| Product: |
Secrets - Jacqueline Wilson |
| Date: |
18/01/08 (126 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: detailed, descriptive, not too long
Disadvantages: Can be slightly hard to follow
SECRETS
by Jacqueline Wilson
This story is written from the point of view of two people, each granted their own, individual chapters. Though, they are not totally different. Each character's story is written in the form of a diary, and both of their unique, separate plots are joined together to form one great story!
TREASURE
This is the first character whose world we are invited into, straight away finding out about her traumas. She moved to live with her Nan, after an unfortunate event at home; her mum's boyfriend lashed the side of her face with his belt, scarring her badly. Despite missing her mum, who she wonders whether she actually cares or not, Treasure fortunately prefers life at her Nan's safe, warming home and adores her Nan to bits. They live in one of the more 'run down' estates, and Treasure moves school, but receive quite a few weird glances from her new classmates, especially when they notice her scar. But Treasure does not mind, she feels it makes her appear tougher, when accompanied by her bobbed hair and little figure.
Things seem to be going splendidly, especially when Treasure finds a new best friend, India. But then Terry and mum come storming to take her back to live with them in the jaws of her old, unsafe home. It is up to India to save her friend from the 'beast' of a boyfriend, and protect her, hide her away...
INDIA
India's first entry looks a lot more like a typical diary entry, starting the same way as her heroin's diary - Anne Frank. Living in the more luxurious, wealthy estate and attending the local 'posh' school, India lives with her mum, a top clothes designer who seems to dislike her 'large' daughter, and her dad - whom she once thought the world of, but now has her doubts, as well as the family au pair, Wanda, who seems to have a soft spot for the man of the house. India never had any real friends, until one day when she took a detour home from school and bumped into Treasure. Despite their opposite 'classes', they become best of friends, and both girls are over the moon. When Treasure is in great danger, India turns to her heroin in order for some inspiration to do all she can to save her best friend from terrible Terry, but will her plan work?
*****
OPINIONS
>Story
The actual story itself is quite interesting. I find the way the two characters have been combined is really effective and quite unique. Although, it can get a little bit confusing at the beginning when each chapter switches between character, and you are just getting used to their stories. After that though, the tales are clear, especially when they intertwine and meet one another.
The way the two opposite estates have been compared is really practical, and truthful. I suppose around every corner we live in 'classes', those estates with the more expensive accommodation and the occupants with the more professional jobs, and then the next street is full of big, high buildings crammed with 'kids' and yelling drunks - slightly stereotypical, I understand.
I like the idea of the raging Terry with Treasure's story - he resembles quite a typical man who hits the drink, and how serious some things can become if left alone. I'm not too keen on the whole 'designer mum' thing with India's mum and her clothes line though, it seems all too much for me!
>Characters
Both India and Treasure are really individual characters in the story. They are so different, and yet so alike! I think, if I had to choose, I prefer the character of India. The fact that she is more well off has nothing to do with it (!), but I really appreciate the fact that she says she is on the 'large' side, but is not tempted to go on any crazy diets! Also, like herself, I love Anne Frank! I have read parts of her diary, and I find it really fascinating! I'm not sure which girl's life problems I would like to adopt though!
>Cover
The cover of the copy I read is different to that in the Ciao picture at the top, so I have included my own. The deep purple shade is really attractive, I think it helps it to stand out boldly on the shelves. And Nick Sharratt's illustrations of the two girls are marvellous! They seem to connect really easily! I'm not keen on the new cover though.
*****
JACQUELINE WILSON
>About
Jacqueline Wilson was born in 1945 in Bath. She wanted to be a writer, and wrote her first story at the age of nine! She started to work as a journalist for a magazine, 'Jackie', in Scotland, and has been a writer all her life.
Wilson has a very unique style of writing. She bases her books on modern-day problems that arise for children (more often than not, girls). These problems can range from divorce and marriage, to deaths and runaways.
She has won many awards, including the Smarties Prize, Childrens' Fiction Award, and a variety of others. In 2005, Jacqueline Wilson also became the fourth Childrens' Laureate!
>Other Books
Jacqueline Wilson has written countless brilliant books for children, so I shall just mention a few of the ones I prefer! Of course, there is the Tracy Beaker character, with three books based on her adventures; ""The Story Of Tracy Beaker"", ""The Dare Game"", and ""Starring Tracy Beaker"". I have read all three and think they are splendid!
She has also wrote four books based on three individual best friends Ellie, Magda and Nadine, ""Girls In Tears"", ""Girls In Love"", ""Girls Out Late"", and ""Girls Under Pressure"". I'd say these are for the slightly older readers, and are too superb.
I also love some of the younger books like ""How To Survive Summer Camp"" and ""The Bed And Breakfast Star"", as well as ""The Suitcase Kid"" and ""Sleepovers"".
Some of Jacqueline Wilson's latest books, like ""Kiss"" and ""Love Letters"", are certainly based at the more advanced readers, but are still as equally as amazing as her others!
""Double Act"", ""Tracy Beaker"", ""Girls In Love"" and ""The Illustrated Mum"" have all made great TV Series' too!
****
CONCLUSION
Secrets is a splendid read, providing you are able to follow the two characters' stories without too much difficulty. It goes into great detail and is very well written and worded too! Though, I would not say it is Jacqueline Wilson's best, it is still one I would recommend!
© Amy 2008
Summary: A great light read for any Wilson fan!
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