Elizabeth and Zenobia Review

Title: Elizabeth and Zenobia
Author: Jessica Miller
Publisher: Faber Faber
Publication Date: 07 June 2018
Source: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Elizabeth is a thoughtful, quiet girl, ever cautious and just a little bit timid. Zenobia is everything Elizabeth would like to be, and more: bold and unafraid and wildly imaginative. The problem is ... only Elizabeth can see Zenobia.

When they arrive at their new home, the imposing Witheringe House, Zenobia is convinced it's haunted and eagerly tries to contact a spirit presence. Elizabeth is relieved when her efforts come to nothing.

But then this dark and foreboding manor begins to reveal some extraordinary secrets..

Book Review:

Pre-reading Thoughts:

I love the sound of the synopsis. It sounds like something that young readers would enjoy. I am really excited to jump into this book head first.

Thank you so much to Jonathan ball Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book. Just a quick disclaimer for those reading this review, I have received this book for free. Please note that this does not affect my opinions in any way. All thoughts are my own.

Writing Thoughts:

The writing is great. It pulls you in and the pacing is well done. My favourite part is how the writing conveys the various emotions that can be found on the page. Zenobia comes off as this snarky and interesting character through her dialogue whilst Elizabeth's more quiet and calming character is revealed in her responses to Zenobia and the other characters. The dialogue in this novel, for me, definitely plays a big role.

Plot Thoughts:

I loved the plot so much. It had a ton of quirky moments that just made me fall in love with the book even more. The plot has this constant intrigue to it in the form of Zenobia. She adds a little extra something extra to the plot that helps to draw the reader in further. Zenobia's true identity helps to spur on the plot as only Elizabeth can see her. I think a great part of the novel is how the adult figures of the novel deal with this. The main plot is fun and interesting because we see an old house come alive. 

Character Thoughts:

Zenobia and Elizabeth are opposites. Their strange friendship makes brings them off the page and into our hearts. Elizabeth reminds readers that sometimes the bravest things come from trusting and protecting our friends. Zenobia reminds readers that despite everything, giving up control and trusting the least likely person might result in a surprising turn of events. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, all I can say is read this book. It is perfect for young readers looking for something interesting and not as well-known. Whilst I definitely agree that the audience is more young girls, there are definitely some aspects that I think will intrigue young boys such as the haunted aspect of the novel. The writing is good but the dialogue is what carries the reader into the world of Elizabeth and Zenobia. The plot is fun and interesting, I loved how everything played out. The characters are well rounded and will definitely be favourites of young readers. Thank you so much to Jonathan Ball Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book

Yours in Reading,

Melleny