Date Finished: 15/04/2011
My Rating 4/5
The second Jacqueline Wilson book on the list, and a welcome change of pace after Brave New World and Cold Comfort Farm, although it did make me cry on the bus again. A lot. In fact, I had to have a wee sit down and a quiet sob when I got home.
This is the story of how a young girl, Jade, comes to terms with the tragic death of her best friend Vicky (don't worry, I haven't spoilt this for you, it happens at the end of the first chapter and is written on the back of the book). Throughout the book, Vicky appears to Jade, influencing her behaviour and attitude. Now, I read this as though it was Jade's imagination and her method of coping with the loss of her friend that made Vicky appear so life like when she needed her. However, Wilson completely leaves it up to the reader to decide whether this is the case, or whether in fact Vicky is a ghost that is staying with Jade while she needs her. Whichever the reader decides, the book explores grief in a sensitive, considerate and compassionate way.
I really love reading kid's books, and got through this in a day. Having now read a couple of Jacqueline Wilson's books, I have found them to be consistently well written, and would have absolutely loved them as a child. She has a lovely style of writing that is sensitive to the characters, and whisks the reader along with them, providing laughs and tears aplenty.
So, who should read this book? Another one for the girls (although I'm not discriminating, I'm sure it would be equally enjoyed by the boys!).
Next Book: The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
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