Children's
I remember reading Anne Fine when I was younger, and liking the books, so I jumped at the chance of reading The Stone Menagerie. It's a quick read, but provides an awful lot of food for thought.
Like most teenagers, Ally doesn't enjoy visiting Aunt Chloe every week at the long stay hospital. The weekly visits are terribly dull, especially since Aunt Chloe doesn't react to anything. At one visit, Ally gazes out the window and sees the name 'Flora' planted out in the grounds. Eager to see who planted it, he sets off on a mission. Locating the site takes time, involving mud and water. What he finds, is more than just a creative hobby by one of the residents. He meets Flora, who isn't a resident of the hospital but does have a condition which plays a part in the story, as well as her close companion Riley. Flora provides the laughs in this book, her sunny nature helps Ally look at life a little differently. Riley's provides laughs because he is rather grumpy, and competes for Flora's attention with Ally.
For one reason and another, Ally keeps his newfound friendship's a secret from his parents, who are surprised at his eagerness to visit his aunt. However, at the climax of the plot Ally must risk losing the friendship in exchange for safeguarding Flora's life. The most enjoyable part of this book was how Ally deals with his aunt: thanks to Flora, he makes an effort with Aunt Chloe and makes an impact on her recovery.
Mental illness, caused for whatever reason can be a tough issue to deal with. Considering the original date of publication, Anne Fine addresses this issue in a sensitive matter which teenagers, especially male readers, can relate to.
Anne Fine's website is here.
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