A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French.

A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French

Michael Joseph, 2010

Mo is about to hit the big 50. She doesn’t understand either of her teenage kids, which as a child psychologist, is fairly embarrassing. She has become entirely grey. Inside, and out. Her face has surrendered and is frightening children. Dora is about to hit the big 18 . . . and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter who has a chronic Oscar Wilde fixation. Then there’s Dad . . . who’s just, well, dad. A TINY BIT MARVELLOUS is the story of a modern family all living in their own separate bubbles lurching towards meltdown. It is for anyone who has ever shared a home with that weird group of strangers we call relations. Oh and there’s a dog called Poo.

Novel Kick’s verdict:

I was stupidly excited about reading this book. I love Dawn French.

I did like this book overall. All members of the Battle family get page space. I would have liked to have seen slightly more from ‘Dad Battle,’ but I think it explores family issues well (how easy it is to assume, how people are thrown together without much choice and how families can drift apart.)

Most readers would probably find it easy to relate to one of the characters. Mo is the mother trying to do too many things at once, the Dad is silent but always present. Dora is a little obnoxious (something many people expect from teenagers.) Her language (although a little much and unnecessary at times) has an endearing naivety to it. My favourite character, by far, is Peter, who seems to have an Oscar Wilde obsession; he did have me in occasional fits of laughter.

I do like books that have me guessing and the A-ha moment didn’t come to me until I was almost on top of it which was impressive.

I think you’re going to love or hate this book. I loved it. A great fiction debut.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.