Review
Praise for Finding Violet Park
"A wonderful debut for many reasons …What marks this book out is not just its charm, warmth and wit, but also the skill with which Valentine braids together the threads" The Guardian
“No plot summary cando justice to the particular flavour of this book, both witty and with moments of genuine sweetness …Excellent.” Books for Keeps
“Ultra-original and brilliantly written, this will have you laughing and crying too.” Mizz Magazine
“Has the originality of Mark Haddon, the immediacy of Jacqueline Wilson and the emotional connection of Kevin Brooks. It really does work."Jill Murphy, The Book Bag
“A captivating novel from a compelling new voice in teen fiction…hilarious and dramatic in turns.”Liverpool Echo
“I loved every page of this extraordinary book; a completely unique and involving story…a great book which deserves to be read over and over again.”Redhouse Review, Hannah Pitts age 15
"A great story, with a witty and believable main character." tbk mag
"If Jenny Valentine doesn't start you reading, I'm not sure what will … A very creative and highly original plot … I would also recommend it to sneaky parents who like to snoop around their children's bookcases. But make sure you have time to spare, as you will be unable to put this book down!"Emily Decker,South Wales Argus
Review
Product Description
An intriguing, compelling and moving new novel from the award-winning author of Finding Violet Park.
When the good-looking boy with the gentle voice presses the dropped negative into Rowan's hand, she's sure it's all a big mistake. But next moment he's gone, lost in the crowd of bustling shoppers. And she can't afford to lose her place in the checkout queue – after all, if she doesn't take the groceries home, nobody else will.
Rowan has more responsibilities than most girls her age. These days, she pretty much looks after her little sister single-handedly – which doesn't leave much time for friends or fun. So when she finds out that Bee from school saw the whole thing, it piques her curiosity. Who was the mysterious stranger? Why was he so insistent that the negative belonged to Rowan?
Bee invites Rowan to her house where they make a print of the negative. And the face that appears in front of Rowan's eyes is that of her dead brother Jack…
About the Author
Jenny Valentine moved house every two years when she was growing up. She has just moved house again, probably not for the last time. She worked in a wholefood shop in Primrose Hill for fifteen years where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic loaves than there are words in her first novel, Finding Violet Park. She has also worked as a teaching assistant and a jewellery maker. She studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College, which almost put her off reading but not quite.
Jenny is married to a singer/songwriter and has two children.
