By Zillah Bethell (author) Part of the Firefly Modern Wales Series series
"The one that got away."
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The first YA novel from an esteemed MG author is always an intriguing prospect and I think Zillah Bethel will surprise her fans with this short but powerful text, which is darkly comic and even a touch macabre. It certainly does not set out to flatter Port Talbot or its characters, but it is utterly convincing both in setting and characterisation.
Port Talbot, as the cover depicts, has a coastline dominated by the steelworks and the book is structured in sections relating to the steelmaking process. This and the opening with its wryly comic list of The Players and Stuff gives the reader clues as to what will follow, although this is not a book which is heavy on exposition or explanation, rather it is an impressionistic stream of consciousness and full of atmosphere.
Our main narrator is Charlene, although we also have Apricot Jones’ contributions written as diary entries. The two of them stumble their way through life without any real plan or any aspirations, except Apricot’s rather vague desire to leave Port Talbot. The relationship between the two girls is one that is finely balanced, they share a deep love, but are brutally aware of each other’s ‘flaws’.
We gradually understand what has brought them to the point when we first meet them and cannot help but empathise with their experiences. The tiny, brilliantly observed details of their lives and of the characters who surround them are authentic and relatable to many, although the trigger warnings at the front of the book are well placed. This really is an extraordinary and exciting piece of writing.
One morning Apricot Jones wakes up to graffiti on her front door and a man in a black Jaguar who calls himself the Baglan Giant looking for her mum, Carys.
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Apricot and her best friend Charlie must find the secret that Carys is keeping and come to terms with parts of themselves that are lost while reaching out to new beginnings.
Set on the Sandfields estate and the sea's edge, and structured by the omnipresent steelworks, this is a darkly comic tale of what it means to be alive, seventeen and living in Port Talbot.
Zillah Bethell was born in the shadow of the volcano Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea. She grew up without shoes, toys or technology. Consequently she spent a lot of time in the sea swimming and in canoes. Zillah's family returned to the UK when she was ten, and she now lives in South Wales. Zillah is a storyteller and has written numerous stories for all ages.
Photo credit Sian Trenberth
The Wilderness of Girls
Madeline Claire Franklin
Antigone - Plays for Young People
One morning Apricot Jones wakes up to graffiti on her front door and a man in a black Jaguar who calls himself the Baglan Giant looking for her mum, Carys. Apricot and her best friend Charlie must find the secret that Carys is keeping and come to terms with parts of themselves that are lost while reaching out to new beginnings.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Vanishing Edge and determined it is suitable for children aged 15-18 years old
Vanishing Edge features in the following genres: Featured Books for Young Adults, Stories about Family and Friends, Recommendations, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Vanishing Edge was written by Zillah Bethell and published by Firefly Press
Vanishing Edge has 160 pages
Yes it is part of Firefly Modern Wales Series series
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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