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Alla faccia dell'angelo
In vita, Vicky non è mai stata un angelo: egocentrica e prepotente, comanda a bacchetta la mite Jade, che si precipita ad ubbidirle. Ma Vikcy non è un angelo nemmeno dopo morta, tant'è vero che le ali non le spuntano, e che deve accontentarsi di quelle dipinte sulla sua T-shirt. Indebolita dalla nostalgia, Jade continua ad essere schiava della sua amica-fantasma, più tiranna che mia, che rischia di diventare per lei veramente pericolosa.
Morte, dolore, aldilà non sono temi leggeri, ma perfino qui Jacqueline Wilson debella le difficoltà con l'arma dell'ironia, con l'affettuosa conoscenza dell'animo adolescenziale che proietta sull'amicizia legami tanto resistenti e profondi. Il libro diventa così tenero e maturo, e contemporaneamente allegro e dotato di una suspense che si può ben dire esistenziale. Alla faccia dell'angelo, della vita e della morte.
Sul ciglio della strada, dov'è caduta Vicky, c'è un mazzo di rose rosse. È come se un po' del sangue versato si fosse magicamente tramutato in fiori profumati.
Mi fermo, vacillando, con gli occhi fissi sui fiori.
Qualcuno ha scritto un messaggio:
PER VICKY, TI RICORDERÒ PER SEMPRE.
Vikcy è morto solo da un'ora ed è già un ricordo.
«Wow! Ho sempre desiderato un mazzo di rose rosse» dice Vicky.
Mi volto. Eccola lì, dietro di me, con i lunghi capelli che ondeggiano nella brezza.
La mia Vicky, per davvero.
Lei sorride guardando la mia faccia.
«Sembri una che ha visto un fantasma!» dice e scoppia a ridere.
Morte, dolore, aldilà non sono temi leggeri, ma perfino qui Jacqueline Wilson debella le difficoltà con l'arma dell'ironia, con l'affettuosa conoscenza dell'animo adolescenziale che proietta sull'amicizia legami tanto resistenti e profondi. Il libro diventa così tenero e maturo, e contemporaneamente allegro e dotato di una suspense che si può ben dire esistenziale. Alla faccia dell'angelo, della vita e della morte.
153 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2000
194 people are currently reading
4593 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
397 books5,767 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 560 reviews
July 18, 2022
not me getting so emotional over a children's book 🥺 jade having a hard time eating and swallowing properly gave me war flashbacks 😭
January 7, 2012
Vicky Angel is about a girl named Jade who loses her best friend Vicky in a car crash. It deals with the theme of bereavement, grief and guilt.
Jade's friend Vicky is an outgoing, spontaneous and fun-loving girl whilst Jade is very much the opposite and more like Vicky's sidekick. They have an argument which leads to Jade dying in a car crash. From then Vicky's ghost frequently visits Jade at school where she will not allow Jade to move on and make new friends. It is only when Jade visits a counsellor where she learns how to deal with Vicky. However, when Jade attends an inquest into the death of Vicky she is overcome with guilt. She runs out of the court and down the road where she is nearly ran over by car. Vicky's ghost reappears and saves her and explains to Jade that the accident was not her fault, freeing her from the guilt she had been feeling since her death. Vicky then grows angel wings and disappears into the sky, allowing to Jade to continue with her life.
Jacqueline Wilson was one of my favourite author's when I was at school. I remember reading 'The Suitcase Kid' as a class, at school and I believe that sparked my interest in reading the rest of her collection of books. She is reknowned for writing books which tackle a range of difficult themes such as mental illness, divorce, adoption and bereavement. I think she explores the themes quite well through the 'child friendly' and real to life experiences that a school child could possbily relate to. Her books are usually aimed at KS2 upwards.
