Review An enjoyable and gripping read but, far and away beyond that, a novel which will stimulate thought and judgement on the part of the reader. A most impressive first novel Author: Elizabeth Finlayson Source: School Library Association Book Description A darkly compulsive tale of friendship and obsession From the Author Jess Vallance works as a freelance writer and lives near Brighton. Her YA novels for Hot Key Books are Birdy and The Yellow Room, as well as the first Gracie Dart novel, You Only Live Once.Follow Jess at www.jessvallance.com or on Twitter: @JessVallance1 From the Inside Flap Frances Bird has been a loner for so long that she's given up on ever finding real friendship. But then she's asked to show a new girl around school, and she begins to think her luck could finally be changing.Eccentric, talkative and just a little bit posh, Alberta is not at all how Frances imagined a best friend could be. But the two girls click immediately, and it's not long before they are inseparable. Frances could not be happier. As the weeks go on, Frances finds out more about her new best friend - her past, her secrets, her plans for the future - and she starts to examine their friendship more closely. Is it, perhaps, just too good to be true? From the Back Cover Frances Bird has been a loner for so long that she's given up on ever finding real friendship. But then she's asked to show a new girl around school, and she begins to think her luck could finally be changing.Eccentric, talkative and just a little bit posh, Alberta is not at all how Frances imagined a best friend could be. But the two girls click immediately, and it's not long before they are inseparable. Frances could not be happier. As the weeks go on, Frances finds out more about her new best friend - her past, her secrets, her plans for the future - and she starts to examine their friendship more closely. Is it, perhaps, just too good to be true? About the Author Jess Vallance works as a freelance writer and has written articles on everything from business accounting to embalming a body. Jess lives in Brighton. BIRDY is her first novel. Follow Jess at www.jessvallance.com or on Twitter @JessVallance1
M**K
Birdy and Bert draw you into their world.
Wow! This is Jess Vallance's first novel. What a superb achievement. Anita Brookner or Muriel Spark would have been proud to publish this. It is marketed as Young Adult literature, but don't dismiss it because of this label. It is an expertly written study of a relationship between two friends who draw you into their world, so much so that you actually start to miss them when you have finished reading the book. The narrative flows so beautifully that you feel as if Birdy is in the room with you, telling you her story with witty observations and plenty of cynicism. I loved this so much I am struggling to read other books now, because they are nowhere near as good as Birdy. Also, although I am a notoriously slow reader, I read this book in one day because it is so well-written.
T**R
Buy it, Enjoy it
Whoa, just when I thought I had it figured out the ending threw me the proverbial curve ball. Loved the book and read it in record time - I really needed to see what happended next.
R**E
Dark, funny page turner
Frances is a witty, down-to-earth teenager who has had a difficult life but has learnt how to survive secondary school alone. But her world is turned upside down when a new girl starts at school and a unique friendship ensues. A delightful page turner with some unexpected twists and turns. Looking forward to more from this author.
K**R
Amazing
Quite a slow book to get into and not much drama or action, there's a few good parts but I've read a lot better
B**N
Excellent book
I read this book over a couple of evenings as I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable, as was the development of the girls relationship. This was a great psychological teen drama that people of all ages could relate to.
A**A
A thought provoking read
Great book covering themes of teenagers, infatuation, jealousy and mental illness Thoroughly enjoyed it!
K**E
Write another one please
I love both Jess Vallance’s books thus far and and waiting impatiently for her next release. Lovely writer.
M**S
An unusual read
I really had no idea what the outcome of this book might be when I started but it became an obsessive read to find out
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