Reviews

Hello Mum by Bernardine Evaristo

katykelly's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars.

I gave this a go after seeing it on the 2014 World Book Night selection. I don't go for Quick Reads and the idea interested me.

A teenager is stabbed, the story a letter to his mum about what happened to put him in that situation. For the intended market, this is probably going to feel authentic. I've read similar plots before, and quite recently, so it's not original particularly. But the Quick Read format hopefully will reach new readers and send a message.

JJ is only 14 but life in London is full of gangs, drugs, knifes and general wariness. He's tried to keep his head down. But eventually the pull of protection and money is too much.

The story is fine, lots of references to current (though what would I know?!) fashion, slang and cultural talking points. JJ is sympathetic, as is his situation. I didn't really think the 'Dear Mum'
format worked, a straightforward narrative would have been less clunky.

This would work well wing read alongside something like 'Pigeon Englsih' with a similar setting but from a younger boy's perspective on London gangs and violence.

melhhan's review

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

emmagray13's review

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.0

raquelbb's review against another edition

dark funny sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

hannah_ls's review

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

liiaaa's review

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

cathbennett's review

dark reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

whatissophiareading's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Read in one sitting, easy to get through. I was unsure of what to think of the writing style, not something I'd usually read but it fits the character and narrative well. Ending hits hard when you know stories like this happen every day. 

sibby's review

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

ruthnessly's review against another edition

this would probably be great for young children and easily accessible for them! i'm not rating it because it's clearly not for me. i borrowed it from the library because i'm waiting for my other evaristo hold :x