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what_heather_loves's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"I reached under the bed for my torch, switched it on and went back to my book. In just a few pages, my mind and body quietened as the words performed their hypnosis. I knew that my favourite character, Georgina - known as George for her tomboy looks and something called 'pluck' - would not be frightened about moving or even about the Yorkshire Ripper. In fact, she would probably summon the rest of the Five to try to catch him.
What if someone caught him? I wondered, as I drifted off to sleep. What if the murders were to stop? And we could stay? Then I would never have to leave Sharon and we could be best friends always."
It's late 1979 in the town of Shipley, West Riding of Yorkshire. Focusing on the life of 11 year old Miv and her best friend Sharon, Aunty Jean, haulage manager Dad, unwell Mum and neighbours, widow Mr Bashir and son Ishtiaq, Arthur and many more. All the adults talk about is the Yorkshire Ripper, who is yet to be caught, so Miv decides she and Sharon will investigate, creating her List Of Suspicious Things.
Reminding me of The Trouble With Goats and Sheep and A Terrible Kindness, this is a nostalgic and heartwarming, coming of age tale. I adored Miv, finding her way, noticing suspicious men in her life (of which there were many!) and going to school whilst worrying about bullies, lipgloss, boys and her mum's quiet retreat from family life. Full of observant writing about human behaviour, with atmospheric dialect and affectionate humour: "gossip...filtered through Aunty Jean via washing line conversations - a route far more effective than the telephone..."and "Tupperware went up and down the streets of our town faster than the traffic." It has emotional depth and includes astute social and political commentary about how working class people lived, worked and behaved at this time, including the climate of fear that existed, especially in Yorkshire. Plenty of challenging topics are covered, including domestic violence, racism, grief, mental illness, suicide, death and of course the predatory murders of women, all seen through the eyes of Miv, her friends, family and neighbours. I adored reading this debut fiction and was sad it had to finish!
What if someone caught him? I wondered, as I drifted off to sleep. What if the murders were to stop? And we could stay? Then I would never have to leave Sharon and we could be best friends always."
It's late 1979 in the town of Shipley, West Riding of Yorkshire. Focusing on the life of 11 year old Miv and her best friend Sharon, Aunty Jean, haulage manager Dad, unwell Mum and neighbours, widow Mr Bashir and son Ishtiaq, Arthur and many more. All the adults talk about is the Yorkshire Ripper, who is yet to be caught, so Miv decides she and Sharon will investigate, creating her List Of Suspicious Things.
Reminding me of The Trouble With Goats and Sheep and A Terrible Kindness, this is a nostalgic and heartwarming, coming of age tale. I adored Miv, finding her way, noticing suspicious men in her life (of which there were many!) and going to school whilst worrying about bullies, lipgloss, boys and her mum's quiet retreat from family life. Full of observant writing about human behaviour, with atmospheric dialect and affectionate humour: "gossip...filtered through Aunty Jean via washing line conversations - a route far more effective than the telephone..."and "Tupperware went up and down the streets of our town faster than the traffic." It has emotional depth and includes astute social and political commentary about how working class people lived, worked and behaved at this time, including the climate of fear that existed, especially in Yorkshire. Plenty of challenging topics are covered, including domestic violence, racism, grief, mental illness, suicide, death and of course the predatory murders of women, all seen through the eyes of Miv, her friends, family and neighbours. I adored reading this debut fiction and was sad it had to finish!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Murder, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Ableism, Toxic relationship, and Suicide
Minor: Child abuse and Stalking
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