Jade's friend Vicky is an outgoing, spontaneous and fun-loving girl whilst Jade is very much the opposite and more like Vicky's sidekick. They have an argument which leads to Jade dying in a car crash. From then Vicky's ghost frequently visits Jade at school where she will not allow Jade to move on and make new friends. It is only when Jade visits a counsellor where she learns how to deal with Vicky. However, when Jade attends an inquest into the death of Vicky she is overcome with guilt. She runs out of the court and down the road where she is nearly ran over by car. Vicky's ghost reappears and saves her and explains to Jade that the accident was not her fault, freeing her from the guilt she had been feeling since her death. Vicky then grows angel wings and disappears into the sky, allowing to Jade to continue with her life.
Jacqueline Wilson was one of my favourite author's when I was at school. I remember reading 'The Suitcase Kid' as a class, at school and I believe that sparked my interest in reading the rest of her collection of books. She is reknowned for writing books which tackle a range of difficult themes such as mental illness, divorce, adoption and bereavement. I think she explores the themes quite well through the 'child friendly' and real to life experiences that a school child could possbily relate to. Her books are usually aimed at KS2 upwards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 9, 2017
Read as part of The Infinite Variety Reading Challenge, based on the BBC's Big Read Poll of 2003.
Children's books deal with death all the time, so this is no different. What is different is the way the characters deal with the grief brought on by death. It's written extremely simply and at times the protagonists' narrative was utterly annoying and devoid of anything particularly... enlightening (though what does one expect from a teenager, really) but it does offer up a different approach that I think, at the time the book was published, was not readily available.
Less so now, but children aren't much involved in deaths. There are many stories of children growing up on the 60s through to the 80s and even the 90s where they aren't even told someone is dead-particularly a parent-and aren't taken to the funeral. And then they aren't told "properly" and they aren't really involved in any kind of conversation. Thankfully these days we aren't so afraid of conversation as we once were, and this book was probably a pre-cursor to that shift in dealing with death and children.
I'd hate to think that any adult gave this book to a kid of they suffered a loss, though.
Perhaps it was left to the nanny to do that.
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Children's books deal with death all the time, so this is no different. What is different is the way the characters deal with the grief brought on by death. It's written extremely simply and at times the protagonists' narrative was utterly annoying and devoid of anything particularly... enlightening (though what does one expect from a teenager, really) but it does offer up a different approach that I think, at the time the book was published, was not readily available.
Less so now, but children aren't much involved in deaths. There are many stories of children growing up on the 60s through to the 80s and even the 90s where they aren't even told someone is dead-particularly a parent-and aren't taken to the funeral. And then they aren't told "properly" and they aren't really involved in any kind of conversation. Thankfully these days we aren't so afraid of conversation as we once were, and this book was probably a pre-cursor to that shift in dealing with death and children.
I'd hate to think that any adult gave this book to a kid of they suffered a loss, though.
Perhaps it was left to the nanny to do that.
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December 28, 2019
Fun fact: when I was 9 or 10 I won a short story competition judged by Jacqueline Wilson and received a signed hardback copy of Vicky Angel as a prize. Still, I do actually think this is the best Jackie W book (The Illustrated Mum a close second).
This is such a great tale of grief, toxic friendship, and self-identity aimed at an age group that may not yet have the means of naming those things. Jade's realisation that her best friend Vicky wasn't the great person she'd convinced herself she was, and her guilt around the circumstances of Vicky's death, are accurately portrayed as Vicky's ghost haunting her. The ending, in which Jade finally finds confidence in herself, views the friendship realistically, and begins to mourn in a healthier way made me shed a tear.
This is such a great tale of grief, toxic friendship, and self-identity aimed at an age group that may not yet have the means of naming those things. Jade's realisation that her best friend Vicky wasn't the great person she'd convinced herself she was, and her guilt around the circumstances of Vicky's death, are accurately portrayed as Vicky's ghost haunting her. The ending, in which Jade finally finds confidence in herself, views the friendship realistically, and begins to mourn in a healthier way made me shed a tear.
May 19, 2014
Under normal circumstances, I don't know that I would ever have read Jacqueline Wilson. I didn't discover her during my childhood, and as an adult, I don't think this would really have become an author on my radar. Normal circumstances, however, do not take into consideration my extreme stubbornness and the existence of the BBC's Big Read List. Due to the two in conjunction, I think this is my third Wilson book. I have to say, while they probably aren't something I would have sought out even as a child, they're not bad.
