A Review by Darlene Jones
A Kettle of Fish is the right title for this
book, for when 17 year-old Ailsa questions the unknowns of her past she steps
into a bigger kettle of fish than she bargained for. Harsh and gritty, but at
the same time lyrical, Ali
Bacon’s story of a young girl searching for answers reveals the
hidden consequences of people’s actions.
Those directly involved in Ailsa’s life withhold information
and keep secrets. Though none wish to harm her, the repercussions for Ailsa are
huge. Bacon shows that actions, perhaps intended to protect, ripple from the
center to impact those on the periphery. Hurts multiply and grow when secrets
are kept.
How is Ailsa to find her way when so much that impacts her
life is a mystery? She’s a gutsy girl. Taking care of her ill mother, working
her way through the intricacies of relationships, making life impacting
decisions about her education and her future, and trying to solve the mysteries
around her will have readers anxious for Aisla’s welfare and rooting for her.
The story is set in Scotland. North American readers will
find some unfamiliar vocabulary. That doesn’t detract from the story. In fact I
found it to be enriching.
~If you like what you see here, be sure to check out this
selection. If you like Darlene’s review style, just imagine how much you’ll
like her writing. Learn more about her and her writing at www.emandyves.com...Be sure to come
back tomorrow to get a preview of Darlene Jones’s EMBRACED.
