Shark Girl

Kelly Bingham (author)

Candlewick Press, USA: 2010; 276pp

ISBN: 9780763646271 13+

Genres: poetry, realistic fiction, verse novel

Issues: change, disability, grief, resilience

Jane Arrowhead was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A family day at the beach, a dip in the surf in her new bikini - and a shark swimming close to shore. Her older brother's quick actions save her life but there are times Jane isn't sure that was such a good idea.

Without her right arm how is she supposed to do all the things she did before? Will she spend the rest of her life relying on others? Will she ever stop feeling angry, lost, miserable and different? And will she be able to draw again?

Written mostly in concise, eloquent poetry that captures and projects Jane's recovery experience straight to the reader's heart, Shark Girl is a powerful, evocative novel. Although her first published work, Shark Girl reflects Bingham's tertiary study, her previous work with Disney and her understanding of narrative essentials. Each poem is a sharply drawn sketch of an intense moment in Jane's adjustment to her changed circumstances and the way that change impacts on every aspect of her life. Through these poems the reader becomes acquainted with the raw complexity of her family relationships, friendships old and new, personal discoveries and the astonishing adaptability of the human spirit.

Readers will find themselves looking at their own lives and attitudes with new eyes, questioning their assumptions and reassessing the things they take for granted. The combination of poems, letters, newspaper articles and mental commentary challenges the traditional novel format and serves as a great model for young writers struggling to find their personal voice.

Highly recommended.