LoveReading Says
One of our Books of the Year 2014 Heartbreak is made bearable by humour in this gripping and touching story of sixteen year old Pearl, struggling to keep going after the death of her mother. Pearl’s mum dies after giving birth to The Rat as Pearl designates her tiny, newborn sister.
How can Pearl ever forgive The Rat for all the grief she has caused? Locked into her own sadness and refusing to let anyone help her, Pearl knows that only her mum can help her. What would she say if she turned up and knew what Pearl was thinking? How Pearl grieves for – and with – her mother is a tragic tale beautifully told. ~ Julia Eccleshare
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for The Year of the Rat a small number of readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster... 'This book is deeply enticing. It is charming and funny and sweet, yet deals with a heart wrenching topic respectfully. I would recommend this to anyone of any age. A deeply enjoyable read' Ciara McIlvenna.
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A Piece of Passion from Ingrid Selberg, Publisher, Simon & Schuster Clare Furniss has that rare ability only the very best writers have: to provoke an authentic emotional response. Clare describes grief that cuts to the bone at the same time as making you smile wryly at life’s unpredictability...If you’re a daughter you can’t help but immediately want to pick up the phone to your mum after reading this…
Reviewed by Julia Eccleshare M.B.E.Julia Eccleshare has spent her working life to date within children’s books as a critic, an editor, an author and a commentator.
More reviews by Julia Eccleshare M.B.E. About The Year of the Rat
I always thought you'd know, somehow, if something terrible was going to happen. I thought you'd sense it, like when the air goes damp and heavy before a storm and you know you'd better hide yourself away somewhere safe until it all blows over. But it turns out it's not like that at all.
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The Year of the Rat Synopsis
I always thought you'd know, somehow, if something terrible was going to happen. I thought you'd sense it, like when the air goes damp and heavy before a storm and you know you'd better hide yourself away somewhere safe until it all blows over. But it turns out it's not like that at all.
There's no scary music playing in the background like in films. No warning signs. Not even a lonely magpie.
One for sorrow, Mum used to say. Quick, look for another. The world can tip at any moment … a fact that fifteen-year-old Pearl is all too aware of when her mum dies after giving birth to her baby sister.
Told across the year following her mother's death, Pearl's story is full of bittersweet humour and heartbreaking honesty about how you deal with grief that cuts you to the bone, as she tries not only to come to terms with losing her mum, but also the fact that her sister - The Rat - is a constant reminder of why her mum is no longer around…
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781471171000 |
| Publication date: |
1st January 2015 |
| Author: |
Clare Furniss |
| Publisher: |
Simon & Schuster Childrens Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
307 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Young Adult Fiction
|
| Recommendations: |
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Clare Furniss Press Reviews
A small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review The Year of the Rat. You can read their reviews below.
Ciara McIlvenna - 'This book is deeply enticing. It is charming and funny and sweet, yet deals with a heart wrenching topic respectfully. I would recommend this to anyone of any age. A deeply enjoyable read.' Click Here to read the full review.
Ruby Woods - 'A heartfelt book that is sure to leave the reader in tears. It’s perfect for any teenager looking for an unforgettable read.' Click Here to read the full review.
Morgan Steigmann - 'A truly captivating debut that will steal your heart, Pearl’s story tells of troubles a teenage girl should never have to face... and a feeling of guilt that refuses to shift.' Click Here to read the full review.
Erin Zammitt - 'A short and sweet read that will have you crying with laughter one moment and crying with bittersweet sadness the next. A great debut from Furniss.' Click Here to read the full review.
Poppy - 'Such a poignant book that though seemingly simple is rather more special than that.' Click Here to read the full review.
Karianne Turner - 'a marvellous book...It was very sad to start off with but as you read more it becomes a little happier with every chapter and by the end I was smiling.' Click Here to read the full review.
Kaya B - 'a brilliant and emotional debut novel...I look forward to reading more from Clare Furniss.' Click Here to read the full review.
Raimy Greenland - 'The Year of The Rat was exactly what I wanted it to be - heartfelt and real...This book was incredible and I would urge others to read it.' Click Here to read the full review.
Rebecca Tyrrell - 'a fabulous, thought provoking novel and one I am glad that I have read.' Click Here to read the full review.
Bethan Scarr - 'You fall in love with all the characters instantly, I could hardly put it down... I will always remember roller coaster that is The Year of the Rat.' Click Here to read the full review.
Aimee Sweet - 'This book is so fabulous it brought tears to my eyes and at one time I shouted, "Help Pearl! Somebody!"...I recommend this to anyone because anyone would love it.' Click Here to read the full review.
Jade Craddock - 'a heart-wrenching journey but one that is certainly worth the hours spent on it.' Click Here to read the full review.
Tricia Clement - 'Anybody who has lost someone will relate to this story, at times sad, at times funny, a story that all ages will enjoy.' Click Here to read the full review.
