REVIEW: Ultraviolet by R J Anderson

Review by Alexandra.

This is from the author of the excellent Knife series. It’s completely different and very, very good. 

Alison finds herself on her way to Pine Hills Psychiatric Treatment Centre. She doesn’t really know why she’s going there. Stretched out before her are many weeks of getting used to the other patients and dealing with daily therapy sessions... It soon becomes clear that an event at school where her classmate, Tori seemed to break up in to many pieces in front of her has caused everything. Tori’s reported missing by her parents and the police can’t find her. Deep down, Alison doesn’t think she killed Tori – not really - but why did she disappear like that? What else could explain it?

During the book you learn that Alison has a condition called synesthesia.This is an actual condition and not made up in the book. Basically, most people experience sensory information – so what we hear, see, touch - as separate experiences. Synesthetes have cross-over between this information, so when they hear something it may trigger seeing something or tasting something. An example: the number 3 may look orange. (Here’s an interesting link about it if you want to know more).

It isn’t Alison’s regular doctor at Pine Hills that helps her discover what is going on but someone else. And as his identity is unravelled a whole other exciting part of the novel begins. One in which you find out what really happened to Tori that day.

This book must have been quite a lot of work to compile, it’s very well done, very interesting and the reader can learn a lot about synesthesia from it. The plot is well created and this is a unique and fascinating story. The characters are also excellent. Very highly recommended.

Review by Alexandra.

• Publisher: Orchard (2 Jun 2011)
• ISBN-10: 1408312751
• ISBN-13: 978-1408312759

Comments

[Clover]

I've had this on my shelves for a few months now and while I've been excited to read it, I haven't quite gotten around to it. I think I shall move it up my pile now. Thanks for the interesting review :)

[Cliona]

I'm like Clover, I've had it for a while but haven't got round to it yet! I HAVE to get to it soon! Fab review.

[Zoe]

This sounds great, thanks for your review! :)

[Alexandra]

As long as it's on the shelf you will get there, I'm sure! That's the important bit (unless you have to take it back to the library!!)

I hope you enjoyed it.