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Notes on my Family
Family isn't a word, it's game with too many players. Lou's world is changing, breaking down, chaos is seeping in. Dad is having an affair, Mum has 'an episode', nan's communicating with angels, brother Mikey, struggling with his sexuality, covers every kitchen surface with cakes, her friend Faith discovers the importance of Nietzsche and Fleetwood Mac, then Mikey disappears... Emily Critchley's touching, unsettling and darkly hilarious novel is a hymn to the absurdity and surreal undercurrents that lie beneath ordinary suburban lives.
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Published July 4, 2018
About the author
Emily Critchley
5 books279 followersAuthor of The Undoing of Violet Claybourne, One Puzzling Afternoon, Notes on My Family, The Bear Who Sailed the Ocean on an Iceberg and The Tiny Gestures of Small flowers.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 28, 2018
As always, for the full review and even more bookish fun head over to https://bridiesbookabyss.com/
I am not going to judge this book by the standards of what I normally read, quite simply because this isn’t the type of book I normally read – high fantasy and young adult fantasy titles are my usual go-to. It is rare that I pick up a contemporary novel, but this book was a nice change of pace for me.
One thing I liked about this book is that it doesn’t parade as anything other than what it is: an insight into the life of someone a little different, at a time where things are changing.
This is a contemporary YA novel that I would describe more as an extensive character study, because it doesn’t really have a plot. This was fine by me because, as always, I am a very character-driven person in my reading tastes and because a complicated plot isn’t the point of this book at all.
Enter the world of thirteen-year old Louise Coulson, who is going through a poignant phase in her life which is made all the much worse when her Dad admits to being in love with a sixth-former from her school, and her parents begin the process of separating. This revelation makes an already moody older sister unbearable; her closeted gay brother, already a recluse, retreats even further into himself; her Mum thereafter has a brief psychotic episode. All Louise can do is observe as her life falls apart and those around her ignore her own struggles.
Louise (or ‘Lou’) is utterly charming and delightful. I felt my heart going out to her on many occasions, because I was one of the weird kids in school too. Very much like Louise – I was a child that was never going to be accepted, regardless of what I did. Once those nasty little children have their sights set on you the only thing you can do is ride it out as best you can. Another realistic observation is the lack of intervention from the teachers. I was lucky enough in sixth-form to have one wonderful teacher, but mostly they would turn a blind eye to everything that was going on right under their noses and in particular if the bullying was coming from the ‘popular’ kids. Anyway, enough about school years, it’s getting me all riled up.
Although it is not expressly discussed in the book, it is quite obvious that Louise is somewhere on the autism spectrum. She is very particular about certain elements of her life, including diet and physical interactions. As well as being very literal in her thoughts and obsessed with order (particularly trains and their timetables). So all the changes and struggles her family are going through, is amplified dozen fold for her.
Yet despite this I consider Louise to be a really strong character with an extremely unique perspective on life. It is absolutely wonderful to see a character with learning and social disabilities not being portrayed as weak or ‘unable to cope’. She teaches us to be completely unapologetic about who we are as individuals and to not feel any pressure to deviate from our true self. She is wise as-all-hell and a genuine sweetheart.
For me, Louise made the whole book. But I did also appreciate the character of Faith. The new Goth girl in school, fond of quoting Nietzsche and who doesn’t give a flying shit what people think about her. She takes Louise under her wing and begins to show her a true friendship. Faith added an element of positivity into Louise’s life at a point where she is rife with negativity.
I loved the scene in which Louise starts to realise that she may have accidentally made a friend, and begins to relax and open up in the form of an awkward, gangly dance party at Faith’s house.
Notes On My Family is an extremely easy and gentle read but do not let that fool you. There is a great depth to the writing and to the characters within. I read this book a little at a time before bed each night over the past week and I found it great to relax to. The humour in this book is very subtle, but it was exactly the kind of humour I like – dry and a little dark. And I found myself on more than one occasion chuckling to myself at the kaleidoscopic thought processes of Louise.
If I had any criticisms on this book, it would be that I would have liked for there to be a little bit more drama. For me family feuds need a lot more plate smashing, but I am an actress with a flair for the dramatic so that might just be personal taste. Readers who find themselves more drawn to action and plot will not enjoy this read.
