Review: Saving Francesca - Melina Marchetta + Emma and Elliott

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastian's, a boys' school that pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom.  Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player.  The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is.  Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.

My thoughts:

I liked this one. It was meaningful, had some real emotions going on and was like YA should be. No stupid love triangles, instalove or silly teen angst over nothing.

Marchetta has a great voice and from what I hear this is not even her best book, no the rest are even better. I would like to read those too.

The book is about Francesca who haws started a new school without her old friends. And her mum is not leaving the bedroom. It's a tough start. But slowly she finds her way, very slowly. But I liked that, the book had a light slow vibe too. And she gets saved and finds out who she really is. Oh and yes maybe there is some maybe romance in there too ;)

conclusion:

Not the best day to write a review for me. But I will just say, this is a good YA book to read.

Cover

I have the looking up at the sky one, could not find a decent image of it, also it is very meh

Would I read more?

yes

Paperback, 256 pages
Published May 6th 2004 by Puffin Books (first published March 31st 2003)
Contemporary YA
Own

Few heroines evoke such diverse emotions as Jane Austen's Emma Woodhouse, for whom readers profess everything from disdain to devotion. In "Emma & Elton", Alexa Adams explores what might have befallen the supercilious Miss Woodhouse if she were made aware of Mr. Elton's affection prior to his proposal. This short story was first published on Adams' blog in tribute to Halloween, and though you'll find no ghost or ghouls gracing its pages, tenderhearted Janeites be warned: here lies "something truly horrid".

My thoughts:

It was short so I do not have a lot to say.

The story stayed every true to Emma. With a few exceptions, Emma is a bit smarter and at the same time not. And something truly horrid happens.

I liked the horrid thing the most...cos it was horrid ;)

A nice twist to the story.

'

Published October 31st 2012
http://alexaadams.blogspot.com/
Short story / Jane Austen variation