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A review by booklane
No Number Nine by F.J. Campbell
4.0
An intricate, carefully crafted coming-of-age story where the excitement of the Olympic Games comes alive!
Pip has been in a very dark place for two years, since Holly, Olympic hockey champion and loving sister who made her feel so special, lost her life in an accident on the pitch. Pip has given up hockey and is now trying to move on but is still confused about her future. Therefore, she decides to accept an au pair position caring for two boys in Germany, as far away as possible from home, hockey and what reminds her of Holly.
I was hooked from the start as Pip, home alone on her first night in her new, stately house, is woken up by a sudden noise and discovers that two strangers have entered the house …. Bigger surprises will await her as she finds out that she has ended up with possibly one of the most prominent hockey families in Germany. No matter where you go, your past will haunt you and you have no other choice than dealing with it.
Part coming-of-age novel part suspenseful romance with touches of Cinderella and Jane Eyre minding kids in a wealthy family, there is much to like in this captivating, well plotted novel. I truly empathised with Pip, a well-rounded, relatable character who struggles with difficult decisions and tries to find her place in the world: her doubts, insecurities and mistakes feel so real and resemble many issues young women face. The plot is complex and not only about Pip: while her own family are struggling with loss, her new family are facing other difficult issues – ultimately, everyone has something to learn.
This is also a novel that highlights women in sport, dealing with the pressure and the psychological obstacles they may meet. I have finally understood something about hockey (no previous knowledge or specific interest required!) and have felt the frenzy of the Olympics! a worthy companion tot he Games and a great surprise!
Pip has been in a very dark place for two years, since Holly, Olympic hockey champion and loving sister who made her feel so special, lost her life in an accident on the pitch. Pip has given up hockey and is now trying to move on but is still confused about her future. Therefore, she decides to accept an au pair position caring for two boys in Germany, as far away as possible from home, hockey and what reminds her of Holly.
I was hooked from the start as Pip, home alone on her first night in her new, stately house, is woken up by a sudden noise and discovers that two strangers have entered the house …. Bigger surprises will await her as she finds out that she has ended up with possibly one of the most prominent hockey families in Germany. No matter where you go, your past will haunt you and you have no other choice than dealing with it.
Part coming-of-age novel part suspenseful romance with touches of Cinderella and Jane Eyre minding kids in a wealthy family, there is much to like in this captivating, well plotted novel. I truly empathised with Pip, a well-rounded, relatable character who struggles with difficult decisions and tries to find her place in the world: her doubts, insecurities and mistakes feel so real and resemble many issues young women face. The plot is complex and not only about Pip: while her own family are struggling with loss, her new family are facing other difficult issues – ultimately, everyone has something to learn.
This is also a novel that highlights women in sport, dealing with the pressure and the psychological obstacles they may meet. I have finally understood something about hockey (no previous knowledge or specific interest required!) and have felt the frenzy of the Olympics! a worthy companion tot he Games and a great surprise!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death