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robin_nescu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This book is not the best repesentation but it was one of the only stories about mental illness in media in the 90s and even today, it's great to see that more people are starting to include repesentation in media, especially disabillty and mental illness. But I definetly wouldn't say it holds up well today. I hope to find more books in the future that does do it well, like this had done at one point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual content
berodatheelf's review
emotional
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Self harm, Vomit, Medical trauma, and Suicide attempt
nordicat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Mental illness
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.
Content Warnings
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
brodwell_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
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.
Content Warnings
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
bookishalice's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Like a lot of other people, Jacqueline Wilson books were a big part of my childhood. But the Illustrated Mum was one I actually never read when I was younger. So, I was excited to see what happened and how it felt to read her books as an adult.
Turns out it felt incredibly emotional. Her books had always been profound to me, but the themes in this book were something I can’t imagine comprehending as a child. Wilson addresses mental health, single parenthood, poverty and sisterhood.
What resonated most with me was the relationship between sisters Star and Dolphin. I think it mirrored my own experience of having a sister - that they’re always there for you, but as they grow older, it can be very hard to adjust.
Although I did not read this as a child myself, I can imagine it being a read that would introduce children to how books are a portal for understanding other people. A way to develop empathy and compassion.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization