Twenty-Four Hours
Collins 2001
192p pbk $13.95
0-00-711372-2
24 Hours by Margaret Mahy and published by Collins is a colourful narrative of one young man's realisation of all his wild plans and hopes for his life in the space of just twenty-four hours. It was written in the genre of magic-realism. When Ellis reunites with an old friend and the three strange sisters who share The Land of Smiles Hotel with him, Ellis is drawn into a series of very weird and dangerous situations from which he cannot escape.
The book was written for young adults and it would probably appeal to many in that age group who don't really mind a predictable ending and unrealistic characterization. The book did have many redeeming factors however because it was a courageous story despite the lack of empathy with any of the supporting and minor characters in the novel. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like an exciting read and doesn't mind knowing the ending in advance.
Jane, aged 16, Canberra, ACT
Have you ever had that experience of unexpectedly bumping someone you werent particularly fond of, and for some reason, you end up spending the rest of the day with him? Well thats what happened to Ellis. Ellis is a seventeen year old boy living somewhere in New Zealand. He has just finished his school and is contemplating his future, as an actor, perhaps. His best friend Simon had committed suicide a few months earlier, and Ellis finds himself alone in a rather perplexing world. As he makes his way along the street one evening in the holidays, he notices that others have friends to talk to and he becomes acutely aware of that fact that he is quite alone, that is, until he bumps into Jackie. Jackie is the guy at school we all remember not wanting to become involved with. Jackie spells trouble: Jackie is trouble! So why does Ellis decide to be drawn into Jackies web?
This novel by Mahy explores the ensuing twenty-four hours in Ellis life. The reader is drawn into a world of living on the edge, being prepared to take gambles and not taking life for granted. The characters in the story each has an axe to grind and each manages to survive rather dreadful personal ordeals. If you like such dramas then this is the novel for you.
Personally, I found the plot rather hard going. I never really got a sense of knowing who Ellis was, and why he let himself become so influenced by the other characters. His character wasnt clearly defined, and as a result, his enigmatic nature annoyed me a little. I also found much of the plot, even though dramatic, predictable, and as a result, the story lost its initial energy.
24 Hours will appeal to those of you between the ages of 12-14 who want to experience daring things in life, even if it means taking risks.
Monica, Canberra, ACT
