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Blogs by Jerome Parisse
Is
6/2/2010 11:04:45 PM
I've just finished reading a wonderful novel by Derek Webb (Parthian Books). Is is the name of the book. Is as in Isabelle Williams, whom Robert, the narrator, befriends at school. Is is not like any girl you normally meet in a classroom. To start with, she keeps very much to herself. And then she is not scared to stand up to the teachers, especially fat Mr Phillips. To top it all, she seems to know much more about science that a girl of her age normally does. She is fascinated by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, probably the greatest engineer of his time (Nineteenth century, UK), responsible for many railways, bridges, ships etc. Is's interest in the long deceased engineer seems to hide something that Robert is terrified of uncovering. The story keeps us guessing until the end what Is is all about. And the ending doesn't disappoint.
The story is told from Robert's point of view, and his voice is so real that you actually feel you become him. There are very funny moments - especially in class - and also some deeper moments when you feel in your guts what it's like to grow up in Robert's and Is's shoes. The characters are wonderfully alive and the setting is perfect. But what adds depth to the story is the science part of it: I bet you any money that you will learn things you don't know by reading the book, leaving you wanting to find out more. Webb's story is about growing up, believing in oneself, and friendship. It is aimed at 9 to 12 years old. A wonderful story.
Webb has designed an instructive, beautiful website about the life and successes of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. You can check it at www.ikbrunel.org.uk
Derek Webb is a video scriptwriter and successful playwright. He has previously dramatised many Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and Children's Classics for audiobooks published by Hodder Headline, Harper Collins and Random House.
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