A review by sharnibee
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein

funny medium-paced

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

4.0

Overdramatic, compulsive liar Erica Yurken considers herself the cream of the crop at the socially disadvantaged primary school of Barringa East until Alison Ashley arrives - with her nice clothes, dainty earrings & perfect hair. It’s HATE at first sight for Erica. 

Everything is from Erica’s POV & she’s not having a great time for the majority of the book - - she’s friendless at school, she’s a snob, she’s embarrassed by her family & the area she lives in & the arrival of Alison Ashley really tips her over the edge. Their bumpy road to friendship and Erica’s slow road to finding herself is just a delight. 

Absolutely loved rereading one of my childhood faves - can’t say I felt as sympathetic for Erica as I once did. This was a genuinely funny book that’s held up pretty well for something published in 1984.