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook
June 29, 2025
Jade Marshall dan Vicky Waters adalah dua sahabat baik. Mereka selalu bersama-sama. Jade pasif dan pemalu, sementara Vicky lebih ekspresif dan cenderung 'menyetir' sahabatnya untuk melakukan kegiatan apapun bersamanya. Jade sangat menyukai teater dan berharap Vicky mau ikut bergabung di kelas teater untuk menemaninya latihan. Awalnya Vicky tidak mau, dan menganggap bahwa teater hanyalah kegiatan bodoh dan membuang-buang waktu. Tetapi karena Jade bersedia untuk ikut eskul lari di sekolah bersamanya, Vicky akhirnya setuju. Tentu saja nama Jade langsung ia daftarkan dalam kegiatan olahraga tersebut, ini berarti Jade sudah tidak bisa mundur lagi dari kegiatan itu. Namun ketika pulang sekolah ketika mereka sedang berdebat dan bertengkar kecil, Vicky lari ke jalan dan tiba-tiba terdengar teriakan Vicky, ia tertabrak mobil yang sedang melaju.
Gemas, karena Vicky selalu mengontrol Jade, dan Jade begitu lemah untuk melawan kehendak Vicky. Meski begitu, Jade digambarkan sebagai sosok yang begitu menyayangi sahabatnya, dan menerima segala kekurangan sahabatnya itu.
https://sayanaia.blogspot.com/2018/08...
Gemas, karena Vicky selalu mengontrol Jade, dan Jade begitu lemah untuk melawan kehendak Vicky. Meski begitu, Jade digambarkan sebagai sosok yang begitu menyayangi sahabatnya, dan menerima segala kekurangan sahabatnya itu.
https://sayanaia.blogspot.com/2018/08...
July 22, 2012
Vicky Angel- Jacqueline Wilson.
An engaging book written in the 20th Century about two ordinary girls, who are best friends and go to the same school. Jade and Vicky have been best friends since nursery even though they were very different in character. Now at secondary school Jade is still the quiet one who always agrees with Vicky- who has a very strong character and is the decision maker of the two with a very strong character. However, a disagreement between the two friends results in a tragic accident and things instantly change for both of them when Vicky dies in a car accident Jade is left on her own. But Vicky does not leave Jade alone and is determined to make her presence felt as a spirit. Even though Jade is very upset, lonely and shocked at the thought of losing Vicky when Vicky comes back for her she realizes that nothing can separate them and is back to her usual self in no time. However, even though Jade is enjoying Vicky's presence, Vicky's demanding actions begin to interfere with Jades ordinary life and is also being noticed by friends, teachers and her mum. Jades teacher approaches her and asks her if she would like to receive further help from a counsellor to help her to overcome the constant presence of Vicky who she admits to seeing. After difficult sessions with the counsellor Jade is told to try and block Vicky's presence out of her life otherwise she will start to cause damage in Jades life. The more Jade tries to block Vicky out, the more Vicky turns against Jade and tries to take control of her life, such as persuading her to bunk off school. Eventually, Jade realizes that even though she is upset to have lost Vicky in order to be happy again she needs to block her out and to move on without her. With the help of the counsellor Jade manages to block to Vicky out completely by leaving her when she wants and only seeing her when she wants, this therefore helps Jade to move on and to carry on with her life.
This story was very touching and allows the reader to relate to the setting very easily, mainly aimed at teenage girls, the story explains the attachment involved in friendships alongside the importance of growing up and being able to let go when needed.I enjoyed reading this book because the author helps you to pick a character which you can relate to as a person. Additionally, Jade's situation can easily be understood as she is feeling upset to have lost Vicky but then is happy when she is around, which is a difficult position to be in.
I think this book can be best used as an independent reading book within the classroom, as an effective and favorited author for teenagers Jacqueline Wilson's books are enjoyable and can help teenagers to develop themselves and helps them to be able to understand certain situations which take place in their life.