I may be repeating myself now, but I was really, surprisingly quite taken with Louise and her thoughts. Perhaps it is because a lot of elements in this book hit home with me in a personal way. I think there are many people out there who have had less than desirable life experiences in their early teens who will be able to appreciate the reality of this story. Although I don’t think this is a book for everybody, I certainly think it deserves a lot more attention than it is currently getting.
I would recommend Notes on my Family to anyone who is more interested in characters, their way of life and their development. To anyone who is looking to slow down the metabolism in the churning onslaught of life, pick up this charming little book. Brava Emily Critchley on a strong debut novel.
I am not going to judge this book by the standards of what I normally read, quite simply because this isn’t the type of book I normally read – high fantasy and young adult fantasy titles are my usual go-to. It is rare that I pick up a contemporary novel, but this book was a nice change of pace for me.
One thing I liked about this book is that it doesn’t parade as anything other than what it is: an insight into the life of someone a little different, at a time where things are changing.
This is a contemporary YA novel that I would describe more as an extensive character study, because it doesn’t really have a plot. This was fine by me because, as always, I am a very character-driven person in my reading tastes and because a complicated plot isn’t the point of this book at all.
Enter the world of thirteen-year old Louise Coulson, who is going through a poignant phase in her life which is made all the much worse when her Dad admits to being in love with a sixth-former from her school, and her parents begin the process of separating. This revelation makes an already moody older sister unbearable; her closeted gay brother, already a recluse, retreats even further into himself; her Mum thereafter has a brief psychotic episode. All Louise can do is observe as her life falls apart and those around her ignore her own struggles.
Louise (or ‘Lou’) is utterly charming and delightful. I felt my heart going out to her on many occasions, because I was one of the weird kids in school too. Very much like Louise – I was a child that was never going to be accepted, regardless of what I did. Once those nasty little children have their sights set on you the only thing you can do is ride it out as best you can. Another realistic observation is the lack of intervention from the teachers. I was lucky enough in sixth-form to have one wonderful teacher, but mostly they would turn a blind eye to everything that was going on right under their noses and in particular if the bullying was coming from the ‘popular’ kids. Anyway, enough about school years, it’s getting me all riled up.
Although it is not expressly discussed in the book, it is quite obvious that Louise is somewhere on the autism spectrum. She is very particular about certain elements of her life, including diet and physical interactions. As well as being very literal in her thoughts and obsessed with order (particularly trains and their timetables). So all the changes and struggles her family are going through, is amplified dozen fold for her.
Yet despite this I consider Louise to be a really strong character with an extremely unique perspective on life. It is absolutely wonderful to see a character with learning and social disabilities not being portrayed as weak or ‘unable to cope’. She teaches us to be completely unapologetic about who we are as individuals and to not feel any pressure to deviate from our true self. She is wise as-all-hell and a genuine sweetheart.
For me, Louise made the whole book. But I did also appreciate the character of Faith. The new Goth girl in school, fond of quoting Nietzsche and who doesn’t give a flying shit what people think about her. She takes Louise under her wing and begins to show her a true friendship. Faith added an element of positivity into Louise’s life at a point where she is rife with negativity.
I loved the scene in which Louise starts to realise that she may have accidentally made a friend, and begins to relax and open up in the form of an awkward, gangly dance party at Faith’s house.
Notes On My Family is an extremely easy and gentle read but do not let that fool you. There is a great depth to the writing and to the characters within. I read this book a little at a time before bed each night over the past week and I found it great to relax to. The humour in this book is very subtle, but it was exactly the kind of humour I like – dry and a little dark. And I found myself on more than one occasion chuckling to myself at the kaleidoscopic thought processes of Louise.
If I had any criticisms on this book, it would be that I would have liked for there to be a little bit more drama. For me family feuds need a lot more plate smashing, but I am an actress with a flair for the dramatic so that might just be personal taste. Readers who find themselves more drawn to action and plot will not enjoy this read.
