'Kelly is particularly good at evoking an emotional setting, and explores the attitudinal differences between town and country in insightful fashion.' 

'What Kelly has done in The Crowded Beach is to courageously address one of the great sleepers in contemporary society.  This is the presence domestic violence and child abuse in the home.  As uncomfortable as the issues Kelly raises are, The Crowded Beach is a book parents might consider reading and discussing with their teenage children.  Teachers should set it on courses dealing with family life in contemporary society.'