An engaging book written in the 20th Century about two ordinary girls, who are best friends and go to the same school. Jade and Vicky have been best friends since nursery even though they were very different in character. Now at secondary school Jade is still the quiet one who always agrees with Vicky- who has a very strong character and is the decision maker of the two with a very strong character. However, a disagreement between the two friends results in a tragic accident and things instantly change for both of them when Vicky dies in a car accident Jade is left on her own. But Vicky does not leave Jade alone and is determined to make her presence felt as a spirit. Even though Jade is very upset, lonely and shocked at the thought of losing Vicky when Vicky comes back for her she realizes that nothing can separate them and is back to her usual self in no time. However, even though Jade is enjoying Vicky's presence, Vicky's demanding actions begin to interfere with Jades ordinary life and is also being noticed by friends, teachers and her mum. Jades teacher approaches her and asks her if she would like to receive further help from a counsellor to help her to overcome the constant presence of Vicky who she admits to seeing. After difficult sessions with the counsellor Jade is told to try and block Vicky's presence out of her life otherwise she will start to cause damage in Jades life. The more Jade tries to block Vicky out, the more Vicky turns against Jade and tries to take control of her life, such as persuading her to bunk off school. Eventually, Jade realizes that even though she is upset to have lost Vicky in order to be happy again she needs to block her out and to move on without her. With the help of the counsellor Jade manages to block to Vicky out completely by leaving her when she wants and only seeing her when she wants, this therefore helps Jade to move on and to carry on with her life.
This story was very touching and allows the reader to relate to the setting very easily, mainly aimed at teenage girls, the story explains the attachment involved in friendships alongside the importance of growing up and being able to let go when needed.I enjoyed reading this book because the author helps you to pick a character which you can relate to as a person. Additionally, Jade's situation can easily be understood as she is feeling upset to have lost Vicky but then is happy when she is around, which is a difficult position to be in.
I think this book can be best used as an independent reading book within the classroom, as an effective and favorited author for teenagers Jacqueline Wilson's books are enjoyable and can help teenagers to develop themselves and helps them to be able to understand certain situations which take place in their life.
February 21, 2018
So I'm not really the target group here and not keen on reading childrens' books in the first place, however, this was extremely disappointing. Flat and annyoing cardboard characters, terrible parental behaviour and an abrupt ending - it's not really a book I'd give my kids to read (not that I have any, but well). Maybe I had the wrong expectations, though: I thought this was some novel intended to help children overcoming grief, instead, it was more like some person freeing theimselves from an abusive relationship. Interesting topic, but not for this book. So, nay.
Why I read this in the first place? Goodreads recommended it to me, saying it was similar to The Godfather. So I got into this dangerous mix of silly and curious and bought this. And am none the wiser - what exactly the parallels are between Vicky and Vito (or whomever) remains the secrets of goodreads' logarithm.
Why I read this in the first place? Goodreads recommended it to me, saying it was similar to The Godfather. So I got into this dangerous mix of silly and curious and bought this. And am none the wiser - what exactly the parallels are between Vicky and Vito (or whomever) remains the secrets of goodreads' logarithm.
October 12, 2014
Growing up I read my fair share of Jacqueline Wilson books but I can honestly say that this one was my favourite, the one that stuck with me many years after reading it. As with all of Wilson’s books it’s written in a way which easily engages the reader, being accessible to both the younger and older reader, filled with the emotions necessary to get the reader really thinking.
This book tackles the issue of the death of Vicky and the issues which arise for her best friend following her death and reappearance as a ghost. Filled with raw emotions, it is not a read for someone prone to emotional moments unless they have a handy box of tissues at the ready in case tears start to spill over. It is most certainly a book to remind us of what we have and the effect that death can have on a person – taking a realistic approach to grief despite the fictional aspect of Vicky being present in the book as a ghost.
This book tackles the issue of the death of Vicky and the issues which arise for her best friend following her death and reappearance as a ghost. Filled with raw emotions, it is not a read for someone prone to emotional moments unless they have a handy box of tissues at the ready in case tears start to spill over. It is most certainly a book to remind us of what we have and the effect that death can have on a person – taking a realistic approach to grief despite the fictional aspect of Vicky being present in the book as a ghost.
