Tag Archive | Penelope Lively

The Ghost Of Thomas Kempe by Penelope Lively

Mar23

Entertaining

The Ghost Of Thomas Kempe by Penelope Lively is a children’s adventure for ages ten years and over. Though written in 1973, it still entertains audiences today.

Penelope Lively has a young boy, James, as the central character. Having moved into a new house, things go bump in the day and night – and James gets the blame. It is only James who recognizes this for what it is, and sets about trying to help a spirit lay to rest. Few people believe James, except a carpenter.

James is a very likable lead character. He is very plucky and able to save the day on more than one occasion.

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The House In Norham Gardens by Penelope Lively

Mar22

Highly Entertaining

The House In Norham Gardens by Penelope Lively is an entertaining novel for children aged ten years and over. It was penned in 1974 but is still reaching audiences today.

The action is set in Oxford as we follow a young girl, living with her aunts. She has the most amazing experiences as she sleeps – could this be real? Or imagined?

Having found artefacts from New Guinea, the young girl has vivid dreams about the tribes. Penelope Lively brings the exotic landscapes to life, with her magnificent descriptions. The book springs to life in glorious technicolour.

The leading lady is very kind, having empathy for those around her. Her elderly aunts are taken care of as the teen anticipates their needs.

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A Stitch In Time by Penelope Lively

Mar15

A Timeless Classic

A Stitch In Time by Penelope Lively is a children’s classic that can be enjoyed by anyone at any time.

First published in 1976, the action in this timeless classic is in 1975. It is set over the summer holidays in Lyme Regis. Life was simpler then – with picnics, hide and seek, books on rainy afternoons, collecting fossils. No modern technology or disturbance from mobile phones.

The two holidaying families contrast sharply. Maria and her parents are quiet. Martin and his family are loud and gregarious.

Childhood is a carefree time where we make memories. It is also a time of over active imaginations and imaginary friends. Children seem more sensitive to the past whereas adults concentrate on the here and now.

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