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The Yellow Room
Sixteen-year-old Anna receives a letter from her father's girlfriend telling her he has died and asking to meet. Anna is drawn to Edie: her warmth, her character, her ability to rustle up delicious meals, all of which her own mother is seemingly incapable of... and the way she can tell Edie the secret that is buried inside her.
A tautly told, compelling tale about mothers and daughters and the lengths that some will go to, to make their dreams come true.
A tautly told, compelling tale about mothers and daughters and the lengths that some will go to, to make their dreams come true.
263 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2016
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589 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews
August 2, 2016
5 Words: Blackmail, bullying, family, friendship, trust.
Wow.
So I knew right from the off that all would not be as it seemed, but I was still thrilled by the ride that is this book. There was a sinister undertone to all of the normality, I just *knew* that something bad was going to happen.
I absolutely loved Anna. I could see so much of myself in her (and it wasn't all good) it was like she was ME when I was a teen. And even a bit like me now.
I loved the ending, how it wasn't exactly as I expected. It was slightly open, the story could go anywhere after the last page.
This is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, a real page turner. It has that distinctive UKYA feel, you know that it's going to be special from the first page.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
Wow.
So I knew right from the off that all would not be as it seemed, but I was still thrilled by the ride that is this book. There was a sinister undertone to all of the normality, I just *knew* that something bad was going to happen.
I absolutely loved Anna. I could see so much of myself in her (and it wasn't all good) it was like she was ME when I was a teen. And even a bit like me now.
I loved the ending, how it wasn't exactly as I expected. It was slightly open, the story could go anywhere after the last page.
This is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read, a real page turner. It has that distinctive UKYA feel, you know that it's going to be special from the first page.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
November 25, 2017
This book is so good and so interesting you just can't stop reading it. It starts a bit slow and a bit predictable and then it takes on an entire new direction. Great plot twists, great tension and great social commentary that serves the plot and not the other way around. It's not as deep as I would have liked it to be, but it touches on really great points.
February 10, 2022
מאוד נהניתי מהספר.
אביה של אנה עזב את הבית לפני שנים ולא נשאר בקשר. יום אחד היא מקבלת מכתב שמודיע לה שהוא מת.
מפה חייה של אנה נכנסים לסחרור של סודות ומניפולציה
הבעיה העיקרית שלי עם הספר זה שלא ברור לאיזה גיל הוא מתאים. מצד אחד יש בו משהו מאוד אפל ומצד שני יש דמויות שמרגישות יותר כמו קריקטורה, ומאוד קשה להזדהות איתן.
בסך הכל מאוד מוצלח
אביה של אנה עזב את הבית לפני שנים ולא נשאר בקשר. יום אחד היא מקבלת מכתב שמודיע לה שהוא מת.
מפה חייה של אנה נכנסים לסחרור של סודות ומניפולציה
הבעיה העיקרית שלי עם הספר זה שלא ברור לאיזה גיל הוא מתאים. מצד אחד יש בו משהו מאוד אפל ומצד שני יש דמויות שמרגישות יותר כמו קריקטורה, ומאוד קשה להזדהות איתן.
בסך הכל מאוד מוצלח
December 12, 2017
אני מופתעת מהביקורות הטובות שהספר הזה קיבל. העלילה עלובה בעיניי וכך גם הדמויות. לא היה עומק לשום דבר, והקצוות נותרו פרומים. פשוט אכזבה.
October 6, 2016
Whoa, so hard to discuss this novel without plot spoilers, but I'll do my best, or at least make them smallish ones which intrigue rather than big ones which reveal things I shouldn't. I won't say anything about the significance of the title. You have to wait to find out.
This novel is original in both concept and execution. It's written in a lighthearted and easy-flowing manner with plenty of humorous observations, yet the subject matter gives it a creepy and sinister undertone. The chapters are short and often end on mini cliffhangers, compelling us to read just one more. There's always a feeling that things will turn out to be far more sinister than 15-year-old narrator Anna Roddick thinks they are on the surface. This is mostly due to her relationships with two other main characters in particular.
