Blue's twin sister Iris died three years ago and the family hasn't really gotten over it. Mom travels the world with her job for Bootylicious Cosmetics. Dad spends most of his time in Warwick. Blue has become invisible and hides behind her camera. The family is taken care of by au pair Zoran and chaos reigns. Blue and her sisters and brother seem to act however they want with no parental supervision. Blue thinks things are looking up when she meets new neighbor Joss. Unfortunately, while Joss is a good friend for a while he starts dating her older sister which really sours him to Blue. This is a story that will make you laugh and cry. The story of Iris's death comes out in bits throughout the book. Blue and the rest of her family slowly try to deal with being apart and coming back together. They have to figure out if they can still be a family if a member is missing. Blue has to come out of her shell and realize she can still be happy without Iris. This is a very touching story.I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Sorry it took me so long to read it! The Gadsby family is loud, lively, prone to bickering, and in complete disarray after the death of Iris, their sister and twin to Bluebell. Farrant reveals the circumstances bit by bit, so that we are left to get to know the characters and their personalities before we learn much about Iris and the facts of her death. Bluebell is perhaps most damaged by her twin's dying, preferring to be the Cameraman in the many videos she takes of her family, and existing as a loner at school, until the appearance of Joss, the troubled yet charming boy next door. An already chaotic environment is made more so by Zoran, the au pair her mother hires to take care of the children in her frequent absences for business; their father is off in Warwick doing something mysterious; their grandmother speaks only in capitals; and the rat family in the garden just keeps procreating. Farrant's writing will remind readers of Hilary McKay, but she holds her own, writing about grief and family dynamics with a delicate and often very funny touch. A lovely book with a hopeful ending. 5th grade and up.
What do You think about Die Geschwister Gadsby (2014)?
Enjoyed this tremendously. Agree with those who see similarities to the Cassons and Hilary McKay.
—peggy
This is a lovely gem of a middle reader. Very sweet.
—mary
Such an honest and true delight of a story :)
—stealthfoxx
