Craig Silvey
After three disappointing books in a row, my husband finally shoved 'Jasper Jones' in my hands and simply said
'You will love it'. And I did.
In fact I loved it so much I asked for three copies: one for me, one for my mother-in-law and one for my parents so there will be no fights over who will read it next.
Laura Wishart is missing and only two people know where she is: Jasper Jones and Charlie Bucktin. Charlie Bucktin, a bookish, deep thinking thirteen year old is startled one night by a knock on his window. Outside stood Jasper Jones, an outcast of mixed blood who lived with his drunken, often absent father. Charlie is surprised when Jasper tells him he needs his help and against his better judgement follows Jasper to his secret place by the river. There Charlie discovers something that make his stomach slide and sink like a brick.
After a string of disappointing books (some of which I did not bother to finish) 'Jasper Jones' once again restored my faith in the publishing industry. It is a coming of age story set in a small Australian rural mining town during the Vietnam war which starts closing on itself as fear and suspician takes hold. It is a gem of a story that will both break your heart and uplift your spirits. Despite his young age, Silvey has achieved in 'Jasper Jones' an intelligent, witty and insightful meditation on life and our role in it.life and our role in it.
For me, 'Jasper Jones' was a sheer joy to read.
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