Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson, published by Penguin books, £7.99
What is the book about?
The story is of Hetty Feather, whose name gives the book its title, an imaginative, curious and quick-witted girl growing up during the Victorian times in The Foundling Hospital in London. The book begins talking about her return to the hospital after having to leave her foster home and her adventures from there, trying to discover the identity of her biological mother, and her disillusionment with the ordinary. It tackles Hetty’s journey with writing, the meaning of family and friendship and the trials of youth in a way that appears almost effortless.
Who is it aimed at?
This particular book is more aimed towards younger teenagers and children but remains a great re-read for me.
What was your favourite part?
Perhaps my favourite part of the book was how Jacqueline Wilson’s style of writing made the subject matter so easy to pick up and understand. To take a rather deep emotional theme and turn it into a fun and stimulating children’s book is a feat that I still struggle to understand how she managed but am always blown away by.
What was your least favourite part?
My least favourite part was the slower parts of the book where the usually (and definitely for the most part) exciting and engaging plot seemed to slow and made me briefly lose interest.
Which character would you most like to meet?
As I always found myself able to look up to and admire her in some way or another, Hetty herself was always my favourite character and I had a deep interest in her antics and adventures.
Why should someone buy this book?
This book was the ultimate classic of
my childhood that I’ve found myself coming back to again and again and believe should be shared with a
whole new generation of young,
aspiring writers. As well as this one I grew up on many of Jacqueline Wilson’s books and would highly recommend them all.
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