Age 13+

Fifteen-year-old Rowan’s family is a mess, like the puddle of breakages and spillage caused by a dropped breakfast tray, which Rowan’s six-year-old sister calls “broken soup”. In the aftermath of a bereavement, her parents’ marriage has failed, and her father has gone. Unbeknown to him, Rowan has taken over all domestic responsibilities, including the care of her sister, but hides the truth for fear of being taken from her incapably depressed mother. A small catalyst leads to a series of changes and revelations, rather as an abandoned urn of ashes did in Valentine’s award-winning first novel, Finding Violet Park. In this second book, the catalyst is the negative of a photograph, handed to Rowan by a strange boy who claims he saw her drop it. This triggers two important new relationships for Rowan: with the boy and with an older girl who shows an interest in the incident. Recounted in Rowan’s vivid, self-effacing, hopeful teenage voice, a mystery unfolds that keeps the reader curious and helps the family mend. Rich in sympathetic, unconventional characters and precise observation, the book has a lightness of touch that belies its skill. For a tale about grief, depression and divorce it is most enjoyable: a life-affirming, witty, romantic read, about freedom, responsibility and love.

BROKEN SOUP by Jenny Valentine

(HarperCollins £5.99). NJ

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