Amazon.co.uk Review
Mining the myriad of rich and atmospheric story themes that spring from the colourful heyday of the old Victorian music halls, Anne Fines latest novel is a visual and eerily spooky treat that more than lives up her reputation as one of the countrys finest writers for children. The award-winning author of
Flour Babies and
Goggle-Eyes, Fine has recently been the Childrens Laureate and is consistently original and witty and entertaining in all of her work. Many a recent author of childrens books could learn a thing or two about writing and narrative by reading Fines extensive backlist.
Here, her story concerns the fate of brother and sister, Clarrie and Will, whose misfortunes lead them into residing with their Uncle Len. While their father is in Australia trying to secure a job and a brighter future for his family, their mother, in Ireland for a funeral, is trapped there--wrongly accused of stealing a basket of food. Lens brilliance as a ventriloquist is matched only by his special ability to destroy his career by the consumption of beer.
Then one of Wills seemingly perfect ideas saves the day. He suggests that he dresses up as the twin of Lens dummy, Frozen Billy, to form a new act. Carrie is severely unnerved by Lens life-like dummy and becomes even more so when Wills personality begins to change and distort when their double act is a success. Carrie thinks this new stage act has the power to destroy her whole family and she must act fast to save everybody.
Fines unsettling narrative is different from her trademark domestic dramas--but it is equally as powerful. Its a chilling tale, with hints of the supernatural that nevertheless has charm and excitement. And, as with all of Fines novels, is has the requisite happy ending. (Age 10 and over) --John McLay
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
Two children are drawn into helping with a ventriloquists act in this creepy Victorian tale from multi-award-winning author Anne Fine
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
