LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
Joanne Owen's Pick of the Year 2015 “Words scare me, the lies and the truth, so I decided to stop using them,” so declares Tess, the troubled heroine of this remarkable novel about alienation, family conflict, the often cruel dynamics of school and, ultimately, the struggle to find one’s place.
Everything changes for Tess when she uncovers an earthshattering family secret. With her whole life pulled apart and seemingly founded on a lie, Tess makes a stand by retreating into selective mutism, thus the voice she’s always used to please others is transformed into a form of rebellion. In place of conversing with people, Tess communicates with the fish-shaped torch she bought when planning to run away. But while Tess withdraws into herself, the outside world becomes increasingly hostile.
Always inimitable and never confined by convention or recourse to cliché, Annabel Pitcher’s protagonists are consistently created with insight and honesty, warts and all, and Silence is Goldfish is an unforgettable novel. ~ Joanne Owen
Reviewed by Joanne OwenJoanne Owen’s lifelong love of reading and writing began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, and very much wished that witches (and Mrs Pepperpot) were real.
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About
Silence is Goldfish Synopsis
SILENCE IS GOLDFISH
is a story that demands to be heard. 'I have a voice but it isn't mine. It used to say things so I'd fit in - to please my parents, to please my teachers.
It used to tell the universe I was something I wasn't. It lied.' Fifteen-year-old Tess doesn't mean to become mute. At first, she's just too shocked to speak.
And who wouldn't be? Discovering your whole life has been a lie because your dad isn't your real father is a pretty big deal. Tess sets out to find the truth of her identity, and uncovers a secret that could ruin multiple lives.
But can she ask for help when she's forgotten how to use her voice? This is the third YA novel from the bestselling and prizewinning author of
MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE
and KETCHUP CLOUDS.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781780620022 |
| Publication date: |
8th September 2016 |
| Author: |
Annabel Pitcher |
| Publisher: |
Indigo (an Imprint of Orion Children's) an imprint of Hachette Children's Group |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
365 pages |
| Reading age: |
12+ |
| Primary Genre |
Young Adult Fiction
|
| Recommendations: |
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Press Reviews
Annabel Pitcher Press Reviews
'This amazing story is very well written and easy to read, as always! As with Ketchup Clouds, I would recommend this book to teenagers from about the age of fourteen who are just beginning to experience love, betrayal, recklessness and loneliness.' GUARDIAN CHILDREN'S BOOKS
'This novel is both heart-breaking and hilarious. Tess is a fabulous protagonist, a strong, outgoing girl who tries her hardest to please those around her, yet one who deals with daily bullying on account of her size and unconventional looks. Her journey of self-discovery is incredibly difficult and you cannot help but cheer her on every step of the way. It is exceptionally well written and an absolute joy to read.' BOOK TRUST
'Strong in substance and originality, Pitcher continues to bring boldness and uniqueness to' YA WE LOVE THIS BOOK
'More sad, funny and relatable family dynamic storytelling from Annabel Pitcher' THE BOOKBAG
'A beautifully told story about identity and how important it is to children and teenagers' THE WHISPERING OF THE PAGES
Author
About Annabel Pitcher
Annabel Pitcher studied English at Oxford and has since worked as a script writer and an English teacher. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband. She won a Betty Trask award for her first novel My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece .
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