Shirley Marr

Wistful book about looking back in time. James' parents are splitting up. He wishes he could go back in time to when things were better....or were they? Is he remembering the past with rose coloured glasses? His new friend Yan is an eccentric girl with no friends like him, who hides out in the Library and invents a time machine. James travels back to what he thought were the good old days...but he sees that his Mum is much happier now despite living in a tiny apartment, and he must make a decision. Stay in the past ( and never meet Yan) where his parents are unhappy but together or living in the now with Yan and happy, divorced parents. Nice book for kids who are going through separations. Reviewed for VPRC.… (més)

This book blew me away. It's one of those stories that will be with you long after you turn the last page.

It is a little slow to start with but I found myself intrigued by both the format and the main character. Particularly towards the end I started flying through it unable to tear myself away.

I really loved Neil and wish we saw more of him but I understand why it wasn't really about that. The characters were so vivid and utterly flawed. It was nice to see characters who aren't all that likeable. And honestly their whole little weird dynamic was what made it so utterly realistic and honest. The brutal portrayal of school life was what sold it for me.

I doubt it would be everyone's taste but it is refreshing to read something which is so original and well written.… (més)