. The novel highlights the importance of seeking help and understanding that children of alcoholics are not alone. Lush is often used in schools and libraries to promote discussions about alcoholism and its impact on families. The book aims to offer understanding and validation to young readers who may be experiencing similar situations.