Permanent Rose

As a middle school teacher, I am always looking for books I can recommend to reluctant readers. I just finished Permanent Rose (I read the books before I add them to my classroom library), and I am happy to say that this one is going to school with me. There is enough angst in the story to keep poor readers going and enough depth to satisfy the teacher in me. The English setting adds to the appeal--but does not get in the way of understand. The characters are fun despite (or because of) their faults, and face the same problems my preteen students face in suburban California. Loyalty to family, friends, and doing the right thing, even if it is difficult, are subtly brought out--without being preachy. For more enjoyment, get the two prior novels and enjoy the changes in the characters. As they get older their problems become more serious--but with the support of family and friends, they manage to make difficult choices and handle life well.

Pretty good, although a bit implausible in places. But, hey - achieving the impossible is what life's all about... I would still rate Indigo's Star as the best of this trio, but Permanent Rose is a close second. Since other reviewers have mostly given the plot away, I'm not going to add anything, except that there are quite a lot of unexpected twists and turns; on the other hand, some of them ARE predictable. Even so - yes, read.

Author Hilary MacKay has delightfully crafted yet another enjoyable and quirky book with an appropriate balance of predictability and surprise. From the often-ignored young protagonist "Permanent Rose" to the seemingly repulsive bully-turned-hero David, each character in the book comes alive in ways appropriate to their role in the story. Examples used early in the story to illustrate points and define characters suddenly take on new significance as latter events developed and occurred. Though the climax and conclusion seem a bit rushed compared to the relaxed pace of earlier plot points, this book is certainly worth reading. Some themes and references to the "Facts of Life" may be a bit mature for elementary-aged readers, such "almost-nine" year old Rose longing deeply for Tom and some discoveries made as Saffron finds her biological father. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this hilarious and thought-provoking book for the young adult readers and others who love to read.

PERMANENT ROSE follows more adventures of the deliciously bizarre Casson family. This sequel to SAFFY'S ANGEL (which won the prestigious Whitbread Award, among other honors) and INDIGO'S STAR focuses on eight-year-old Rose, who is yearning for her friend Tom. Tom went back to America ages ago, and no one has heard from him since. Rose, in her grief, has turned to shoplifting. Her brother Indigo, hoping to distract her, reads her bits of King Arthur and Sir Lancelot tales. At first Rose dislikes the stories with their old ornate words, but she soon identifies with the friendship theme and longs for a quest of her own. Other characters' tales are interwoven into Rose's story. Cousin Saffy, who has always lived with the Cassons, decides she must find her true father. Her friend Sarah helps her search. Rose's sister Caddy doesn't seem at all positive that she should keep Michael's engagement ring. Rose is horrified at the thought of Caddy's engagement ending. She adores Michael, who brings her a rose every morning. If Caddy returns his ring, Michael is sure to leave, which would break Rose's heart. She's had enough friends leave. Rose decides to make sure that the engagement ring is not available to be returned. A boy named David has somehow insinuated himself into the Casson family. He adores Rose, but she can't forgive him for the way he once bullied Indigo. Poor fat lumpy David falls into a guinea pig hutch when he glimpses Saffy sunbathing nude. He knows he's totally hopeless...but gradually, tenderly, life changes for him. A mystery nags the family (and the reader) regarding Saffy's father: Why are there no pictures of him? Why doesn't Saffy's Aunt Eve know anything about him? This is a story full of humor, quests, and enduring friendships, topped off with an unexpected hero who steps forward when he's most needed. The characters are quirky and lovable, the plot moves quickly and unpredictably, and the writing is completely engaging. Delightful PERMANENT ROSE is a must-read! [...]

I had been waiting for this book for months, ever since I discovered Saffy's Angel and Indigo's Star. I love the family in these books, and you will too! Rose, my favorite sibling takes center stage, but no one is excluded from full examination. The main character, Rose is only 8, I believe in the story, but the book really seems to be written for intermediate or even young adult readers. The plot sifts through some heavier family issues, but the rolicking wit of McKay will make you eat it up! Fix some snacks, because you will want to read this in one sitting!