September 5, 2018
I have Vicky Angel by my bed every night, on top of a stack of various books. I've read it about five times and still can never get tired of how fierce, daring, and cold-hearted Vicky Waters is, and how weak, puny, and troubled Jade Marshall is. I don't know the feeling of your best friend using you like a doll, making you do what she desires but I know it's difficult and heartbreaking.
Jade's life is falling apart; Fatboy Sam who is misunderstood to be keen on Vicky when he's just trying to get and close and help Jade, her father and mother hanging onto their relationship with all their might just for their daughter, and Vicky being the most selfish, vain, controlling devil to her own best friend. How can Jade bear Vicky's snide comments on her choice of "pudding" friends and her cadaverous figure?
Jade is too attached to Vicky to let go of the past, forget the tragic car accident, and confront the future where Vicky can't haunt her. She should stop wasting away, desperately calling out for Vicky, and not get on with her life.
Overall, fantastic writing, descriptive feelings, and the wonderful, twisted plot. It's a huge, heart-warming story in 171 pages.
Jade's life is falling apart; Fatboy Sam who is misunderstood to be keen on Vicky when he's just trying to get and close and help Jade, her father and mother hanging onto their relationship with all their might just for their daughter, and Vicky being the most selfish, vain, controlling devil to her own best friend. How can Jade bear Vicky's snide comments on her choice of "pudding" friends and her cadaverous figure?
Jade is too attached to Vicky to let go of the past, forget the tragic car accident, and confront the future where Vicky can't haunt her. She should stop wasting away, desperately calling out for Vicky, and not get on with her life.
Overall, fantastic writing, descriptive feelings, and the wonderful, twisted plot. It's a huge, heart-warming story in 171 pages.
June 20, 2020
it is insane that i read this as a nine year old. literally a book about a girl whose best friend dies and becomes a VENGEFUL SPIRIT that POSSESSES HER.
also it's very lesbian but that's just par for the jacqueline wilson course. would be four stars but the ending is so boring and rushed
also it's very lesbian but that's just par for the jacqueline wilson course. would be four stars but the ending is so boring and rushed
August 25, 2024
One of the more difficult topics Wilson tackles in this book, bereavement and the loss of a young life. All of her books focus on some challenging issue, but this is one which particularly stuck in my mind for some time after reading it.
Vicky is bright, popular and everything her best friend Jade wishes she could be. One horrible day, Vicky is knocked down by a car and dies and naturally, Jade is absolutely devastated - until Vicky decides to pay her a visit as an angel that no one else can see or hear but her!
Whilst perhaps not entirely realistic, this book shines a light on how a pre teen handles the death of another young person and the associating issues of the people who are left behind.
I enjoyed reading about the mischief Vicky, now an angel, and her friend Jade get up to - such as their adventure exploring London.
A great read for older children and adolescents.
Vicky is bright, popular and everything her best friend Jade wishes she could be. One horrible day, Vicky is knocked down by a car and dies and naturally, Jade is absolutely devastated - until Vicky decides to pay her a visit as an angel that no one else can see or hear but her!
Whilst perhaps not entirely realistic, this book shines a light on how a pre teen handles the death of another young person and the associating issues of the people who are left behind.
I enjoyed reading about the mischief Vicky, now an angel, and her friend Jade get up to - such as their adventure exploring London.
A great read for older children and adolescents.
June 23, 2015
بین سه و چهار دودل بودم خیلی
May 6, 2021
Rated this for pure banter x
February 24, 2024
Reliving my youth after finding some Jaqueline Wilson books! This is 3 stars as an adult 5 star as a child so it’s only fair I go in the middle 😂
June 15, 2014
I decided to re-read this book recently, as I delved into my childhood bookcase. It's safe to say that I fell in love with Vicky Angel all over again. Jacqueline Wilson was my favourite childhood author, and this book is a book that allows a young reader to see a new perspective on life.
