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A review by jstilts
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Absolutely loved this audiobook regardless that it's aimed at kids - it's an extremely funny Australian school dramedy from the 80s, set in a rough primary school that see's new girl Alison from the posh end of town join the school due to a re-zoning fluke.
Main character Erica and (only self-proclaimed) smartest kid in the school is at first in awe of Alison but quickly becomes envious of her smart, quiet and perfect ways. Erica invents all sorts of outlandish lies to make her own life sound better while lashing out at Alison's imagined snobbery, not realising Alison's life is far from perfect - and ignoring that the rest of the school has no trouble accepting the new girl.
Things come to a head at the school camp, and it all ends rather neatly where Erica has a chance to both address her self-confidence issues and see the real Alison Ashley.
The narrator really throws herself into each role with gusto, bringing to life the whole school and family of characters. I haven't read the original book, and while it's regarded as a classic I imagine the narrator is still elevating it.
Main character Erica and (only self-proclaimed) smartest kid in the school is at first in awe of Alison but quickly becomes envious of her smart, quiet and perfect ways. Erica invents all sorts of outlandish lies to make her own life sound better while lashing out at Alison's imagined snobbery, not realising Alison's life is far from perfect - and ignoring that the rest of the school has no trouble accepting the new girl.
Things come to a head at the school camp, and it all ends rather neatly where Erica has a chance to both address her self-confidence issues and see the real Alison Ashley.
The narrator really throws herself into each role with gusto, bringing to life the whole school and family of characters. I haven't read the original book, and while it's regarded as a classic I imagine the narrator is still elevating it.