 | By: Alex Wheatle Binding: Paperback Publisher: Fourth Estate Ltd ISBN: 000713584X ISBN-13: 9780007135844 Released: 05 Aug 2002 RRP: Average Rating:  |
This could have so easily been a depressing book to read, & whilst it was sad, it was also very funny & heartwarming. I laughed, cried & cheered out loud.
Alex has captured the era so perfectly. I felt as though I was there. Thank you.
Seven Sisters is set in the 1970s, in a childrens home where supposedly the children in the care of the 'Aunties & Uncles' were safe from harm, however as the tale unfolds we find the tight knit friends alll have unspoken suspicions as to what each other endures behind closed doors.
Alex Wheatle is adept at weaving carefree moments, humour darkness & fear together and, as the story gathers it's extraordinary hypnotic page turning pace, you will find yourself filling with a childlike hope that these children will triumph over their hidden oppressors, before the writer launches you into the final crescendo (Alex Wheatle manages to literallly pack this punch in each of his books)leaving you pensive, staring at an empty page.
If you have enjoyed this book & want more from Alex Wheatle, treat yourself to Brixton Rock & East of Acre Lane!!
The Seven Sisters is taunt, exciting, brutal & compulsive reading. The characters are likeable & real, I found myself cheering them on as they fought against a cruel & brutal world perpetuated by the very authorities who were supposed to be looking after them.
The 1970's world of care provision is accurate in alll its contradictions & failings. The era is faithfully recreated by the descriptions & characters.Its not alll bleak though, there are moments of wry comic genius.
Prepare yourself for a long stint with this book- once started, I read it compulsively in one evening. It provides a roller coaster ride of emotions, I raged, laughed, cried & cheered on the lads throughout.
The ending leaves scope for a sequel with one strand left undone. Here's hoping....
The Seven Sisters is a poignant, gripping & gritty read. It's recreation of 1970's social service care is devastatingly realistic & the themes of both the mid seventies & eighties are spot on. Parts of the story are very tragic & disturbing but the dark side of the novel is balanced neatly with authentic adolescent dialogue & truly funny moments. The main characters are very lovable as they struggle with the racist & cruel figures of authority, the rejection from their families & their uncertain futures. The escape to the woods is pure genius- anyone who has attempted to hide or run away will find it very familiar.
I read this in a night, I simply could not put it down.I laughed, cried & ultimately cheered with the lads.
There seemed to be scope for a sequel- one strand of the story is left unfinished. I certainly hope that the sequel does follow...
Below are some of the current bestsellers - click them for a price comparison and find the cheapest place to buy!
