"Poignant, uplifting story of family and memory"
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2021 | March 2020 Book of the Month
Iris takes refuge with her grandma, Mimi, to escape the chaos at home, caused by her two-year old twin siblings and her dad’s DIY repairs. There’s a different kind of disorder in Mimi’s house which is chock full of items collected over the years, chiefly boxes of photos she’s taken and developed. Among the photographs of other people’s weddings are family portraits and its one of these that sets Iris on a hunt to unravel an old mystery, even as Mimi’s memories are fading. The story is beautifully told, as much about Iris and her search for order and happiness as it is about Mimi and her struggle with dementia. A poignant, thoughtful examination of family relationships, memory and loss, that ends on a note of hope and renewal.
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A positive story based on a young girl called Iris and her adventures with her friend and her grandmother Mimi. Uncovering the past and the real story of what happened to Mimi’s cousin, set against her grandmother’s failing memory and what they think might be dementia. Uplifting, and puts a smile on your face whilst you’re reading it - I liked this story and enjoyed the story.
This story is told from the perspective of a girl called Iris who is 10 years old. When she has to move in with her grandmother Mimi, she finds her grandmother’s behaviour is jumbled and peculiar. It is only when her ‘friendemy’ Mason mentions that his Grandpa who is acting in a similar way has dementia, Iris begins to worry.
Mimi tells Iris a story about her family but she’s not sure what to believe. This becomes the central part of the story and the adventure. It’s about family, relationships with people, and uncovering stories from the past.... Read Full Review
A sensitively written look into family, friendship and remembering what is important. Beautifully crafted and a wonderful read.
An excellent book by SE Durrant tackling real-life topics with her usual courage and honesty. Iris is staying with her grandmother as her parents deal with toddler twins and mould in the house. She begins to notice her grandmother putting jam in her eggs and forgetting things around the house. She begins to make a list and finds ways to love and support her grandmother. This book tackles dementia from a child’s view and is sensitive in its explanations. Durrant’s style with chapters broken into smaller sections makes this accessible for all readers and manageable for children to understand. Iris is likeable and relatable.... Read Full Review
Talking to the moon was a great read that I enjoyed! All of the characters had appreciable personalities that were fun to follow along and the ending was another aspect that I enjoyed with good pace and endnote.
Talking to the moon was a great read that I enjoyed!
The main character's development was good throughout the book, and how she managed to form a friendship with her irritating next-door neighbour, Mason.
In fact, all of the characters were great to read about; Mimi, the grandmother who likes to tie ribbons on things and can be a little forgetful sometimes; Mason, the annoying marble obsessed neighbour and even Lee and his dogs. They all had some great personalities that made the book what it is.
The book is also packed with little stories that all manage to tie together at the end to make this book so full. There is the mystery of Coral, a new bond between 2 people, the dilemma of Mimi's forgetfulness. I think that these stories went very well together and it was not too much at once, a good amount.... Read Full Review