I may be repeating myself now, but I was really, surprisingly quite taken with Louise and her thoughts. Perhaps it is because a lot of elements in this book hit home with me in a personal way. I think there are many people out there who have had less than desirable life experiences in their early teens who will be able to appreciate the reality of this story. Although I don’t think this is a book for everybody, I certainly think it deserves a lot more attention than it is currently getting.
I would recommend Notes on my Family to anyone who is more interested in characters, their way of life and their development. To anyone who is looking to slow down the metabolism in the churning onslaught of life, pick up this charming little book. Brava Emily Critchley on a strong debut novel.
December 3, 2018
Sassy, self-assured and compelling to read- I loved it!
I was intrigued to read this book, as I'd heard it had been nominated for quite a few awards. However, beyond that, I didn't really know much about it, only that it focused on a girl called Lou who was on the autistic spectrum.
I wasn't really prepared for such a lively, lighthearted (yet sometimes sad!) book about a dysfunctional family, all told from the perspective of a girl who yes, is undeniably autistic, but not defined at all by her condition.
Lou lives with her mother and father, and her brother Mikey and sister Sarah (and let's not forget Hammy, the hilarious escapee hamster). The perfect family set-up, you'd think; until her father announces that he's having an affair with an 18 year old girl. Cue much chaos and upheaval, including a shoplifting incident (the mother), hospital (the mother again) and bullying at school.
However, Lou never seems to let it get her down, though the bullying scenes are genuinely affecting. Her new best buddy, the 'goth girl' Faith, is just the tonic she needs to get through it all, though their friendship isn't entirely smooth-running either...
This is a young adult book; however, as a thirty-something year old woman, I enjoyed it a lot. I am so glad to see autism represented in a positive light; so many books focus on presenting these conditions in terms of how 'problematic' they are or how much the person suffers as a result. Lou is a fully rounded, feisty, switched-on kind of girl who just happens to have autism. Which is a great portrayal - and may well help others to understand the condition a little better.
I also liked the wry humour throughout; it really lifts the book and makes it very relateable. Overall, it's a great read (I'll be passing it on to my 13 year old niece when I next see her!)
I was intrigued to read this book, as I'd heard it had been nominated for quite a few awards. However, beyond that, I didn't really know much about it, only that it focused on a girl called Lou who was on the autistic spectrum.
I wasn't really prepared for such a lively, lighthearted (yet sometimes sad!) book about a dysfunctional family, all told from the perspective of a girl who yes, is undeniably autistic, but not defined at all by her condition.
Lou lives with her mother and father, and her brother Mikey and sister Sarah (and let's not forget Hammy, the hilarious escapee hamster). The perfect family set-up, you'd think; until her father announces that he's having an affair with an 18 year old girl. Cue much chaos and upheaval, including a shoplifting incident (the mother), hospital (the mother again) and bullying at school.
However, Lou never seems to let it get her down, though the bullying scenes are genuinely affecting. Her new best buddy, the 'goth girl' Faith, is just the tonic she needs to get through it all, though their friendship isn't entirely smooth-running either...
This is a young adult book; however, as a thirty-something year old woman, I enjoyed it a lot. I am so glad to see autism represented in a positive light; so many books focus on presenting these conditions in terms of how 'problematic' they are or how much the person suffers as a result. Lou is a fully rounded, feisty, switched-on kind of girl who just happens to have autism. Which is a great portrayal - and may well help others to understand the condition a little better.
I also liked the wry humour throughout; it really lifts the book and makes it very relateable. Overall, it's a great read (I'll be passing it on to my 13 year old niece when I next see her!)
November 19, 2017
This book has been on my radar for some time. A few months back at the launch for Editing Emma by the wonderful Chloe Seager, I met Emily Critchley and we got talking. She mentioned this book she was working on, and of course she said the golden word - "autistic". I knew I had to read it.
Lou is thirteen-and-a-half. Her school life is terrible. Her family are falling apart now that her dad has announced he's leaving her mum for a schoolgirl.
And she's autistic, but she doesn't know it yet.
This hook is what originally interested me, having lived that experience myself - the way you explain away your quirks, assume everyone else must think the same way you do, presume everyone finds the world abjectly terrifying at all costs. In a world where so many people raised as women aren't diagnosed until their late twenties, this book is incredibly timely. Lou doesn't have a diagnosis, but she knows she is different, citing some of her problems as undiagnosed dyspraxia.
