The Drowning
Book Description
Praise for The Drowning and for Valerie Mendes:
"After a spectacularly astonishing, and beautifully handled, opening section Jenna's personal ambitions are set aside as she tries to cope with the aftermath of a fatality. The story follows her despair and dilemmas over family matters and her dreams to of an opportunity to dance and go away and train with major specialist schooling. The r...
MorePraise for The Drowning and for Valerie Mendes:
"After a spectacularly astonishing, and beautifully handled, opening section Jenna's personal ambitions are set aside as she tries to cope with the aftermath of a fatality. The story follows her despair and dilemmas over family matters and her dreams to of an opportunity to dance and go away and train with major specialist schooling. The renewed attention for the novel comes with the long-awaited move of the Urdang Academy to new premises at Finsbury Town Hall." The School Librarian
"Gripping." Daily Mirror
"An exquisite first novel ... An unusual ghost story set in Cornwall, it is beautifully written, with a rich understanding of love and friendship." Daily Telegraph
"Amy is an attractive heroine and Mendes' tantalising tale unfolds in an atmospheric and engaging way." The Observer
"This is a beautiful portrayal of a girl on the edge of adulthood and a lovely follow-on to Girl in the Attic. ... Mendes displays a fantastic ability to delve deep into the hearts and minds of her characters. As a reader you really get to know Amy, and just as she finds it hard to let the past go, I found it hard to let her go. A truly inspiring read for any teenager." Waterstones
"Childhood tragedy means that growing up is tough for Amy. As she begins to come to terms with what happened, she discovers a mysterious postcard which threatens to further undermine her rocky family life. ... An Italian journey of discovery follows for Amy in this superb teenage story from the author of the outstanding Girl in the Attic." Ottakar's
"As with Mendes' previous novels, Girl in the Attic, and Coming Of Age, it is very difficult to tear oneself away from Lost and Found. ... The novels are accessible and highly enjoyable for anyone from a mature pre-teen upwards, male or female." The Oxford Times
"The story is well-written-sometimes tense, sometimes atmospheric, sometimes particularly descriptive. A sound read." Carousel
"If you're into gripping, mysterious and slightly sinister stories, this is definitely the story for you. Girl in the Attic is a masterpiece!" Teen Titles
More than anything, sixteen-year-old Jenna wants to dance, not just in her studio in St Ives, or in her local class, but professionally, in London, under the eyes of the best teachers in the world. She knows her father will support her all the way; that her aunt will help with the fees and give her a home in the big city. Her mother, however, is a problem. She remains unconvinced of Jenna's talent and pours scorn on her dreams.
But then a fatal accident blows Jenna's Cornish life and family apart. Left in her care one hot summer's afternoon, her beloved younger brother, Benjie, drowns behind some lethal rocks. Blaming herself entirely, guilty and grief-stricken, Jenna puts all her plans on hold. She relinquishes her hard-fought place at ballet school to support her father and their family-run caf�, trying valiantly to pretend this is the life she wants.
Until she finds Benjie's diary and starts to probe its secrets. It seems he was being bullied at school; that a pair of twins could have been involved. A chance meeting with someone who was there with her that tragic afternoon could help. What does Jenna discover that puts the accident in a whole new light? And will she find the courage and determination to pursue her dancing dream?
Valerie Mendes is the author of two picture books and of four critically acclaimed novels for young adults (Girl in the Attic, Coming of Age, Lost and Found and The Drowning. Larkswood is her first historical novel for the adult marketplace. She lives in Oxfordshire and is the mother of the theatre and film director Sam Mendes CBE.
Publisher | LBLA Digital |
Binding | Kindle Edition (3 editions) |
Reading Level | Uncategorized
|
# of Pages | 260 |
ISBN-10 | B007HDWTFC |
Publication Date | 03/05/2012 |
You must be a member of JacketFlap to add a video to this page. Please
Log In or
Register.
View Valerie Mendes' profile