The Set-Up Girl (Sasha Vey, A&U Children’s)

The Set-Up Girl is a rollercoaster of awkward crushes and friendships set against the warmth and chaos of a tight-knit family and the bittersweet final year of high school. Amalia and Mae have been best friends since childhood – they’ve shared their lives together, so it should be no surprise that they have a crush on the same boy. Sasha Vey captures the emotional complexity of teenage friendship through this messy, heartfelt love triangle. Kasun is the hottest boy in class, and when it becomes clear he likes Mae, Amalia puts her feelings aside and becomes the best wingwoman a friend could ask for. Amalia’s sincerity, wit and unfiltered honesty are standout qualities, and Vey beautifully captures the uncertainty of growing up and learning to embrace who you are. The entire cast of characters feels authentic, the novel’s pacing flows well and there is more than one charming, swoony love interest. At times, the messy crush dynamics and blurred emotional boundaries feel intentionally reflective of teenage confusion, though they may test some readers’ patience. Likewise, while the book champions the message, ‘you’re safe to be yourself’ – particularly in its nuanced exploration of bisexuality, internalised anxiety, and the push-pull of cultural and familial expectations – the ending doesn’t quite land with the clarity or weight the story builds toward. Still, The Set-Up Girl is a confident and thoughtful debut for readers aged 12+ that suggests Vey is a writer to watch. For readers of Jenny Han, Miranda Luby and Melina Marchetta.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Annie Ward is a library and information officer and an unapologetic YA enthusiast. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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