Lou's narrative voice is rich, witty, and charming, her slightly baffled viewpoint ringing out with humour even in the hardest situations. As with The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas, Critchley has constructed not only a memorable character, but a neurodiverse person that many, many people will resonate with. I absolutely fell for her, the girl with a rich fantasy world of a homeschooled life in Scotland, who'd rather watch a nature documentary than answer a phone call.
In the darkest moments of the book, I kept having to pause, tears streaming down my face, desperate to reach through the pages to talk to her. I think every person, especially those who are also autistic, will feel very much the same as me.
Autistic representation aside, this novel is an impressive, heart-aching family drama that investigates divorce, the realities of complex mental illness and the freeing nature of true friendships. The heavy subjects are buoyed by Lou's witty observations, gently approached through Critchley's talented writing.
One of my favourite plot points was Lou's burgeoning friendship with extremely cool new girl Faith. Raised in a co-parenting family and haunted by dark days, Faith is never without a music recommendation or a fitting quote from philosophical texts; I'm not sure if I wanted to befriend her or be her. Perhaps both.
Notes on my Family is an impressive debut novel from Emily Critchley, a tale of relationships and people told from the point of view of someone who struggles to understand either. This is not only a tremendously enjoyable read, but an important piece of autistic literature.
What to read next:
The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas
We are all Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
How to Look for a Lost Dog by Ann M. Martin
Notes on my Family is published by Everything with Words, an independent publisher of children's books. Thank you to Emily Critchley, her agent Chloe Seager and Everything with Words for sharing this copy with me.
If you want to read more stories with autistic protagonists, or books about autism, go check out The Essential Autistic Reading List.
Lou is thirteen-and-a-half. Her school life is terrible. Her family are falling apart now that her dad has announced he's leaving her mum for a schoolgirl.
And she's autistic, but she doesn't know it yet.
This hook is what originally interested me, having lived that experience myself - the way you explain away your quirks, assume everyone else must think the same way you do, presume everyone finds the world abjectly terrifying at all costs. In a world where so many people raised as women aren't diagnosed until their late twenties, this book is incredibly timely. Lou doesn't have a diagnosis, but she knows she is different, citing some of her problems as undiagnosed dyspraxia.
Lou's narrative voice is rich, witty, and charming, her slightly baffled viewpoint ringing out with humour even in the hardest situations. As with The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas, Critchley has constructed not only a memorable character, but a neurodiverse person that many, many people will resonate with. I absolutely fell for her, the girl with a rich fantasy world of a homeschooled life in Scotland, who'd rather watch a nature documentary than answer a phone call.
In the darkest moments of the book, I kept having to pause, tears streaming down my face, desperate to reach through the pages to talk to her. I think every person, especially those who are also autistic, will feel very much the same as me.
Autistic representation aside, this novel is an impressive, heart-aching family drama that investigates divorce, the realities of complex mental illness and the freeing nature of true friendships. The heavy subjects are buoyed by Lou's witty observations, gently approached through Critchley's talented writing.
One of my favourite plot points was Lou's burgeoning friendship with extremely cool new girl Faith. Raised in a co-parenting family and haunted by dark days, Faith is never without a music recommendation or a fitting quote from philosophical texts; I'm not sure if I wanted to befriend her or be her. Perhaps both.
Notes on my Family is an impressive debut novel from Emily Critchley, a tale of relationships and people told from the point of view of someone who struggles to understand either. This is not only a tremendously enjoyable read, but an important piece of autistic literature.
What to read next:
The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas
We are all Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
How to Look for a Lost Dog by Ann M. Martin
Notes on my Family is published by Everything with Words, an independent publisher of children's books. Thank you to Emily Critchley, her agent Chloe Seager and Everything with Words for sharing this copy with me.
If you want to read more stories with autistic protagonists, or books about autism, go check out The Essential Autistic Reading List.
November 15, 2017
Louise Coulson doesn’t fit in with other thirteen and a half year olds at her school and life is about to get tougher.
