I didn't think that Kit Pearson would still impact me so strongly as an adult. I read all of her books at a middle school age but before starting to read this one, I assumed that I would not feel the same way about her writing. This was an unfounded assumption. Her style of writing is brilliant -- she captures Polly's character flawlessly, and does well to write on a theme that all children know well (that the adults in their life will not tell them "the whole truth" because they have decided the child is "too young"). I also love how the Canadian setting is at the heart of the story -- Pearson never forgets to make the background an integral part of her novels, which gives her writing complexity and depth. I love how Canadian this novel is! Despite being set in Depression times (which mainly helps to drive the plot forward), I think that Polly's character is so completely relatable, even to an adult looking back on their childhood. I loved it, and it has renewed my faith in Pearson, and the future of Canadian YA lit. "The Whole Truth" is in every way a mystery, a realistic fiction and coming-of age story. When Polly and her sister Maud are sent away to live with their grandmother on Kingfisher Island because their father was said to have mysteriously drowned, all is lost. Polly mourns the loss of him, missing two full weeks of school once she arrives there. But Maud on the other hand, is ecstatic about her boarding school, St. Winnie's and in no time escapes in a world of religion and acceptance. She becomes a full full time boarder and can only come home twice a year. Polly is confused; where is her sister when she needs her the most! She can't stop thinking about her father, but not for the reason everyone around her believes. Here's where the mystery kicks in; Maud and Polly have a dark secret that will cut ties with their family, their friends and their future; their father is alive. He was "set up" to steal a large sum of money from the bank and then "staged his death" so that he could move to Ontario and get a job to support his two daughters. But as soon as Polly begins to like her life on the island, and begins to accept the "loss" of her father, he comes back to visit. It's a commotion of distrust, prejudice and faithfulness after that, but it gets better.... I promise :D
What do You think about The Whole Truth (2011)?
So sad!!! I cried when I read it ;( but it is a good book I've read it like four times now
—kiwi
Both this book and the second were pretty good. Twists where you don't expect them!
—Asta
