'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 12 May 2015

Review: The Motherless Oven

You know you are in for an intriguing tale when the first words on the first page are ‘better sorry than safe’. By the second page I was beyond hooked with these words:

The weather clock said Knife o’clock, so I chained Dad up in the shed.

It really does rain knives in The Motherless Oven. A table is your only effective umbrella at times like these, so why would you need to chain anyone up? Welcome to the world of Scarper Lee, where people know their death date in advance and Scarp, if predictions are to be believed, has only days to live.

With a minimum of words and mind-bending scenarios, The Motherless Oven pushes story to the edge of reality and waits to see if you are prepared to jump off. Turn another page if you dare.

This world where teenagers have created their own parents, but can’t remember doing so, is never predictable. If you’re into stretching ideas, and don’t mind dark scenarios, then The Motherless Oven could be for you. I’m still unsettled by the ending.

NB: this easy-to-read format allows struggling older readers (including adults) to enjoy an intellectual ride without the pressure of torturous decoding.

Title: The Motherless Oven
Author: Rob Davis
Publisher: Self Made Hero $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781906838812
For ages: 12+
Type: Young Adult Fiction