Notes On My Family is a young adult book but I think it should be read by every parent and teacher as well as the audience it is aimed towards because of its wonderful insight into the mind of a teenage girl. I thought it was brilliant. Emily Critchley makes the reader think and question their own actions and place in society. This is an outstanding book about the nature of identity.
Emily Critchley writes with wry humour so that some of Lou’s thoughts and comments made me laugh aloud. However, what she does best is create a depth of emotion that made me completely entranced by Lou’s life. I was so absorbed and convinced by the writing that as well as leaving me feeling uplifted, it made me cry too.
The characterisation of Lou is wonderful. Her first person account allows the reader to see right inside her head and to understand not only Lou but others with similar personalities and minds. Totally convincing, Lou really is one of ‘the people who are different that make a difference’. She’s sensitive, intelligent and individual and she even left me wondering if I should allocate colours to days of the week and foods. It is the flawless quality of Emily Critchley’s writing in maintaining Lou’s persona that is so appealing.
There is a super plot that covers so many aspects young people will be only too aware of, from bullying to first love, from family break ups to first periods and Lou navigates a world of school and family in a way that would be of huge comfort to young people similarly struggling. These are universal themes personally handled making them accessible to readers of all ages through fabulously skilled writing.
Notes On My Family may be marketed as a Young Adult read but it is a book that offers something for readers of all ages because of the superb characterisation and insight. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/11/15/...
Notes On My Family is a young adult book but I think it should be read by every parent and teacher as well as the audience it is aimed towards because of its wonderful insight into the mind of a teenage girl. I thought it was brilliant. Emily Critchley makes the reader think and question their own actions and place in society. This is an outstanding book about the nature of identity.
Emily Critchley writes with wry humour so that some of Lou’s thoughts and comments made me laugh aloud. However, what she does best is create a depth of emotion that made me completely entranced by Lou’s life. I was so absorbed and convinced by the writing that as well as leaving me feeling uplifted, it made me cry too.
The characterisation of Lou is wonderful. Her first person account allows the reader to see right inside her head and to understand not only Lou but others with similar personalities and minds. Totally convincing, Lou really is one of ‘the people who are different that make a difference’. She’s sensitive, intelligent and individual and she even left me wondering if I should allocate colours to days of the week and foods. It is the flawless quality of Emily Critchley’s writing in maintaining Lou’s persona that is so appealing.
There is a super plot that covers so many aspects young people will be only too aware of, from bullying to first love, from family break ups to first periods and Lou navigates a world of school and family in a way that would be of huge comfort to young people similarly struggling. These are universal themes personally handled making them accessible to readers of all ages through fabulously skilled writing.
Notes On My Family may be marketed as a Young Adult read but it is a book that offers something for readers of all ages because of the superb characterisation and insight. I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/11/15/...
February 11, 2018
A complicated family, a teenager's viewpoint
Louise lets us in on her family life, and it's messy. She's quite matter of fact with it all, aged thirteen, as her PE teacher dad moves out to be with his sixth former girlfriend, her mum has a breakdown and is caught shoplifting... and that's not the half of it.
Lou gets overwhelmed easily, she needs quiet and time by herself. So when she feels she's actually making a friend at school, it feels a little much and a little scary. She wants to escape into her 'alternate' family life that she's created - it must be easier to deal with than real life.
With so many issues in one family, it's hardly surprising that Lou is overwhelmed. She's a sensitive soul, with her own personal problems, embarrassing family issues, in other words - similar to many other teenagers.
I didn't think this quite lived up to the promise of a 'genius observer', but I did enjoy Lou's view on the world and did want to know how her family problems ended and if she was able to make and leep a real friend.
A witty and relatable read for readers aged 12 and above.
Louise lets us in on her family life, and it's messy. She's quite matter of fact with it all, aged thirteen, as her PE teacher dad moves out to be with his sixth former girlfriend, her mum has a breakdown and is caught shoplifting... and that's not the half of it.
Lou gets overwhelmed easily, she needs quiet and time by herself. So when she feels she's actually making a friend at school, it feels a little much and a little scary. She wants to escape into her 'alternate' family life that she's created - it must be easier to deal with than real life.
With so many issues in one family, it's hardly surprising that Lou is overwhelmed. She's a sensitive soul, with her own personal problems, embarrassing family issues, in other words - similar to many other teenagers.
