The Wish House

[KW]

Have any of the young people on this forum read this?

 

I just started another go through because I enjoyed it so much the first time around. Very sharp and sophisticated.

 

KW

[Kell]

Who's it by & what's it about, KW? I often read titles aimed at young adults, but I don't recognise this one off the bat.

[KW]

The Wish House by Celia Rees. It's a coming-of-age story about a 15 yr old boy on summer vacation in the UK with his parents. Every year they stay at this campground. This year, while exploring, he discovers a naked woman sunbathing in the fields. Naturally, he stares. She discovers him and takes him back to her very hippie-esq home ( this takes place in the mid seventies ) where he meets her alluring daughter and most importantly, Jay -- the woman's husband. A very famous artist, who becomes strangely obsessed with him ( the boy ) as his muse. It's kind of a "Summer of 42" book in that the boy has many "firsts"...

 

It's very interesting and soooo well written.

 

Classified as YA but very sharp.

 

Does this help?

 

KW

[Michelle]

I know Kell enjoyed Witch Child and Soceress by this author, so I'm sure she'd be interested.

[Kell]

Definitely helpful - and interesting! I've read three or four books by Celia Rees and enjoyed them, so I might well look out for this one - thank you!

[Sugar]

I've read it, KW. But it was in 2005, and it's another that has now been relegated to the back of my memory. I do remember though that I had read Pirates! by Rees previously and loved it, and felt this was a bit of a let down in comparison.

[KW]

I have Pirates and haven't read it. Maybe I'll start it today -- since you think it was even better than Wish House. I like her style and voice...for me, that's number one in reading requirements.

 

KW

[Sugar]

I hope you like it KW. I'll feel responsible if you don't!

 

I remember really clearly the imagery from Pirates!, some of the descriptions have stayed with me very clearly. I'm sure when you read it you will know which ones!