What Willow knew by June Colbert
Hachette Livre (A Lothian
Children's
Book), 2007
ISBN 0734409973
(Age 13+) Have 'they' finally caught up with Willow? A paranoid
survivor of political protests, Willow has always believed that 'they'
were out to get her. Now she has disappeared and Sarah is determined to
find out what has happened to her. Sent to live with her father and his
new family, Sarah has a battle on her hands to find her aunt and save
her home.
Told in alternative voices, that of Willow and Sarah the narrator,
this
thriller takes the reader back to university days in the 1970's in
Sydney and gives an insight into hippy culture, anti-nuclear
demonstrations and conscription. The author uses a diary format to
unfold Willow's story. Her encounters with political activists and
drugs are quite compelling and the characterisation of the evil chemist
student who pushes drugs and the hippy students is very believable.
Sarah's trials of fitting in with her 'stepmonster' and having to
babysit constantly add a believable everyday dimension to the story.
Sarah is a feisty, loving character and the reader empathises with her
dilemmas.
This is a suspenseful read suitable for teens who like mystery and
suspense.
Pat Pledger
© Pledger
Consulting, 2007