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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
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