I read Vicky's Angel with the view to buying multiple copies to read with my Fourth Grade class. I had heard good things about Jacqueline Wilson, my neice is an avid reader, so I decided to check out her latest offering.
I did not expect to find a book so well written or such a powerful exploration of the process of grief.
I do not need to explain the overt plot of the story, as many other reviews have done so, my purpose is to celebrate what I consider an exception book.
When I read Vicky's Angel, having recently read 'A Grief Observed' by C S Lewis, I was astounded to see the feelings of guilt and anger felt by the mourner, as described by Lewis, so well translated for a child audience. Lewis' musings about whether the dead also grieve are here too, as Vicky verbalizes her anger at her life cut short. Lewis' final poignant realisation that his image of his dead wife has been altered into an image of his own making must also translate to when Jade finds Vicky altered and can finally let her go!
Jacqueline Wilson is to be congratulated on this exceptional book. I can only surmise that she has had personal experience of grief and condole with her in this matter.
I will now be searching out and reading all her others books.
I recommend adults read this book and consider Vicky's Angel to be Jade's 'Grief Observed'
As a foot note I decided against using this book with 10 year olds as I found Vicky's regrets about never having experienced sex, while poignant, more suited to an older age group.
I also have to admit the fact that I found some passage so moving that I would be unable to discuss them in public.
Thank you Jacqueline Wilson for writing such a book. We need more books written for children that explore such shared human experiences.
Liz Hayes