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‘We need the literature of other countries to expand our
horizons and stimulate our ideas. Without it, we are not only
diminished, we are starved’
(The Times, Magnus Linklater 29/06/05)
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Secrets of Cricket Karlsson (The)
by Kristina Sigunsdotter
Age Range: 9-11
This is a delightfully quirky and funny contemporary read. “I’m 11 years old and my life is a CATASTROPHE,” says Cricket in the first few pages of this diary-style narration. Life had been “pretty good” until that is, Cricket returns to school after recovering from chicken pox to discover that her best friend Noa has gone off with a group of “horse girls”, who whisper about her, make fun of her chicken pox scabs and when they discover Cricket spends her breaks hiding in the bathroom, they cruelly nickname her Crapula. On top of this Cricket’s beloved Aunt Frannie, an artist, ends up in Adult Psychiatric Ward 84. Ultimately though, it is the loss of her best friend that hits Cricket hard giving this novel a sense of grittiness and pre-teenage angst.
Swedish author, playwright and artist Kristina Sigunsdotter has written a refreshing and liberating story, translated by Julia Marshall, about growing up. She is able to get into the mind of an eleven-year-old who turns out to be wise beyond her years as she navigates her life and that of her family. It’s funny but also deceptively profound as the reader follows Cricket as she tries to cope, all the while hoping that she can win her friend Noa back. Cricket’s direct narrative is hilarious at times as she reveals her list of secrets but there is also pathos there too as we become aware of her inner turmoil.
Witty black and white illustrations are provided by artist and cartoonist Eriksson which have a very graphic novel feel.
Winner of the prestigious Swedish August Prize 2020, this book is a joy to read and as the August Prize jury commented “Extraordinarily alive…offers both roaring laughter and heartache”.