The Lovely Bones

Alice Sebold


Apparently this is a very controversial book and Jean was reluctant to read it because of its subject. Only a very reliable and persuasive friend convinced to try it.

It is narrated from heaven by a fourteen year old girl who has just been brutally murdered. She describes the effect of her death on her family and friends and their relationships. It is sordid and seedy but at the same time gripping, moving and beautifully written. Strongly recommended.
Jean 17/7/04


Set in America and written by the heroine who has been murdered and is writing from heaven. She witnesses the interaction within her family and sees her murderer. Gill assured us that it is not a distressing book but is matter-of-fact, descriptive and unusual and very elegantly constructed.
Gill 15/8/04
An unusual book written from the point of view of a murdered teenager (who's now in Heaven). Her murder was a mystery to the people of her town, and she watches as friends and family deal with her death and its aftermath. Her father believes, correctly, that he knows the murderer's identity, but he can't convince the police.

The writing is beautiful despite the often gory subject matter. Her family and friends are very well drawn and their relationships described in a truthful and satisfying way.

Andrew recommends this book.
Andrew 26/9/04


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