The Book Report

"Look at this" written by W. Murray, ill. J.H. Wingfield

This book is another rollercoaster ride for the senses. You are thrown in right from the start with the sexual tensions between the main protagonists, Jane and Peter. The emotional undercurrants are kept fairly restrained in the text, however Wingfield's illustrations suggest that there is far more than meets the eye to this seemingly innocent relationship.

There is a great cameo appearance by the dog and, although nominally a supporting character, it steals every scene it's in.

There is an early moment of tension when Peter, in a reverse from Biblical precedents, appears to be tempting his 'Eve', but this is soon alleviated as Jane then goes shopping.

This marks a turning point where, for this reviewer at least, the book seems to spiral into a series of hackneyed stereotypes. We should be beyond a point where the female character is relegated to the role of shopkeeper, being patronised by the male.

The book ends on a high note, with the lead up to what is obviously the celebration of Christmas, though again, the author fails to find the strength to challenge modern "political correctness" and nowhere actually acknowledges the festival by name.

All in all, though it has many points which could be improved, a startlingly good read, and one which I couldn't put down until I'd reached the very last page.

"Look at this" by W. Murray is publiched by Ladybird books and is available from all good bookshops.

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