The book, Vicky Angel, is about two friends. One is called Jade and the other is called Vicky. In the first chapter, a shocking tragedy happens where Vicky sadly dies and Jade has to deal with life on her own. It's hard because they've always been inseparable. However, now Jade has to tackle life with her own mind and her own power, or does she?
Jacqueline Wilson has successfully highlighted how grief is and how it effects people. From everything like brief suicidal thoughts, conjuring up an imaginary ghost, questioning the real world to hitting back and hating everyone or even blaming yourself. You begin to see noticeable changes in the character Jade as well as connecting with her as her life goes on yet she is stuck with the passing of her friend. The book is more psychological then anything. Is Vicky now a ghost? Or is Jade imagining her because of her guilt? Jacqueline has made the book an interesting read as well as allowing the reader to have many different alternative perspectives of the plot. I also like how Jacqueline Wilson has written this book compared to her other books. Mostly, her books are what I call a 'harsh childhood story'. They're young enough for young readers, however there is a harsh plot twist which makes an older reader return to the book and still find it interesting. However, this book is different. Although, yes - it's harsh and young, it's the most real book I have read from Jacqueline Wilson.
There are very few books out there for young children which allow them to experience grief in a first person perspective, and this book does it beautifully. Although the ending is inevitably happy, you begin to question whether or not Jade will go on. I'd recommend this book to any young readers.
The book, Vicky Angel, is about two friends. One is called Jade and the other is called Vicky. In the first chapter, a shocking tragedy happens where Vicky sadly dies and Jade has to deal with life on her own. It's hard because they've always been inseparable. However, now Jade has to tackle life with her own mind and her own power, or does she?
Jacqueline Wilson has successfully highlighted how grief is and how it effects people. From everything like brief suicidal thoughts, conjuring up an imaginary ghost, questioning the real world to hitting back and hating everyone or even blaming yourself. You begin to see noticeable changes in the character Jade as well as connecting with her as her life goes on yet she is stuck with the passing of her friend. The book is more psychological then anything. Is Vicky now a ghost? Or is Jade imagining her because of her guilt? Jacqueline has made the book an interesting read as well as allowing the reader to have many different alternative perspectives of the plot. I also like how Jacqueline Wilson has written this book compared to her other books. Mostly, her books are what I call a 'harsh childhood story'. They're young enough for young readers, however there is a harsh plot twist which makes an older reader return to the book and still find it interesting. However, this book is different. Although, yes - it's harsh and young, it's the most real book I have read from Jacqueline Wilson.
There are very few books out there for young children which allow them to experience grief in a first person perspective, and this book does it beautifully. Although the ending is inevitably happy, you begin to question whether or not Jade will go on. I'd recommend this book to any young readers.
April 5, 2025
Part of my re-reading childhood books to reevaluate my opinions…
Vicky Angel is a book I definitely read as a child but I remembered fewer details than other works by Wilson. This is definitely not Jacqueline Wilson at her finest. So many aspects of this little book did not sit right with me unfortunately.
The friendship that forms the entire premise of the book is an incredibly toxic dynamic & I don’t think the story was long enough for this to be exposed & discussed. Jade also receives no real support in her grief & I hate to think of a child experiencing loss reading this.
Further points lost for the fat shaming language & characterisation of one of the boys.
Will be removing this from my collection.
Vicky Angel is a book I definitely read as a child but I remembered fewer details than other works by Wilson. This is definitely not Jacqueline Wilson at her finest. So many aspects of this little book did not sit right with me unfortunately.
The friendship that forms the entire premise of the book is an incredibly toxic dynamic & I don’t think the story was long enough for this to be exposed & discussed. Jade also receives no real support in her grief & I hate to think of a child experiencing loss reading this.
Further points lost for the fat shaming language & characterisation of one of the boys.
Will be removing this from my collection.
May 30, 2023
نکتهی جالبش اینه که من اونجا وایساده بودم تا به بقیه کتاب معرفی کنم. وقتی داشتم از ژاکلین ویلسون حرف میزدم، یه نفر این کتاب رو بهم پیشنهاد داد. ممنونم!
