The Edge (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Alan Gibbons |
The Edge is a young adult novel published in 2002 by Alan Gibbons. It centers on Danny Mangam, a teenager who escapes an abusive household alongside his mother while confronting difficulties related to his mixed-race background. The book earned a place on the shortlist for the Carnegie Medal and secured the Angus Book Award in 2004.
Synopsis
Set initially in London, the narrative follows Danny and his mother, Cathy Mangam, as they flee from Cathy's violent partner, Chris Kane. Their refuge is "the Edge," the home of Danny's grandparents, Joan and Harry. At first, Harry rejects Danny because of his mixed heritage and unplanned birth but ultimately comes to accept him.
At school, Danny begins dating Nikki, which provokes hostility from Steve Parker, a racist bully who also vies for Nikki’s attention. After a violent encounter with Steve and his gang—who are involved in racially motivated arson—Danny is saved by Des, who turns out to be his biological father.
Chris persists in searching for Cathy and Danny. A newspaper report reveals their whereabouts at Danny’s grandparents’ residence and school. When Chris attempts to abduct Cathy, law enforcement intervenes and arrests him. The story concludes with Danny experiencing a secure and stable family environment.
Danny Mangam
Danny is a mixed-race adolescent facing discrimination, including from his own grandfather. Initially fearful due to Chris Kane’s abuse, he gains self-assurance after escaping and settling into what he calls the ‘promise land.’ Despite antagonism from a neighbor, Danny gradually feels at ease.
Catherine Mangam
Cathy, Danny’s mother who became pregnant at sixteen, is nurturing yet concerned about the impact of Chris’s abuse on her son. Her father harbors resentment toward both her teenage pregnancy and Danny, influenced by racial bias. Conversely, Cathy’s mother Joan accepts them without lingering on past troubles.
Joan Mangam
Joan is Cathy’s mother and Danny’s grandmother. She initially disapproves of her husband Harry for alienating Cathy following the pregnancy. However, after Cathy and Danny return home, Joan comes to respect Harry as he protects them.
Chris Kane
Chris Kane is an abusive and controlling individual who mistreats both Cathy and Danny. Mentally unstable with a criminal record, he vows to locate them after their escape. Nicknamed ‘the Animal’ or ‘Chrissy Boy,’ he remains dangerous even when incarcerated.
Nikki Jones
Nikki Jones begins as a friend to Danny and later becomes his romantic interest. She is recognized by her distinctive strawberry blonde hair.
Steve Parker
Steve Parker lives near Joan and Harry and leads a group that directs racial hostility toward Danny. Known for vandalizing Asian-owned shops, Steve provokes Danny with racist insults but suffers a broken nose after Danny retaliates.
Des
Des is Danny’s father who appears intermittently throughout the story. Following an affair with Cathy during her teenage years, he married another woman and had a child; that marriage ended when the affair was exposed. Longing to meet Des, Danny finally encounters him when Des rescues him from Steve’s gang.