Anna barely remembers her father, who left when she was small. One day, a letter announcing his death arrives from his heartbroken girlfriend. Although Edie Southwood is a complete stranger, Anna agrees to meet her and quickly warms to her, as Edie is naive, childlike and slightly whacky in a lovable way which makes Anna want to help her. Edie soon becomes one of the most positive influences in Anna's life, but is the woman all she appears to be?
The other main plot thread is Anna's reluctant relationship with Leon Jakes-Field, an intense boy with literary aspirations. He is blackmailing her into being his friend, with some evidence based on an accident that may mean big trouble for her if he chooses to share it. In all my reading, I haven't come across many characters quite like Leon. He's thoroughly despicable, but also needy and lonesome enough to believe he can force someone into providing the affection he craves. As Anna rightly observes, 'How can compliments made under duress mean anything to him?' I feel Jess Vallance introduces what we guess might be the nerdy boy stereotype, but turns it into something totally unexpected, multi-layered and original.
Anna herself has a depth of kindness which makes it easy to love her as the main character. She hates letting people down and chooses to make things easy for others whenever she can. This is shown to be her most positive trait and also her Achilles Heel. It's her warm heart and good intentions that get her drawn into situations she later finds hard to escape from. Would people choose to attach themselves to Anna if not for the goodness she radiates?
Her relationship with her mother Anita is also an interesting study. They are simply living beneath the same roof. Anita is a genetics researcher immersed in her research to the extent that she considers brief interactions with Anna as a distraction and nuisance. She focuses on the wider good of humanity to the point where she's blind to the pressing needs of her daughter, who is right there at home. Anna perceptively realises that caring for her daughter is not high profile enough for Anita, since it receives no accolades. Anna, as a contrast, considers herself completely average in every way and struggles to come up with ambitions for her life.
So although the story is quite simple on the surface, it's a chilling urban drama which could leave us discussing motivations, deep psychological states, and complex relationships for a very long time. Both major and minor characters are three-dimensional. And it really shows how fine the line may be between simple admiration, and obsessions which lead to mental instability or cruel manipulation from otherwise smart characters who stop thinking straight. I found it easy to read within a day.
Prob 4.5 stars
For more reviews, visit my blog,http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/
This novel is original in both concept and execution. It's written in a lighthearted and easy-flowing manner with plenty of humorous observations, yet the subject matter gives it a creepy and sinister undertone. The chapters are short and often end on mini cliffhangers, compelling us to read just one more. There's always a feeling that things will turn out to be far more sinister than 15-year-old narrator Anna Roddick thinks they are on the surface. This is mostly due to her relationships with two other main characters in particular.
Anna barely remembers her father, who left when she was small. One day, a letter announcing his death arrives from his heartbroken girlfriend. Although Edie Southwood is a complete stranger, Anna agrees to meet her and quickly warms to her, as Edie is naive, childlike and slightly whacky in a lovable way which makes Anna want to help her. Edie soon becomes one of the most positive influences in Anna's life, but is the woman all she appears to be?
The other main plot thread is Anna's reluctant relationship with Leon Jakes-Field, an intense boy with literary aspirations. He is blackmailing her into being his friend, with some evidence based on an accident that may mean big trouble for her if he chooses to share it. In all my reading, I haven't come across many characters quite like Leon. He's thoroughly despicable, but also needy and lonesome enough to believe he can force someone into providing the affection he craves. As Anna rightly observes, 'How can compliments made under duress mean anything to him?' I feel Jess Vallance introduces what we guess might be the nerdy boy stereotype, but turns it into something totally unexpected, multi-layered and original.
Anna herself has a depth of kindness which makes it easy to love her as the main character. She hates letting people down and chooses to make things easy for others whenever she can. This is shown to be her most positive trait and also her Achilles Heel. It's her warm heart and good intentions that get her drawn into situations she later finds hard to escape from. Would people choose to attach themselves to Anna if not for the goodness she radiates?
Her relationship with her mother Anita is also an interesting study. They are simply living beneath the same roof. Anita is a genetics researcher immersed in her research to the extent that she considers brief interactions with Anna as a distraction and nuisance. She focuses on the wider good of humanity to the point where she's blind to the pressing needs of her daughter, who is right there at home. Anna perceptively realises that caring for her daughter is not high profile enough for Anita, since it receives no accolades. Anna, as a contrast, considers herself completely average in every way and struggles to come up with ambitions for her life.
