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megelizabeth's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
This was always one of my favourite Jacqueline Wilson books as a kid, and I loved rereading it now. In many ways it was even more agonising this time around, as I felt I had a much better grasp of what both the kids and Marigold would've been going through. I was surprised that in some ways it's actually pretty ahead of its time; the portrayal of mental illness is largely sympathetic, Dolphin is much more worldly than I remembered, there are mentions of abortion and suicide, and children's social services are presented fairly positively. There are unfortunately a few instances of fat-shaming, but nothing too horrific for a book published in the 90s.
The story is incredibly heartfelt and I felt completely immersed in Dolphin's world. There are a lot of tough topics covered, but in Wilson's trademark realistic, cautiously hopeful way. I did find the ending to be a little bit abrupt, but I still think this is just such a fantastic book and one that continues to be incredibly relevant and important and that I'm sure I'll go back to yet again.
The story is incredibly heartfelt and I felt completely immersed in Dolphin's world. There are a lot of tough topics covered, but in Wilson's trademark realistic, cautiously hopeful way. I did find the ending to be a little bit abrupt, but I still think this is just such a fantastic book and one that continues to be incredibly relevant and important and that I'm sure I'll go back to yet again.
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Self harm
Minor: Suicide attempt
bethancy's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
bookswithlauren's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Surprisingly, this was one of the very few Jacqueline Wilson books I had not read growing up.
The Illustrated Mum highlights the difficulty growing up in a family when a parent has a mental illness. The book was well written and the reader is able to understand things from both the child and the parents perspective.
I am a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan and, despite being in my mid-twenties, I will continue to read each book she publishes. I think it is admirable how she tackles real life experiences and often 'taboo' topics in her writing. From mental health to physical health to poverty and sexuality, she writes about it all and I think it is so important that young people have these representations in the books they read.
The Illustrated Mum highlights the difficulty growing up in a family when a parent has a mental illness. The book was well written and the reader is able to understand things from both the child and the parents perspective.
I am a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan and, despite being in my mid-twenties, I will continue to read each book she publishes. I think it is admirable how she tackles real life experiences and often 'taboo' topics in her writing. From mental health to physical health to poverty and sexuality, she writes about it all and I think it is so important that young people have these representations in the books they read.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
talisha200's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
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