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A review by katykelly
No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen
5.0
Another memorable protagonist and story from Nielsen, the topic of homelessness an important one to expose.
I've liked Nielsen's books previously, and this sounded as though it was going to be another bittersweet story with characters in difficult positions. Felix is 12, and yes, his life is not a standard one. We see just how he and his mother, whose temperament makes her unable to hold down a job, have ended up with no home, moved from place to place and finally ended up in a 'borrowed' van.
Blagging their way into Felix's new school after having moved around a lot, Felix is thrilled to meet up with a friend he knew years ago, finally able to enjoy a friendship and settle to a stable routine.
"You know how sometimes you don't realise how much you've missed something until you get it back? That's how I felt about having a friend again."
Surely his mum will find work soon and they can find somewhere to live?
The indignities and problems associated with having no fixed abode come across quite clearly, the lies Felix feels he has to tell to Dylan and slightly-annoying-but-smart Winnie, the frustration he feels for mum Astrid. The author even says in her afterword "I wanted to write a deeply flawed parent."
Felix shows us just how easily circumstances can change, but just who can be affected - he's a trivia game show enthusiast and has dreams of using his talent to pull him and his mum out of their nomadic existence.
I couldn't really empathise with Astrid, my own instinct to provide a roof for my children would keep me biting my tongue and keeping a job. But I did feel for Felix, admired his wish to help his mum, and could see his conflicted feelings for her amidst his hand-to-mouth existence. When his mother ends up shoplifting to feed them both, Felix determines he will pay every shop back what they owe, keeping a tally of what they have stolen. Definitely a young man I admire.
The game show subplot seemed a little 'last minute' in the plot, but I liked how it was covered, with Winnie reporting the events second-hand.
Some memorable characters and scenes, a very timely look at an important topic. I loved Felix's narration and moments talking to the reader, Winne is a very appealing female in this as well.
Great for ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
I've liked Nielsen's books previously, and this sounded as though it was going to be another bittersweet story with characters in difficult positions. Felix is 12, and yes, his life is not a standard one. We see just how he and his mother, whose temperament makes her unable to hold down a job, have ended up with no home, moved from place to place and finally ended up in a 'borrowed' van.
Blagging their way into Felix's new school after having moved around a lot, Felix is thrilled to meet up with a friend he knew years ago, finally able to enjoy a friendship and settle to a stable routine.
"You know how sometimes you don't realise how much you've missed something until you get it back? That's how I felt about having a friend again."
Surely his mum will find work soon and they can find somewhere to live?
The indignities and problems associated with having no fixed abode come across quite clearly, the lies Felix feels he has to tell to Dylan and slightly-annoying-but-smart Winnie, the frustration he feels for mum Astrid. The author even says in her afterword "I wanted to write a deeply flawed parent."
Felix shows us just how easily circumstances can change, but just who can be affected - he's a trivia game show enthusiast and has dreams of using his talent to pull him and his mum out of their nomadic existence.
I couldn't really empathise with Astrid, my own instinct to provide a roof for my children would keep me biting my tongue and keeping a job. But I did feel for Felix, admired his wish to help his mum, and could see his conflicted feelings for her amidst his hand-to-mouth existence. When his mother ends up shoplifting to feed them both, Felix determines he will pay every shop back what they owe, keeping a tally of what they have stolen. Definitely a young man I admire.
The game show subplot seemed a little 'last minute' in the plot, but I liked how it was covered, with Winnie reporting the events second-hand.
Some memorable characters and scenes, a very timely look at an important topic. I loved Felix's narration and moments talking to the reader, Winne is a very appealing female in this as well.
Great for ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.