So although the story is quite simple on the surface, it's a chilling urban drama which could leave us discussing motivations, deep psychological states, and complex relationships for a very long time. Both major and minor characters are three-dimensional. And it really shows how fine the line may be between simple admiration, and obsessions which lead to mental instability or cruel manipulation from otherwise smart characters who stop thinking straight. I found it easy to read within a day.
Prob 4.5 stars
For more reviews, visit my blog,http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/
October 29, 2016
Jess Vallance is clearly a very talented writer - she managed to portray some great characters within The Yellow Room, from the ordinary Anna to the villain Leon, as well as approaching subjects such as mental health and bullying in a careful manner. The Yellow Room is a great book for young readers, and I would definitely recommend it to someone who is maybe branching into YA for the first time.
February 27, 2017
The Yellow Room starts with Anna receiving a letter from Edie who tells her that her father has died. Anna is unsure how to feel about it as she hadn’t seen her dad for years but agrees to meet Edie who was her dad’s girlfriend. I was surprised by this book – I thought it would be another YA book dealing with the problems and feelings of being a teenager, but it was more than that, with suspense and a little creepiness thrown in.
July 6, 2016
Another incredibly dark story of obsession, revenge and love. Jess Vallance is one of the most underrated UKYA authors.
August 20, 2023
Gosh there are some hateable characters in this book!
But first the plot:
This book was a real slow-burner for me, which unfortunately really impeded my overall interest and engagement. When the climax kicked in, the book was basically over and the ending just left me with more questions and concerns.
In terms of the mental health side of things, I am possibly plagued by expectations and knowledge from tertiary study in this space, but I felt the mental health struggles Edie was facing were not delved into very well but rather, were brushed over quite briefly and used as an explanation for her actions and eccentricies.
So the characters:
Frankly, nearly everyone in this comes across as dislikeable, however Leon and Anna's parents really do take the cake. There also wasn't really any particularly likeable characters or people to form strong connections to, which hindered my engagement further.
However, Anna's mum was the character I found myself understanding most, as a budding researcher and academic myself. The long work days, high pressure and stress really hit home. Maybe relating to the protagonists mum is a sign that YA is less my cup of tea these days, so do take this review with a grain of salt if you will.
Regardless, the concept of this book is a really intriguing one.
But first the plot:
This book was a real slow-burner for me, which unfortunately really impeded my overall interest and engagement. When the climax kicked in, the book was basically over and the ending just left me with more questions and concerns.
In terms of the mental health side of things, I am possibly plagued by expectations and knowledge from tertiary study in this space, but I felt the mental health struggles Edie was facing were not delved into very well but rather, were brushed over quite briefly and used as an explanation for her actions and eccentricies.
So the characters:
Frankly, nearly everyone in this comes across as dislikeable, however Leon and Anna's parents really do take the cake. There also wasn't really any particularly likeable characters or people to form strong connections to, which hindered my engagement further.
However, Anna's mum was the character I found myself understanding most, as a budding researcher and academic myself. The long work days, high pressure and stress really hit home. Maybe relating to the protagonists mum is a sign that YA is less my cup of tea these days, so do take this review with a grain of salt if you will.
Regardless, the concept of this book is a really intriguing one.
May 13, 2020
I think that this book was very interesting and brilliant, it defentliy kept my attentjon the whole time and wanting to keep on reading. At first the book was really slow and notihng was really happening but after there were so many plotwsit in the book I never expected.
September 29, 2016
It was okay. The writing was really good but the plot was just a bit boring. I saw the end coming from a mile away as well. The writing style kind of reminded me of Louise Rennisson!
August 9, 2016
The reason I wanted to read The Yellow Room is that I read Jess Vallance first novel Birdy which I totally loved and gave it 5 stars the same I have given The Yellow Room. As I like reading Jess Vallance novels I now follow Jess Vallance on Good reads. The Yellow Room is about school girl Anna who receives a letter to say her father had died, but her fathers girl friend Edie wants to know if she will meet her. Anna keeps the meeting with Edie a secret. But Edie is keeping secrets of her own. Anna is pestered by an annoying creepy boy who seems to be blackmailing Anna for her time and company. Soon Anna is holding onto a secret of her own that Leon knows all about and is using it against Anna to do exactly what Leon wants her to do. I can't recommend this book enough. Expect a very nail biting read.
