Finding Violet Park

Finding Violet Park

by JennyValentine (Author)

Synopsis

Narrated by the most compelling voice since Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, this is a quirky and original voyage of self-discovery triggered by a lost urn of ashes. The mini cab office was up a cobbled mews with little flat houses either side. That's where I first met Violet Park, what was left of her. There was a healing centre next door, a pretty smart name for a place with a battered brown door and no proper door handle and stuck-on wooden numbers in the shape of clowns. The 3 of number 13 was a w stuck on sideways and I thought it was kind of sad and I liked it at the same time. Sixteen-year-old Lucas Swain becomes intrigued by the urn of ashes left in a cab office. Convinced that its occupant -- Violet Park -- is communicating with him, he contrives to gain possession of the urn, little realising that his quest will take him on a voyage of self-discovery and identity, forcing him to finally confront what happened to his absent (and possibly dead) father!

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Published: 03 Jan 2007

ISBN 10: 0007214456
ISBN 13: 9780007214457
Children’s book age: 12+ Years
Prizes: Winner of Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2007. Shortlisted for Branford Boase Award 2008 and Carnegie Medal 2008.

Media Reviews
Finding Violet Park is a wonderful debut for many reasons! the book is astute! full of bitter-sweet observations. The plot is so well controlled that you never anticipate the clever ending. Guardian Review Ultra-original and brilliantly written, this will have you laughing and crying, too. Mizz Clever and totally assured, it is hard to believe that this is a first novel from a new author! [an] ingenious novel from a writer who already has much to offer. ***** Nicholas Tucker, Books for Keeps Memorable and well-paced, this is a book to help young people grow in spite of adversity. Carousel This is terrific stuff and quite unlike anything else I've come across!. a powerful and compelling story! and manages to give every question, every problem, every doubt its right weight -- no more, no less. Inis First-time author Jenny Valentine has an original and exciting voice. Writing Magazine Narrated by the most unique voice since 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, this is a quirky and original voyage of self-discovery! a terrific book. Gateway Profound, funny and beautifully written: I doubt I'll read a better teenage novel this year. Bournemouth Daily Echo A captivating novel! Hilarious and dramatic in turns. Liverpool Echo Prepare to be thrilled and chilled School House magazine
Author Bio
Jenny Valentine moved house every two years when she was growing up. She has just moved house again, probably not for the last time. She worked in a wholefood shop in Primrose Hill for fifteen years where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic loaves than there are words in her first novel. She has also worked as a teaching assistant and a jewellery maker. She studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College, which almost put her off reading but not quite. Jenny is married to a singer/songwriter and has two children. 'Finding Violet Park' is her first novel.