Can it really be 18 months since Siobhan Dowd (right) died? The much-lamented Siobhan, author of A SWIFT PURE CRY, THE LONDON EYE MYSTERY and BOG CHILD, has her last novel published by David Fickling Books, SOLACE OF THE ROAD, with the blurb elves twittering thusly: Memories of Mum are the only thing that make Holly Hogan happy. She hates her foster family with their too-nice ways and their false sympathy. And she hates her life, her stupid school and the way everyone is always on at her. Then she finds the wig, and everything changes. Wearing the long, flowing blonde locks she feels transformed. She’s not Holly any more, she’s Solace: the girl with the slinkster walk and the super-sharp talk. She’s older, more confident - the kind of girl who can walk right out of her humdrum life, hitch to Ireland and find her mum. The kind of girl who can face the world head on. So begins a bittersweet, and sometimes hilarious journey as Solace swaggers and Holly tiptoes across England and through memory, discovering her true self, and unlocking the secrets of her past.Given that Siobhan was born in London to Irish parents, and spent quite a bit of her childhood flitting back and forth across the Irish Sea, it’s hard not to expect SOLACE OF THE ROAD to be the teensiest bit autobiographical, and all the more poignant for that. Go n-eírí an bóthar leat, Holly and Siobhan …SOLACE OF THE ROAD is a wonderful novel from one of the UK’s most talented new writers for teenagers. Holly’s story will leave a lasting impression on all who travel with her.
Oh, I don't think so, Declan. But don't let that stop you. Autobiographical, that is.
ReplyDeleteYou missed my piece then?
http://bookwitch.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/solace-of-the-road/
Siobhan's fans are wondering what to do now, when there are no more magically stored books to read.
Sorry, Ms Witch, but I missed that one ... You know I'm totally clueless really, don't you?
ReplyDeleteAdrian - The London Eye Mystery is a very smart YA thriller, it too may beep your Lighthouse-shaped jeep.
Cheers, Dec
Yes, but I love you anyway.
ReplyDeleteAdrian - All Siobhan's books are better than most things you'll read, regardless of your personal preferences. Enjoy.
I'm in the middle of The Bog Child myself, as it happens, and I think it's terrific. I was sad that I learned of Siobhan Dowd only after her death. And I'm very sorry for the loss that those of you who actually knew her must still be feeling.
ReplyDeleteImagine my pleasure when I discovered a short story as well, last year. That's four novels and one short story. And don't forget Siobhan had to hurry with her writing, because she knew she didn't have long left. The last two books were written in a very short time.
ReplyDelete