October 25, 2016
Toxic and twisted relationships appear to be Jess Vallance’s storytelling forte. At least based on her debut Birdy, and now on her newest book The Yellow Room.
Anna is taken in by Edie, her father’s girlfriend who written her a letter telling Anna that her dad died. Anna hasn’t seen or heard from her father for years and agrees to meet Edie. From there the two of them form friendship and as Anna’s life unravels further Edie is the one she goes to for help.
Because I’d read Birdy I knew that Jess Vallance was excellent at weaving together a deceptive story, even when the reader is looking out for twists. That is why reading The Yellow Room is so engaging. You know something isn’t quite right, but you’re not quite sure what. You know it’ll end badly, but you’re not quite sure how it will end.
I’m pretty sure Jess Vallance will be an author whose books I’ll always seek out.
Anna is taken in by Edie, her father’s girlfriend who written her a letter telling Anna that her dad died. Anna hasn’t seen or heard from her father for years and agrees to meet Edie. From there the two of them form friendship and as Anna’s life unravels further Edie is the one she goes to for help.
Because I’d read Birdy I knew that Jess Vallance was excellent at weaving together a deceptive story, even when the reader is looking out for twists. That is why reading The Yellow Room is so engaging. You know something isn’t quite right, but you’re not quite sure what. You know it’ll end badly, but you’re not quite sure how it will end.
I’m pretty sure Jess Vallance will be an author whose books I’ll always seek out.
August 7, 2016
This book is super creepy. There was a lot going on where you weren't quite sure what was going on but knew you didn't like it.
June 20, 2019
My emotions ran high whenever Leon Jakes-Field made his appearances. I thought he is sick in the head but apparently, someone else is.
This book was good! It tells the story of Anna Roddick. So what is it about her? Anna is a nice person. So nice that when Leon threatens her for what she did, Anna didn't share it with anyone (It could have been solved if only Anna tell the truth). She lives with her mother but their relationship is the worse mother-daughter relationship ever. Anna's mother is a professor and she is always doing her work in her room. It seems like she doesn't care about Anna. I pitied her. :( She has not seen her father for years that is until she received a letter from Edie Southwood, claiming that she is the ex-girlfriend of her father and that her father, James Roddick, has died.
Anna have 2 bestfriends: Sienna & George. I'd say they are lovely people. Anna shared with them about the letter and about Edie wanting to meet her. They were not so keen on Anna meeting with Edie but she thinks otherwise. This is where her story starts.
Obviously, you've got to read this book to know her story. :) I like the author's writings! It's smooth with funny scenes and remarks here & there that made my reading less stressful, seeing that there are unpleasant characters such as Leon (URGH!) and Anna's mother. All in all, I like it!
This book was good! It tells the story of Anna Roddick. So what is it about her? Anna is a nice person. So nice that when Leon threatens her for what she did, Anna didn't share it with anyone (It could have been solved if only Anna tell the truth). She lives with her mother but their relationship is the worse mother-daughter relationship ever. Anna's mother is a professor and she is always doing her work in her room. It seems like she doesn't care about Anna. I pitied her. :( She has not seen her father for years that is until she received a letter from Edie Southwood, claiming that she is the ex-girlfriend of her father and that her father, James Roddick, has died.
Anna have 2 bestfriends: Sienna & George. I'd say they are lovely people. Anna shared with them about the letter and about Edie wanting to meet her. They were not so keen on Anna meeting with Edie but she thinks otherwise. This is where her story starts.
Obviously, you've got to read this book to know her story. :) I like the author's writings! It's smooth with funny scenes and remarks here & there that made my reading less stressful, seeing that there are unpleasant characters such as Leon (URGH!) and Anna's mother. All in all, I like it!
May 4, 2017
The Yellow Room is a young adult book written by Jess Vallance. It’s about a girl who gets a letter telling her father has died and that the girlfriend of the father would like to meet up with her.