راستش برای خودم هم سخته باور کردن اینکه چهقدر با این کتاب گریه کردم. داستانش رو دوست داشتم، بانمک بود. جدید نبود خیلی، داستان توی این تم زیادخونده بودم. ولی خب، در نوع خودش، کتاب قشنگی بود. شاید اگر چند سال کوچیکتر بودم، حتی بیشتر هم ازش لذت میبردم.
راستش برای خودم هم سخته باور کردن اینکه چهقدر با این کتاب گریه کردم. داستانش رو دوست داشتم، بانمک بود. جدید نبود خیلی، داستان توی این تم زیادخونده بودم. ولی خب، در نوع خودش، کتاب قشنگی بود. شاید اگر چند سال کوچیکتر بودم، حتی بیشتر هم ازش لذت میبردم.
April 11, 2018
I didn't like this book as much as all the other Jacqueline Wilson books, I found this one quite weird
August 27, 2023
This was wrong on so many levels. I'm just hating whatever I read these days. I wrote 4 pages about the last book I read, obviously I'm not gonna do that again; but here are somethings to mension:
I started with the Persian translated book. I was halfway through the book when I realised there's something wrong, switched to the original book just to find out I'm confronting a totally different book! The translator deleted scenes and words she didn't like! Oh and that mom's boyfriend character was deleted completely! Like, completely!
I actually liked the first few chapters of this book, I was surprised how much I cried and sympathized with Jade. But as the story went by, it just got worse and worse. I HATED both Vicky's and Jade's moms. I hated that Vicky grew into this monstrous friend and the only way Jade could cope with her death, was to lock her "ghost" into places. I hated the fact that Jade was so mean to every fat person in school and um, correct me if I'm wrong, but Vicky tried to convince Jade commit suicide?!
I'm seriously having second thoughts about reading young adult literature. Maybe I should just stop. Yuch.
عنوان فارسی کتابی که تا نصفه خواندم: «دوست تا همیشه»
مترجم: راحله پورآذر
6.6.1402
I started with the Persian translated book. I was halfway through the book when I realised there's something wrong, switched to the original book just to find out I'm confronting a totally different book! The translator deleted scenes and words she didn't like! Oh and that mom's boyfriend character was deleted completely! Like, completely!
I actually liked the first few chapters of this book, I was surprised how much I cried and sympathized with Jade. But as the story went by, it just got worse and worse. I HATED both Vicky's and Jade's moms. I hated that Vicky grew into this monstrous friend and the only way Jade could cope with her death, was to lock her "ghost" into places. I hated the fact that Jade was so mean to every fat person in school and um, correct me if I'm wrong, but Vicky tried to convince Jade commit suicide?!
I'm seriously having second thoughts about reading young adult literature. Maybe I should just stop. Yuch.
عنوان فارسی کتابی که تا نصفه خواندم: «دوست تا همیشه»
مترجم: راحله پورآذر
6.6.1402
December 21, 2021
I enjoyed revisiting a book I'd enjoyed as a child, even though there was a lot of subtext that I'd not picked up on at the time.
December 30, 2020
This book is just sad sad sad and more sad , this is probably the only book where I almost cried . It's very good. 10+
July 5, 2023
Forever a fave author
August 26, 2021
1,5 stars
I first read Vicky Angel when I was the target audience and I don't remember whether I ended up liking it or not, but it wasn't a story that stuck with me.
I'm definitely not the target audience now (and will never be), but I decided to reread this book because it's short and I didn't have to concentrate on it or think too much about it.
I didn't like the characters. Vicky is extremely unlikable and while I don't mind unlikable characters, she's a bully and she's mean for no reason (or none that was explained) and I couldn't sympathise with her situation. The parents and teachers aren't great either and I also wasn't a fan of the fat-shaming that's directed towards Sam. However, I liked seeing Jade slowly come out of Vicky's shadow.
I like how Vicky Angel shows a potential manifestation of grief, through Vicky's ghost, but the way this book deals with death, loss and grief is so shallow. However, Wilson is able to write books for a younger audience about serious themes without coming across as condescending.
