‘Love, Aubrey’ is a beautiful book
By Libby / Spinebreakers Crew
‘Love, Aubrey’ is a heart-wrenching story that more than once had me blubbering in the bath and trying desperately not to cry on the bus (more than a few odd looks for that one). It’s a grown up Jacqueline Wilson and the most poignant note of the novel is that it could happen to anyone. I won’t spoil the plot but the book is very emotional, focusing a lot on Aubrey’s relationship with her sister and mother. Having a younger brother myself I could really relate to many of LaFleur’s descriptions of sibling squabbles and imaginary worlds.
The novel is told from the perspective of Aubrey, an eleven year old girl. She has been left alone in her house and we have no clue why. Aubrey is rather resentful of her mother, and I find myself trying to paint a picture of this cruel and horrible woman. However, this characterization never quite sits right and I think in this instance it’s a perfect example of Suzanne LaFleur’s skill as a writer. When we meet the mother it all fits and it amplifies the fact we are being told this story from Aubrey’s perspective and how well it has been told. Suzanne LaFleur captures the eleven year old’s mind perfectly.
Although the story line was slightly cliché, (I guessed what had happened to Aubrey’s dad and sister within the first few chapters) sometimes clichés are believable, and I found that I couldn’t resent the story line for being so obvious because it was so touching and truly gripped me.
Overall, ‘Love, Aubrey’ is a beautiful book, and I reckon it does do what it promises on the cover, Aubrey’s story will definitely stay with me for a long time.