Yet again Anne Fine has written a story 'for children' that every caring parent, teacher - and in this novel - nurse, social worker and police-person - should also read.
We have accepted and applauded her ability to deal with divorce, sexism, death, abuse, ageism and neglect with penetrating perception and great humour. Now she delves even deeper and reaches into the insecurities of adoption and the psychology of [potential] suicide with a deftness and gentleness that are breathtaking.
As the mother of three adopted children, I, like Sue, Ian's adoptive Mother, wept, at the question "How often are you going to find a diamond among the dustbins?".[p.131] I found three - and shall give each of these exceptional adults a copy of Anne Fine's new novel.
As teachers, how often do we come across pupils who are seemingly 'too clever for their own good'? How often do we allow them the opportunity 'to spread [their] huge wide glowing wings' and share 'what you truly are inside'. [p.89/90]?
Stol [his own acronym and palindrome that invites completion...] is someone who will live in our lives along with Skellig and Lyra: characters who convince us that ordinary human beings have the capacity to become quite extraordinary.
Another amazing, life-enhancing book that should be on every available shelf-space.