A review by imstephtacular
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book is beautifully written, heartfelt, and educational. Iris is a wonderful character who is spunky and determined. 

One thing I did find frustrating, however, was some of the character choices from the adults in the story.
I know that the grandmother character is fleshed out early on so we understand her, but she still seemed irresponsible to me in the big plot point of traveling with Iris without telling Iris’ parents. While I know she is an adult Iris trusts, I didn’t like or really buy that she would have taken her across the country without telling her parents. The fact that the book hinged on this for the second half of the story frustrated me. The parental reactions were also a little odd, in my opinion. Also there was definitely some suspension of disbelief when Iris finally arrives at her distribution. I rolled my eyes when she jumped in the water. This didn’t seem realistic
 

Overall I’m glad I read this and I loved being immersed in the smart, complex mind of Iris as she navigated feelings of loneliness and isolation and finding her place in a world where she communicates differently than those around her. 
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