I didn't think this quite lived up to the promise of a 'genius observer', but I did enjoy Lou's view on the world and did want to know how her family problems ended and if she was able to make and leep a real friend.
A witty and relatable read for readers aged 12 and above.
September 27, 2018
A quick, touching read.
September 13, 2017
Where to start with Notes on my Family…. It wasn’t the book I anticipated but then when I thought about it afterwards I didn’t remember what I’d be expecting before I started. I chuckled out loud on more than one occasion and easily read Notes on my Family in one sitting.
Emily Critchley has created a singular narration voice for Louise. I enjoyed Louise’s narrative; however I will say is that because of the distinct style of narration the beginning of the book might take some getting used to. I felt that Notes on my Family lend itself to being a diary of Louise’s thoughts. The book is set out as a story so Louise’s repeated ‘I’-statements and thorough descriptions can take a little getting used to. Once you’ve made that connection though it’s part of Louise’s charm.
The book follows a few weeks (months) in the Coulson household. There are many incidents and characters crammed into the story. For each stereotype that Louise acknowledges shouldn’t be perpetuated she also feeds another and at times she is quite judgemental of her peers.
Notes on my Family is character driven, fortunately Louise makes for a good and engaging guide.
Emily Critchley has created a singular narration voice for Louise. I enjoyed Louise’s narrative; however I will say is that because of the distinct style of narration the beginning of the book might take some getting used to. I felt that Notes on my Family lend itself to being a diary of Louise’s thoughts. The book is set out as a story so Louise’s repeated ‘I’-statements and thorough descriptions can take a little getting used to. Once you’ve made that connection though it’s part of Louise’s charm.
The book follows a few weeks (months) in the Coulson household. There are many incidents and characters crammed into the story. For each stereotype that Louise acknowledges shouldn’t be perpetuated she also feeds another and at times she is quite judgemental of her peers.
Notes on my Family is character driven, fortunately Louise makes for a good and engaging guide.
September 5, 2017
Such a unique book, I loved reading the story from the viewpoint of Lou!
August 10, 2018
I like the book and the characters. Thought there could have been more twists, it was easy to predict the ending, nonetheless, I enjoyed reading the book. The main character sees the world and people differently from most people, which is one of the reasons why I liked reading the novel. This was the first book I read by the author, Emily Critchley and I would be happy to read another novel written by her. The main theme within the book is Friendship and Family and that become clearer as the story unravels. The points that the book proves is that all families are unique and can have challenges and that is fine and normal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2018
I think the idea of this book is good but as no real explanation as to why Lou is the way she is was ever revealed it lacked in meaning and true portrayal of her experiences. It was actually quite difficult to connect with each family members and friends story as well due to the high focus on the author trying to make us feel sympathy for and understand Lou without telling us why.
I also found the chapters too long for this type of story as a lot of people like to read full chapters at a time and having it set out in the way it is makes it all seem a bit rushed.
I also found the chapters too long for this type of story as a lot of people like to read full chapters at a time and having it set out in the way it is makes it all seem a bit rushed.
April 16, 2019
It's a fun, upbeat read, despite the content, and I really felt for Lou. Any teens going through one (or possibly even more !) of Lou's issues would undoubtedly find reassurance and strength, as well as a moment of light relief, through reading the novel.
full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...
full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...
September 13, 2018
Louise Coulson - a 13 year old coming to terms with family break up- making friends, being bullied, having a gay brother- tells it as it is. Lou's narration is effective and powerful- she is probably autistic and finds communication and relationships difficult.
May 9, 2023
I loved how this book didn’t pretend to be anything more and was simply a young girl and her observations.
I quickly grew attached to Lou and felt like I could relate to her on many levels.
Id definitely recommend this to anyone looking to see a new insight of on life
I quickly grew attached to Lou and felt like I could relate to her on many levels.
Id definitely recommend this to anyone looking to see a new insight of on life
October 8, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book. Having a friend who is also on the spectre, Lou felt so authentic and I really recognize her behavior. A book well written.
