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A review by persephonexxvi
Duck Feet by Ely Percy
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I've stayed in Glasgow for over a decade now but grew up in northern England, much of my work since moving to Scotland has involved informal education (working with schools but not a teacher) and there were some differences I had to get used to. Despite this, I'd say there are many aspects of Duck Feet where, were it not for the Scots words and a couple of other things, it could've been my school.
I'm a wee bit older than the characters in the era this is set, but not a million miles away. It perfectly captures the changing transient nature of teenage socialising when you're forced to be with the same people every day for (in my case) nearly five years of your life. Sometimes those friendships don't even fall apart due to drama or bullying, you just move in different circles or your parents move you.
It's very funny and has a lot of heart. Speaking of, there's a heartbreaking turn three-quarters into the novel that even after reading other reviews alluding to it, I did not see it coming.
This was one of the two novels I picked to take on holiday with me and they both made me cry! This one was due to the knowledge of how much more you feel everything in your teens, but also the hopefulness at the end.
It's also written in a very genuine voice. I hope Ely Percy, and all the Scots writers I've read this year, continue to thrive.
I'm a wee bit older than the characters in the era this is set, but not a million miles away. It perfectly captures the changing transient nature of teenage socialising when you're forced to be with the same people every day for (in my case) nearly five years of your life. Sometimes those friendships don't even fall apart due to drama or bullying, you just move in different circles or your parents move you.
It's very funny and has a lot of heart. Speaking of, there's a heartbreaking turn three-quarters into the novel that even after reading other reviews alluding to it, I did not see it coming.
This was one of the two novels I picked to take on holiday with me and they both made me cry! This one was due to the knowledge of how much more you feel everything in your teens, but also the hopefulness at the end.
It's also written in a very genuine voice. I hope Ely Percy, and all the Scots writers I've read this year, continue to thrive.