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Me Mam. Me Dad. Me by Malcolm Duffy (view source)
Revision as of 09:52, 9 August 2020
, 09:52, 9 August 2020no edit summary
Here's the thing. You can't write a story about extreme domestic violence and stick on a fairy tale happy ending at the finish. Life is dirty and messy and leaves loose ends all over the place, particularly where trauma is involved. But people can - ''and do'' - make it out to a better place. The best thing for me about ''Me Mam. Me Dad. Me'' is that it ends so realistically. There is resolution but it's not a fairy tale. There are consequences and prices to pay and messy loose ends. But there is resolution and that resolution provides a foundation on which to build again. Malcolm Duffy has navigated a difficult but necessary topic for middle grade and teen readers with great care and sensitivity but also a lot of honesty. It's genuinely praiseworthy.
''Me Mam. Me Dad. Me'' would make a great classroom read. It's illuminating but it's also touching and relatable. Danny is a fabulous central character whose determination and loyalty will tug your heart strings heartstrings and his longing to help his mother far outstrips some of the mistakes he makes along the way. Duffy's straightforward, punchy writing style and choice of Geordie vernacular for Danny's voice gets straight to the heart of the important story he is telling but also manages to find some hope and humour along the way.
I really enjoyed this one and recommend it to all thoughtful readers. If Danny ever needs an extra hug, he can come and get one from me.
Anne Cassidy's [[Hidden Child by Anne Cassidy|Hidden Child]] also looks at themes of spousal domestic violence, this time inside a tense psychological mystery. And the fabulous [[More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer]] looks at the type of familial violence that is turned upon children. It's a powerful read. You might also appreciate [[A Thousand Perfect Notes by C G Drews]]
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