Bad Dreams - Softcover

Fine, Anne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0440867320 ISBN 13: 9780440867326

Publisher: Yearling, 2006

Synopsis

'I adore stories in which people have weird dreams, and strange things happen. But that's in books. Real life is supposed to be real, and I like my world to be solid around me . . . '

Mel is the class bookworm. She prefers books to people and doesn't want - or need - friends. She certainly doesn't want to be first-week minder for new girl, Imogen. And Imogen is odd. Slowly, Mel discovers that Imogen has a special talent - a family 'gift' that Mel thinks is more like a curse. And that's when she realizes that stories can happen in real life, too. For only she can stop Imogen's private horror story - stop the bad dreams . . .

About this title

Review

The Times Educational Supplement labelled Anne Fine as "a children's writer of rare gifts". Indeed she is. Anyone who has ever revelled in Goggle Eyes, Madame Doubtfire, Charm School, or indeed any of her other novels, will have been left in little doubt that she has an eye for strong characterisation, situation and storytelling.

Bad Dreams is no exception to the Fine rule--in fact she just gets better and better. This novel tells of young Mel, the class bookworm who has thus far successfully managed to distance herself from other children by burying her head and losing herself in words and imagination. She certainly prefers books to people and when new girl Imogen arrives on the scene her first instincts are proved absolutely correct. Imogen is definitely weird.

As Mel becomes more and more curious about Imogen and her "weirdness", the two form a bond and it is this bond that forms the premise of the book. As usual Fine's characters are beautifully observed, and as the subtleties of a blossoming--not to mention reluctant--friendship sharply but unobtrusively develops, the two girls reveal themselves to each other at a tender pace. But the gripping centre-piece of the story is the search for peace in a world that is turned upside down by the supernatural.

Decidedly spooky in places, and not without its fair share of giggles, Bad Dreams delicately combines a fast-paced adventure with the tender touch of an author with a thorough awareness that she is dealing with some very tricky issues: the importance of being true to yourself and the difficulties we face when making decisions that will affect another person's life.

Bad Dreams is an absolute must for Anne Fine devotees and its fine blend of reality and fantasy will captivate new readers, whatever their age. Age 10 and over. --Susan Harrison

Review

"A spirited defence of individuality. An enthusiatic advertisement for the delights of reading" (Literary Review)

"A beautifully plotted, well-told mix of fantasy thriller and closely observed school drama" (Telegraph)

"A fast and compelling tale" (Independent)

About this edition

• Publisher: Yearling
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0440867320
• ISBN 13: 9780440867326
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160