The
International Writers Magazine: Young Fiction
The
Way I See It by Nicole Dryburgh
Hodder Childrens Books
ISBN: 9780340956922
Holly Bates
At
the beginning of her book, Nicole Dryburgh sets out some rules to
adhere to whilst we read. I found all but one very easy to follow;
the only one which tested me was the no crying rule. I had a bit
of a hard time with that one. In fact, I defy anyone who can get
through the whole of this inspirational book without welling up
even slightly.
|
|
The autobiography
of a truly amazing woman, "The Way I See It" is Nicole Dryburghs
account of the emotional and challenging years of her life from the
age of eleven when she was diagnosed with a malignant tumour on her
spine. Written in diary form, Nicole takes us through the traumatic
events which led to her going blind and being confined to a wheelchair.
This is an incredible story told in a refreshingly honest way; Nicole
has a very frank and straightforward style and never flinches away of
telling the full truth about her condition. It can be heartbreaking
to hear such a young girl describe her painful treatment while also
worrying desperately about losing her hair and missing out on school
trips. However, Nicoles inner strength and determination show
a mature nature way beyond her years and it is heart-warming to listen
to her story as she grows over the four years the book spans. Her spirit
and strength seem to grow by the page. It is truly an engrossing read;
you engage with Nicole from the first page and dont want to put
her story down.
Nicole leads a full and exciting life; nothing does or will ever hold
her back. I felt like I knew her after reading her story; she shares
all her thoughts and feelings, both good and bad throughout; and even
the book is peppered with Nicoles personal touches pink
pages edges and pink writing. The inclusion of her mothers diary
entries adds a whole new dimension to Nicoles story. These parts,
to me, were actually some of the most tear-jerking; hearing her mother
having to relate heart-rending messages from her best friends and even
having to keep the information that her daughter might be dying to herself
for so long. This is an extremely accomplished book; one which you can
tell Nicole has crafted until she is perfectly happy with it. Not only
are her mothers thoughts included, but her other family, friends
and doctors all contribute their perspectives; showing just how much
Nicole touches the world around her. Nicoles story is so much
bigger than just this book though; here is just the very beginning of
her story. All the charities she helps are included as well, and she
mentions her website; which Ive visited and seen all the messages
of well-deserved support.
Far from feeling sorrow, pity or sympathy at the end of Nicoles
book; on the contrary I felt hope. Nicoles diary entries are not
only honest and moving, they are funny and refreshing; an amazing feat
for a story based on a struggle with cancer. The goals she sets at the
end of the book are an inspiring ending; the things she wants to do
and the people she wants to meet. I have to say, Nicole, youre
most definitely on my list of people Id like to meet.
© Holly Bates Jan 16th 2008
holly bates <holifa_5@yahoo.co.uk
Heaven's
Eyes by David Almond
Holly Bates Review
This mysterious and intriguing tale of "damaged child"
Erin Laws adventures with her friends is haunting and fantastically
original.
More Young Fiction reviews
Home
©
Hackwriters 1999-2008
all rights reserved - all comments are the writers' own responsibiltiy
- no liability accepted by hackwriters.com or affiliates.