Hold On by Alan Gibbons
John Sorrel is dead and Annie knows who his killers are and
she wants them to pay. She’s been away in Canada but now she’s back and she
knows what happened because John had been e-mailing her. She’s found his diary
too and she’s so sure that she knows what happened and why – but is she right?
And what is she going to do about it? Will that make things any better for
anyone?
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| Hold On - Alan Gibbons |
Hold On explores the complex issues surrounding teen
suicide, bullying, portioning blame, seeking answers and loyal friendship. It
tackles these issues from the perspectives of the person being bullied, John, the
school bullies and the people who John left behind – especially Annie.
Any novel about teen suicide is always going to be chilling
and this one is no different. However, Hold On also conveys messages of hope
for a different outcome for people who are involved in bullying either as the
victim, the bully, or an onlooker. The loudest one is ‘speak out’. Don’t bottle
things up, don’t try to be the tough guy on your own, and don’t shy away from
the truth because you’re afraid. Also, don’t be afraid to change. I imagine
most people will identify with some aspects of this story and may find that
either comforting or a wake-up call.
Small quibble, but I occasionally got a bit muddled about
the timeframes in the story – but it does all come together and you can figure
it out easily enough. Also, the eight year olds in this novel sounded years
older than any eight year olds I’ve met.
While it is an issues novel, Hold On is also a quick read
with a compelling storyline and a couple of twists and turns. It deals with
heavy issues in a forthright but sensitive way. The interest level might be
more suited to secondary school readers but the writing is accessible to younger
readers too.
Publication details:
This novel was originally published in 2005.
This edition: Indigo, 2012
edition, London, paperback
This copy: received for review from the publisher
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