One True Thing by Nicole Hayes
Random House Australia, 2015. ISBN: 9780857986887
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. With this second novel, Nicole Hayes
has absolutely confirmed her talent as a quality writer for young
adults. We are all too aware of the intense scrutiny under which our
politicians are placed - and often, rightly so - and the
accompanying media feeding frenzy which generally accompanies this,
but how often do we give thought to the effect of all this on a
public figure's family or children?
Hayes has taken this idea and crafted a stunning story revolving
around Frankie (Francesca) Mulvaney-Webb, daughter of the Victorian
Premier, Rowena, who has stepped up into that position and is now
running for election to confirm her post.
Amid considerable antipathy from some quarters about having a female
state leader, Rowena is subjected to a vilifying media campaign over
her connection with an unknown young man. Woven into this fabric:
Frankie's new friend (potential boyfriend) who is a dedicated
amateur photographer, who has unwittingly provided the 'evidence' of
this questionable relationship, her young brother and father who,
like the rest of the family struggle to cope with the glaring
spotlight and open 'slur' tactics, her rather eccentric Irish
grandmother who appears to be keeping secrets, Frankie's indie band
and her relationships with her best friends, all of which combine to
impact on Frankie and her life in ways which would have many of us
running for cover.
Despite her life seemingly going completely pear-shaped, Frankie
demonstrates strength of character which is both admirable and
inspirational. Strong female characters abound in this novel which
makes it a must-read for young women as they also navigate their way
to sometimes fraught teenage years.
For those looking for novels which also deal with gay issues, this
is a worthy addition to your 'Rainbow' collection as Frankie also
deals with the developing gay relationship between her two best
friends. Her difficulties in adapting to being a 'third wheel' would
easily apply to many other circumstances and her struggle to bring
herself to an acceptance with grace and warmth is a pattern for
similar situations.
Lending itself well to philosophical debates such as: when does the
political become personal, when is a secret not ours to share, how
does a family demonstrate its unity in the face of overwhelmingly
opposition, loyalty, love and commitment to a cause, there will be
much to unravel in discussions arising from the reading.
An amazing book which demands to be consumed immediately, I know I
for one will follow Hayes' writing career with great interest.
Highly recommended for readers, particularly girls, from around 13
upwards.
Teaching notes are available on the publisher's website.
Sue Warren