Product Description

Narrated by the most compelling voice since Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, this is a quirky and original voyage of self-discovery triggered by a lost urn of ashes. The mini cab office was up a cobbled mews with little flat houses either side. That's where I first met Violet Park, what was left of her. There was a healing centre next door, a pretty smart name for a place with a battered brown door and no proper door handle and stuck-on wooden numbers in the shape of clowns. The 3 of number 13 was a w stuck on sideways and I thought it was kind of sad and I liked it at the same time. Sixteen-year-old Lucas Swain becomes intrigued by the urn of ashes left in a cab office. Convinced that its occupant -- Violet Park -- is communicating with him, he contrives to gain possession of the urn, little realising that his quest will take him on a voyage of self-discovery and identity, forcing him to finally confront what happened to his absent (and possibly dead) father!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7509 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Review
"A wonderful debut for many reasons ! What marks this book out is not just its charm, warmth and wit, but also the skill with which Valentine braids together the threads" The Guardian "No plot summary cando justice to the particular flavour of this book, both witty and with moments of genuine sweetness ! Excellent." Books for Keeps "Ultra-original and brilliantly written, this will have you laughing and crying too." Mizz Magazine "Has the originality of Mark Haddon, the immediacy of Jacqueline Wilson and the emotional connection of Kevin Brooks. It really does work." Jill Murphy, The Book Bag "A captivating novel from a compelling new voice in teen fiction!hilarious and dramatic in turns." Liverpool Echo "I loved every page of this extraordinary book; a completely unique and involving story!a great book which deserves to be read over and over again." Redhouse Review, Hannah Pitts age 15 "A great story, with a witty and believable main character." tBk mag "If Jenny Valentine doesn't start you reading, I'm not sure what will ! A very creative and highly original plot ! I would also recommend it to sneaky parents who like to snoop around their children's bookcases. But make sure you have time to spare, as you will be unable to put this book down!" Emily Decker, South Wales Argus "An unpredictable story full of suspense ! If you are looking for an original, creative, page-turner that is filled with mystery, look no further" Megan Davies, South Wales Argus

Synopsis
Narrated by the most compelling voice since Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, this is a quirky and original voyage of self-discovery triggered by a lost urn of ashes. The mini cab office was up a cobbled mews with little flat houses either side. That's where I first met Violet Park, what was left of her. There was a healing centre next door, a pretty smart name for a place with a battered brown door and no proper door handle and stuck-on wooden numbers in the shape of clowns. The 3 of number 13 was a w stuck on sideways and I thought it was kind of sad and I liked it at the same time. Sixteen-year-old Lucas Swain becomes intrigued by the urn of ashes left in a cab office. Convinced that its occupant -- Violet Park -- is communicating with him, he contrives to gain possession of the urn, little realising that his quest will take him on a voyage of self-discovery and identity, forcing him to finally confront what happened to his absent (and possibly dead) father!

About the Author
Jenny Valentine moved house every two years when she was growing up. She has just moved house again, probably not for the last time. She worked in a wholefood shop in Primrose Hill for fifteen years where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic loaves than there are words in her first novel. She has also worked as a teaching assistant and a jewellery maker. She studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College, which almost put her off reading but not quite. Jenny is married to a singer/songwriter and has two children. Finding Violet Park is her first novel.

Customer Reviews

Highly recommended
A massive congratulations to the author for such a clever piece of work. The only complaint I have about this book is that it was not long enough. An excellent storyline, with a surprising twist in the tale. I loved it and would recommend it to readers of all ages.

Family connection
Teenager, Lucas is intrigued by the urn containing ashes of Violet Park that rests on a shelf in a taxi office and he is convinced that she is trying to communicate with him. He steals the urn and finding out more about her life becomes his obsession. Her secrets gradually become clear until he is surprised to discover her connection to his missing father.

As I read chapter one, I thought I was going to find it difficult to recommend this book as it had an amateur feel to it. However, either the unusual subject overcame most of my reservations or the writing greatly improved for I was soon as hooked by Violet Park as Lucas was. An unusual and enjoyable teen read.

Original but somehow not one I want to keep
This was an original and readable book but it left me feeling a bit disappointed. It describes how 16 year old Lucas gets interested in an urn of ashes which turn out to belong to a lady called Violet Park. The descriptions of how he finds out more and more about her are interesting. And he and his family, though not very likeable, are well described too. But the crux of the story is the way Lucas feels about his disappeared father, who interviewed Violet Park years ago - and this aspect of the book felt a bit contrived to me. I won't give the story away but I struggled to care about what Lucas felt about himself and his dad. I also began to find Lucas's habit of making little lists rather annoying and self conscious. At the end, although I'd enjoyed the read, I did find myself rather thinking "So what?"

I'm not suggesting you don't read this book - please do, as it's well written and original. But for me, its lack of emotional impact and "flavour", meant I gave it to Oxfam after reading it, instead of keeping it on my shelf to read again