November 11, 2024
I loved this??? Read on the plane home from London
November 25, 2020
A quick and touching read. I could not put this down and I love the ending but I think better as series then standalone. I love the Characters and how they development through the story also I love cover of book. It was very unique read.
January 21, 2019
Louise is a cute character who tells the story of her disfunctional family through her Asperger eyes-reminds me abit of Belle!!
January 18, 2018
“Notes On My Family” is a wonderful, funny, heart breaking YA novel published at the end of last year by the very talented Emily Critchley. Portraying an autistic narrator has a very specific set of challenges for an author, not only do you need to tread the line between being candid and being sensitive, but you also need to avoid the massive pot hole of ‘basically Curious Incident’.
The Blurb: Enter the world of Louise Coulson through her notes on her family, school and friends. Lou is thirteen years old, a perceptive and observant outsider, somewhere on the autism spectrum. She takes notes as if she were holding a film camera silently fixed on a world that tends to ignore her. Meet her dad who is in a relationship with a sixth former, Sarah her moody sister, Mikey her gay brother, her mum who has a ‘brief psychotic episode’, her nan who goes to séances, her friend Faith who has six ‘parents’ (all gay) and Lou’s family (and dog) in her alternative universe. Told in the present tense so that you feel that you are right there and sprinkled with Lou’s inimitable asides.
Lou is taking notes as everything happens, interweaving comments and dialogue to create a narrative that’s fast, subtle and convincing.
This novel tackles a wide range of issues that are relevant to the target readers – younger teens. The fact that Lou is autistic is never explicitly stated, nor does it need to be. Her autism is not the issue at hand for the majority of the book and its portrayal never gets in the way of you understanding the delightfully funny and caring person that Lou is. What it does give us is a hilariously upfront and unsweetened view of Lou’s world and the chaos that often seems like it’ll engulf her.
There are moments that are truly awful – the incident in the girls’ changing room for one, and Critchley does a fabulous job of pulling every one of your heart strings, but ultimately the story is an uplifting one. The characters are wonderfully drawn, flaws and all, but it is Lou that you just want to scoop up and protect (although she’d hate that, so probably just a fist bump instead…)
This is exactly the sort of book young readers should be accessing. It has a strong sense of embracing difference, without ever being worthy or patronising and it never ‘tries to be cool’ – the death knell of adult written teen dialogue…
Overall, this is a compassionate and witty look at family life through the eyes of a very unique and observant narrator. Definitely one for your kids’ bookshelves.
The Blurb: Enter the world of Louise Coulson through her notes on her family, school and friends. Lou is thirteen years old, a perceptive and observant outsider, somewhere on the autism spectrum. She takes notes as if she were holding a film camera silently fixed on a world that tends to ignore her. Meet her dad who is in a relationship with a sixth former, Sarah her moody sister, Mikey her gay brother, her mum who has a ‘brief psychotic episode’, her nan who goes to séances, her friend Faith who has six ‘parents’ (all gay) and Lou’s family (and dog) in her alternative universe. Told in the present tense so that you feel that you are right there and sprinkled with Lou’s inimitable asides.
Lou is taking notes as everything happens, interweaving comments and dialogue to create a narrative that’s fast, subtle and convincing.
This novel tackles a wide range of issues that are relevant to the target readers – younger teens. The fact that Lou is autistic is never explicitly stated, nor does it need to be. Her autism is not the issue at hand for the majority of the book and its portrayal never gets in the way of you understanding the delightfully funny and caring person that Lou is. What it does give us is a hilariously upfront and unsweetened view of Lou’s world and the chaos that often seems like it’ll engulf her.
There are moments that are truly awful – the incident in the girls’ changing room for one, and Critchley does a fabulous job of pulling every one of your heart strings, but ultimately the story is an uplifting one. The characters are wonderfully drawn, flaws and all, but it is Lou that you just want to scoop up and protect (although she’d hate that, so probably just a fist bump instead…)
This is exactly the sort of book young readers should be accessing. It has a strong sense of embracing difference, without ever being worthy or patronising and it never ‘tries to be cool’ – the death knell of adult written teen dialogue…
Overall, this is a compassionate and witty look at family life through the eyes of a very unique and observant narrator. Definitely one for your kids’ bookshelves.
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