By Rachel Delahaye (author)
"Thought-provoking and fresh, this psychological thriller unwraps big questions around identity and responsibility."
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With shades of Sliding Doors and Coraline , Rachel Delahaye’s Splinters explores identity, the repercussion of the decisions we make, responsibility, and “giving yourself and others the space to do the right thing” (to quote its protagonist) with gripping invention.
Jean is a whip-smart teenager — often wittily funny, she has a tendency to overthink, and to wish her life were different. Then, after moving house and discovering that a mirror invented by her room’s former occupant offers a window into alternate versions of yourself, the possibility of having a different life — or lives — takes a tangible form.
Indeed, the mirror was created by a man who believed in “the importance of trial and error — you know, making mistakes so you know how not to repeat them”.
Perfectly attuned to a YA audience, Rachel Delahaye’s Splinters is brilliant on the subject of working through the versions of ourselves we want to be — and those we definitely don’t — and at revealing how decisions we make might send shockwaves through our lives, and those of others. It’s also smart on the fact that the grass isn’t always greener, and perfection is entirely subjective. Bravo!
When you look in the mirror who looks back?
Jean Sylvester is a typical, overthinking adolescent whose painful experience with parallel realities teaches her that while life involves her, it's not always all about her.
She thinks life isn't fair and wishes hers was different. When she witnesses a traumatic accident, she can't help but blame herself for the events leading up to it. In order to be free of the nightmare she has a choice: she can spiral into despair or reconcile herself with the fact that terrible things happen, and some can't be changed.
Splinters is a story about so many things. It starts by looking at the change in our priorities as we move into our teenage years - our desperation for independence and happiness; our vulnerability to change; our misery when things don't turn out as we hoped. There are two things that let you down in life: high expectations and other people.
After studying linguistics and working as a magazine writer and editor, Rachel Delahaye now writes for children and always has new projects brewing. Rachel was born in Australia but has lived in the UK since she was six years old. She lives in Bath and is married with two children and a dog called Rocket.
Rachel’s first book for Troika published in May 2022, Day of the Whale, was nominated for a Carnegie Medal
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When you look in the mirror who looks back? Jean Sylvester is a typical, overthinking adolescent whose painful experience with parallel realities teaches her that while life involves her, it's not always all about her.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Splinters and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
Splinters features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Thrillers, PSHE: Self-Awareness, Self-Esteem and Wellbeing, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Adventure Stories
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Splinters was written by Rachel Delahaye and published by Troika Books
Splinters has 313 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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