The transformation of Minna Hargreaves

by Fleur Beale
Published by Random House, 2007

Fleur Beale is noted for believable "real" dialogue among people and her ability to pull you into the story. There were many moments where I was there with the characters including the harrowing and exciting cliff scene and when Minna's mother is being very concerned about where and who Minna is going out with.

Written in first person the reader is instantly introduced to Minna Hargreaves and her brilliant city life - she has great friends and a new boyfriend. Minna is 14 and thinks she is ready to take the next step with Seb but then her Dad arrives home from work and disrupts everyone's lives.... Oddly, her mother agrees to go and live for a year with Dad, Noah, the 16-year-old brother with his own problems, and Minna on a tiny windswept island in Cook Strait.

The purpose is seeing what isolation does to the family dynamics and to make a new reality TV show starring the Hargreaves Family. How will Minna survive this nightmare? Recommended for good readers- intermediate age and secondary students/adults.

Read about Fleur Beale and her other books here