Under The Influence

Lunn’s prose is also skillful and very satisfying; it is elegant, amusing, beautiful. From the very first pages she uses ordinary enough words in unexpected combinations to produce effects that resonate long after the page has turned. As much as I enjoyed this book, as highly as I recommend it, I must warn that it is disturbing. If you have been uncool at school, maybe bullied or in an abusive relationship however subtle, this may reopen old wounds. It’s so powerfully written I found it established new ones, and I expect they’ll stay raw for some time.

Camille McLachlan, mediaculture.org.au

Under The Influence is an absorbing read and a fine debut

Angela Meyer, The Sydney Morning Herald

Under The Influence is a fresh and exciting debut from author Jacqueline Lunn that heralds a significant new voice in Australian fiction. Lunn's ability to weave a gripping narrative about friendship, love, loss, ambition and estrangement makes this book highly engaging and impossible to put down. Her insights into the tender and often traumatic rites of passage around the life of teenage girls and how foundations are laid for future relationships and Lunn's ability to capture so perfectly the nuances of the lives of women in their thirties is a powerful combination. It's a book that will stay with you for a long time after you put it down. In the best way possible.

Mia Freedman

Lunn isn't afraid to examine the darker side of human nature and the characters, particularly Eve, are expertly drawn. While the plot doesn't pull any punches when it comes to drama, Lunn has a skilful way of capturing the inner lives of girls and women. Lunn has written a compelling and commendable debut. These characters are the kind who infiltrate your thoughts for weeks to come; so real that you forget they have come from a work of fiction.

Eleanor Limprecht, The Sun Herald

An excellent debut novel - exceedingly compelling and definitely recommended for book clubs. A highly gifted and crafted writer.

Clare Calvet, ABC Local

Lunn's gift for intelligent prose lends clout to this tale of bullying and the lasting damage it causes.

Instyle

Jacqueline Lunn writes with humour and intelligence, and conveys a sense of Australia's unique character. She really knows how to tell a good story.

Brizzieblog

A warm and thoroughly entertaining tale, a thoroughly engrossing, enjoyable read. The lyrical prose that mercifully avoids over description also helped the pace along nicely, and promises there's plenty yet to come from this author.

Angela Young, The Courier Mail

A story of teenage angst and insecurities that reach into adult life and the importance of lasting friendships. An easy read.

The Examiner

A warm and entertaining tale.

Sunday Territorian

A dark and painfully honest depiction of the power games played out between teenage girls.

Grazia

Lunn writes with a passion that brings something deeper to the story.

Paul Donoughue, Sunday Mail Brisbane