There are a few heartfelt scenes , but the narrative is a little jarring and the manner in which the story is told is bland and all over the place. The ending is also abrupt and rushed and things get resolved too easily.
I like the idea of Vicky Angel and appreciate what it was trying to do, but the execution and the storytelling doesn't work.
I first read Vicky Angel when I was the target audience and I don't remember whether I ended up liking it or not, but it wasn't a story that stuck with me.
I'm definitely not the target audience now (and will never be), but I decided to reread this book because it's short and I didn't have to concentrate on it or think too much about it.
I didn't like the characters. Vicky is extremely unlikable and while I don't mind unlikable characters, she's a bully and she's mean for no reason (or none that was explained) and I couldn't sympathise with her situation. The parents and teachers aren't great either and I also wasn't a fan of the fat-shaming that's directed towards Sam. However, I liked seeing Jade slowly come out of Vicky's shadow.
I like how Vicky Angel shows a potential manifestation of grief, through Vicky's ghost, but the way this book deals with death, loss and grief is so shallow. However, Wilson is able to write books for a younger audience about serious themes without coming across as condescending.
There are a few heartfelt scenes , but the narrative is a little jarring and the manner in which the story is told is bland and all over the place. The ending is also abrupt and rushed and things get resolved too easily.
I like the idea of Vicky Angel and appreciate what it was trying to do, but the execution and the storytelling doesn't work.
“Life is short. You don't know how long you've got so make the most of it.”
January 4, 2013
One thing I've noticed about the books on this list is that a lot of them are very sad. I suppose people remember books that make them feel sad, or maybe people voted for books that helped them deal with their own grief or something.
This one is about a young girl called Jade who is grieving for her friend Vicky, who has been run over and killed in front of her.
Anyway, it's very good, engaging, nicely written. Loses a star for being a tiny bit too worthy and predictable. Wilson points out in the author interview which is included in my edition that children's books tend not to mention death these days, though it was a common topic for children's literature on the 19th century (though it would have to be, wouldn't it, because children were so much more exposed to death then, given mortality rates for young children - their siblings and women in childbirth - their mothers). She says she's deliberately written this book as a response to that, and it does sometimes feel a bit as if it was written to address a topic - she even makes references to that model of the stages of loss. But she creates some great characters here, which makes up for the worthiness.
October 23, 2013
I read this book back when I was about 12/13 I think can't remember exactly. I still have this book somewhere that is how good this book is. Which is shocking considering this is a kids book.
This is a very sad book and I remember when I did, read this I was quite emotional whilst reading this. Back then I struggled with reading anything I 'am dyslexic, so it was very difficult when I was a kid/teenager to read anything for me. But this book was one of those books that got me interested in reading. I think I read this all in one day when I first got it, which was very good for me.
It definatly has some very sad parts to this book but also, some funny parts I loved this book.For me to say I loved this and remember it so, accurately it definatly made a impact on me back then.
It is one of those books that will always stay with me :)
This is a very sad book and I remember when I did, read this I was quite emotional whilst reading this. Back then I struggled with reading anything I 'am dyslexic, so it was very difficult when I was a kid/teenager to read anything for me. But this book was one of those books that got me interested in reading. I think I read this all in one day when I first got it, which was very good for me.
It definatly has some very sad parts to this book but also, some funny parts I loved this book.For me to say I loved this and remember it so, accurately it definatly made a impact on me back then.
It is one of those books that will always stay with me :)
August 12, 2020
I think this is a classic example of a book that will be read differently by children and by adults. I love this book. It explores moving on, and a child coping with her friend's death. A very sensitive exploration of grief and guilt, and a thoroughly entertaining tale.
May 17, 2023
Surprisingly funny and poignant children's book, approaches a dark theme with sensitivity and respect. We love children's books that aren't patronising and don't hold back on the darker aspects of life that so many children don't have a choice but to engage with.
November 20, 2016
Amazing story, a classic from an all time loved author, Jacqueline Wilson☺☺☺☺ what more is there to say?
July 4, 2022
This book was very emotional for me.
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