Switched
Jo Coghlan

Fremantle Arts Centre Press 2003
126pp., pbk., $14.95
18636850X

This book had me interested from the beginning, as it didn’t go right ahead and explain the characters or positions, like most books. It simply described what was happening at the time.

I also felt as though I was there, in the place the author was describing. I felt that the atmosphere was very tense, and that got me into the story right away. The plot had a clear set- out, which I feel is important in any story, and the novel built up to a complicated climax, which was enthralling. There was an array of complications along the way, so I wasn’t waiting for something to happen. This story had a strong, emotional ending, winding everything up so as not to leave you hanging; it was hard to put down. It is a book definitely worth getting into trouble over.

The characters in this story were very believable. From what this author has described, I can visualise the people in this story. These people have lots of personality, and their own way of doing things. I feel that, if these people were real, I could form a pretty strong bond with them. In the beginning I didn’t really care what happened to these people, but as the story went on I began to see that I would really want something good to happen to them. The relationships these characters formed, as well as the ones they already had, were very realistic. The people in this story did very obvious things to keep in touch with their personality, such as, if they were fairly angry, they would let their emotions get the better of them. I think the dialogue was very realistic, natural and appropriate to the characters, I even feel I can hear them talking. I feel like an eavesdropper on their conversations.

This story has no real meaning, it is just to entertain you, and so I don’t think the author is trying to pass through a message. The fact that the author used to be a teacher has influenced this novel. It is well written so it doesn’t really leave me with issues I want discussed, or questions I want answered. The main issue that was raised was raised by Garry, the main character in this story. The issue was, how do I get home? Which I felt was appropriate for any age. The author has disguised these issues, to get you to read more of the book. If I could talk to the author my main suggestion would be to make the climax less complicating.

There aren’t really any illustrations, except for the one on the front cover. It’s a good picture for the front cover though. It helps you to visualise.

The language used in the book was very appropriate as it didn’t use long words, but when one of the characters was explaining the technicalities of a mat, it got a little confusing. The language was fairly rich, original and interesting. Furthermore, the author has used the words well to build up the atmosphere, and create a picture in my mind. I think the language and sentence structure contributed to this story in a positive way, this is a crucial element and I feel the author handled it well. The author chose a very clear font and size for the text and the lay- out assisted me. I think this book is more of a read- alone book than anything else.

This book is a book I would like to receive as a gift and a book I would spend my pocket money on. I would definitely keep this book for my children to read, without fear of it being outdated, as it has elements of Science Fiction. I would recommend this book to others of my own age. I have not been changed as a result of this book, but it was a good read and I’m glad I read it.

Alexandra, 10 years old, rural Queensland.