Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Finnikin of the Rock

Melina Marchetta

Candlewick Press

February 2010

399 pgs.

Summary

Now on the cusp of manhood, Finnikin, who was a child when the royal family of Lumatere was brutally murdered and replaced by an imposter, reluctantly joins forces with an enigmatic young novice and fellow-exile, who claims that her dark dreams will lead them to a surviving royal child and a way to regain the throne of Lumatere.

My Thoughts

I was excited when Finnikin and Sir Topher picked up Evanjalin. She knew things she shouldn't and she wasn't afraid to use the information she needed. I was disappointed when they picked up the thief. He was unnecessary. I was excited when Evanjalin helped Finnikin "break" into the prison. Disappointed when the thief tried to rape her. That's how this book was for me; alternating between exciting and disappointing. While enjoyed the book, small parts were disappointing. Overall I loved the twists and turns and the not completely resolved issues. The idea of trying to bring a kingdom that been torn apart back together. To start over in a place they no longer knew. That's intriguing. People have their memories. They aren't all good or all bad. But the same story is remembered differently based on who you are and who you've been. Finnikin wanted things the way they were but you can't really go back home. In this case both home and Finnikin had changed.

Still not sure what I think about this one. It's definitely one to add to the library and will be a great discussion book. But I wanted more from this book. Maybe a second read is necessary...

Review - Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Readin'
Jellicoe Road
Melina Marchetta
HarperTeen
Pgs: 419
Ttl Rdg Time: 4hrs. 15 min.



Writin'
Taylor Lily Markham was just left by the second person she loved. At the age of 11, her mother left her at a 7/11 on Jellicoe Road. Now Hannah, who has taken care of her for the past 6 years, is gone and no one is giving her any answers. In the meantime, the "war" between the Townies, the Cadets, and the Jellicoe School is heating up and Taylor is being forced into leadership. Taylor starts reading the book Hannah was writing, hoping it will somehow make her feel more connected to the missing Hannah.

'Rithmetic
The beginning was a little confusing for me. I was trying to make connections between Taylor, the Cadet, and the four students on the side of the road. I was also a little distracted by Marchetta's use of "feral". I must say that I kept reading even through my confusion because the writing was entertaining and beautiful.

"And my House leaders used to flush my head down the toilet. Consequently, I'm going for a more pastoral approach." p. 78

"I recognise Santangelo's dad, who saves police brutality for when he gets to his son." p.92

"Yes, she lived in the same street as Jem and Scout Finch." p. 105

And then I understood what was going on. I noticed the formatting of the book. Marchetta's use of italics helped me understand what was happening now and what was from Hannah's book. Once I got that - things moved even faster for me!

The story kept me trying to guess what was going to happen and how things would come together. Although I was engrossed in the story, I kept writing down quotations that I thought signifyed the beauty of Marchetta's style.

"...he had spent the last two days not being able to look at her because her gaze was so sharp and focused that it pierced through him." p. 177

The budding romance, the building loyalty, and the unfolding mystery all add up to a wonderful story. I can't really tell much because the story is in the unraveling. Read it, you won't regret it. Recommended. Will buy for school library.