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A review by katykelly
Hello Mum by Bernardine Evaristo
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.
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.