Reviews

A Long Way from Verona by Jane Gardam

mehitabels's review against another edition

4.0

I can see why it was an award-winner in 1972, although times and changed the voice and subject of comingof-
age novels. but I loved it very much.
favorite quote: "It's funny but even now I don't think I could actually BUY paper. It always seems to me as if
it ought to be free."

moirastone's review

4.0

If only I could travel back in time and put this in the hands of my 9-year-old self, to fortify and encourage her, to show her the way.

Also, how is it that Jane Gardham is not a huge literary star? She writes bracing, hilarious, and original novels for adults and teenagers alike. I've read a half-dozen now and not a one has disappointed.

missdandyreads's review against another edition

3.0

Hmm. Hmm. Hmm. Wirklich überzeugt hat mich dieses Buch nicht. Es war schräg, aber nicht unbedingt auf gute Art und Weise. Bis auf die letzten 30 Seiten wollte ich erst nur 2 Sterne vergeben, jetzt wären es eher so 2,5. Starker Anfang, starkes Ende, für mich persönlich war aber zu wenig Gutes dazwischen.

leoniee_04's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

foggy_rosamund's review against another edition

5.0

Jessica Vye is "a writer beyond all possible doubt" -- or so she is told by an author she meets in her school. This little book captures her early adolescence during the first years of the Second World War. My edition of this book is a Puffin, but later editions were published for adults. I can see why their might be some confusion -- the narrator is 13, and there is nothing overtly adult in content in the novel -- no sex, nudity or swearing -- but the emotions and ideas are very mature and complex. It's a bildungsroman, a study of a moment in British history, and a novel about writing and reading, as well as a portrait of Jessica Vye. Jessica's father was a teacher but has become a curate and the family move to a small house in a coastal city somewhere near Liverpool. Jessica is a day-student at the local school, and finds little room to write creatively, to read, or to express herself. Meanwhile, the trauma of the war looms: days and nights are punctuated by air-raid sirens, and there's a constant sense of loss. Jessica is often mean, angry and self-centred, and her character and voice are very convincing. She captures the agony of being 13, and also the joy and passion. It's a subtle, funny and moving book, which I enjoyed immensely. Published in 1971, it feels utterly different from most children's books of this period, and extremely vivid and relevant today.

obviously_lene's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

booksinbedinthornhill's review against another edition

5.0

A great semi-autobiographical and magical tale for book lovers and aspiring authors. This definitely goes on my re-reading pile, not something that happens a lot.

bookpossum's review against another edition

4.0

A beautifully observed portrait of a girl who is declared to be a born writer, living in the north of England during World War Two. No doubt she is to some extent a portrait of the young Jane Gardam.

A book written for teenage children, and full of wisdom. Jessica must learn to cope with everyday difficulties at school and home, but then comes face to face with death and destruction during a bombing raid. Over the course of a year, her life changes as she learns to cope with fear and loss.

This was Jane Gardam's first novel, and it is very good indeed.

charlott's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

crochetparrot's review

5.0

I loved it. It was odd and unexpected and just so vivid. If you were ever labelled 'precocious' or 'too clever' or 'brilliant but difficult' at school you'll understand Jessica well. It's an incredibly accurate picture of what it's like to be a confused and lost teenager trying very hard to not seem like you are. There's so much to say about this book but I may have to come back and edit my review later because all I can think is - I loved it.