Grace Williams Says It Loud by Emma Henderson.

Grace Williams Says it Loud by Emma Henderson. 

(Sceptre, March 2011.)

Review by Laura Parish.

Grace Williams Says It Loud tells the story of Grace, who, when the doctors tell her parents that nothing else can be done for her, is sent to The Briar Mental Institute. Seen by the doctors as nothing more than an object, on her first day, at aged eleven, Grace meets Daniel who is a fellow patient. Daniel befriends Grace. He sees beyond the disabilities. He sees someone to be friends with, to share secrets with and someone to love.

Novel Kicks verdict:  

This was a worthwhile read that stays with you past the last page. It did take me a while to settle into this book. At the beginning and through the first few pages, I wasn’t sure where it was going, whether I was going to like it and I nearly didn’t stick with it. This wasn’t due to a weak plot but because it was a very uncomfortable, honest story and the realistic setting helps the plot along nicely. I’m pleased I did stick with it.

I gained empathy with the patients of The Briar and warmth for Daniel as he quickly befriends Grace. Even though I’ve now finished reading this book, I’m still thinking about it. I recommend this book and I understand why it received it’s Orange Prize nomination.

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by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.