I really enjoyed this book and it wasn’t what I was expecting. The story is very gripping and I found myself reading page after page. Jess Vallance does very well with leaving the readers wanting more and crafts great twists and turns.
I loved the characters, I loved how different they are from one another and how they all seemed to have their own voices. I think my favourite character would have to be the girlfriend. She comes across so nice and caring but there was a part of me that was a bit suspicious about her too.
I also liked how it was a quick read and it didn’t go on and on, like some young adult novels do. At first I thought the title was a bit odd but once I started reading the book, I finally got why it’s called that.
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat and was the perfect quick read to enjoy.
I recommended young adults and adults read this thrilling book.
I really enjoyed this book and it wasn’t what I was expecting. The story is very gripping and I found myself reading page after page. Jess Vallance does very well with leaving the readers wanting more and crafts great twists and turns.
I loved the characters, I loved how different they are from one another and how they all seemed to have their own voices. I think my favourite character would have to be the girlfriend. She comes across so nice and caring but there was a part of me that was a bit suspicious about her too.
I also liked how it was a quick read and it didn’t go on and on, like some young adult novels do. At first I thought the title was a bit odd but once I started reading the book, I finally got why it’s called that.
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat and was the perfect quick read to enjoy.
I recommended young adults and adults read this thrilling book.
August 26, 2017
Damn this book had potential. I had an uneasy feeling from the start (the good sort) and I thought the build up was so good, but then the climax was so disappointing. It felt like plot twists and story lines kind of just kept petering out. It's a fun read, and I reckon kids around the 13, 14, 15 mark would enjoy it more than I did.
July 5, 2019
Finished this in pretty much one sitting. It was thrilling enough for me, although I felt that if the big reveal had come sooner, there could be more exposition on the mental health of the perpetrator.
I personally really relate to the main character in terms of personality & the kind of friendships/relationships she has. Nonetheless, an easy and exciting read.
I personally really relate to the main character in terms of personality & the kind of friendships/relationships she has. Nonetheless, an easy and exciting read.
September 21, 2021
I love it! The story is a little slow at the beginning and to be honest, the plot is pretty predictable too. But the writing is great. It keep me engaged even when I could predict the plot.
I love all the characters. Anna is a total teenager. Not too wise but not too childlike either. Leon is a total douchebag. Edie is crazy but somehow likeable.
Anyway, I enjoy this book!
I love all the characters. Anna is a total teenager. Not too wise but not too childlike either. Leon is a total douchebag. Edie is crazy but somehow likeable.
Anyway, I enjoy this book!
November 12, 2023
A surprisingly good read. I randomly picked up this book but it turned out to be something quite a gem. It was supposed to be some sort of a book with a mystery genre but as I was flipping through the pages of the early chapters, I couldn’t see the big picture, still, I went on though because it was so easy to read. When I was approaching the later chapters, I realized that it’s good. I never predicted the things that happened. I love that it has a clean ending, and how it was able to smoothly tackle important topics such as bullying, and having a support system growing up.
July 27, 2019
This book is such a weird one for me. It took a while to get into. I hoped that once I was hooked I'd love it and it would be amazing but, the story was pretty predictable and the ending was unsatisfying. The book was by no means bad it's just not one of the better books I've read.
August 12, 2017
Well written. Slow suspense. Worth reading.
September 26, 2017
Amazing book! Highly recommend!! Will be uploading a video review soonish on youtube (MyNameIsKelly) but long story short this book is amazing!
September 30, 2017
It's an ok book , it just takes too long to get into the story.
September 12, 2021
3.5 ⭐️
Poor Anna. Her life is full of creepy people. Anyway, I think this book is just okay. There is no romance which I really like and although it’s YA, there is no high school drama whatsoever.
Poor Anna. Her life is full of creepy people. Anyway, I think this book is just okay. There is no romance which I really like and although it’s YA, there is no high school drama whatsoever.
July 24, 2023
The book was great i was surprised everytime
May 22, 2024
The book was ok, after reading reviews I thought it would have been better but still a nice one to read
June 21, 2024
the story was too long, and the reveal was meh. it touches on some good points tho!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
Shortish YA book. Liked the characters, liked the themes and the twists. I really liked at the ending she turned to her mum, and she didn’t let her down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews