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Casson Family #5
Forever Rose
It's tough being the youngest - Rose is lonely. Her family are always busy doing their own things so Rose comes home to a dark, quiet, empty house every day. At least Rose still has her friends at school, but Mr Spencer is always shouting about SATs & now he's cancelled Christmas! But thankfully he can't cancel the Christmas School Trip.
277 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2007
22 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Hilary McKay
136 books387 followersHilary McKay was born in Boston, Lincolnshire and is the eldest of four girls. From a very early age she read voraciously and grew up in a household of readers. Hilary says of herself as a child "I anaesthetised myself against the big bad world with large doses of literature. The local library was as familiar to me as my own home."
After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.
One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them
Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.
After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.
One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them
Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
August 20, 2013
This book rocked. It's a toss-up if I liked this better than Saffy's Angel. That I can even consider the comparison should give you an idea of how very much I enjoyed the book. It even had some great laugh-out-loud moments and excellent hijinks that reminded me so strongly of that first adventure.
I was worried after Caddy Ever After that the magic was waning, but friends (and spouses) reassured me and they were right. Unlike most of the previous books, there are no new characters introduced in this one to bring new madness or complications. And the action isn't driven by crisis or miscue. I see both these things as strengths (though won't go into detail to avoid spoilers).
Don't read this one without reading the others first (yeah, even Caddy Ever After). If you have read the others, then you know, more or less, what you're getting here. Just be assured that this one hearkens back to the best of the Casson family stories.
I love a series that ends on such a wonderful high note.
I was worried after Caddy Ever After that the magic was waning, but friends (and spouses) reassured me and they were right. Unlike most of the previous books, there are no new characters introduced in this one to bring new madness or complications. And the action isn't driven by crisis or miscue. I see both these things as strengths (though won't go into detail to avoid spoilers).
Don't read this one without reading the others first (yeah, even Caddy Ever After). If you have read the others, then you know, more or less, what you're getting here. Just be assured that this one hearkens back to the best of the Casson family stories.
I love a series that ends on such a wonderful high note.
August 25, 2013
Forever Rose is probably my favorite of the Casson Family novels, mostly because Rose is such an engaging narrator. Hilary McKay has a real talent for writing young people who sound like their age (in this case 11) as opposed to young people who sound like tiny adults. Rose is the youngest of her family and deals with all the problems that come with being the youngest: not being taken seriously, overprotected, being left behind. Rose rarely complains about this, and never in a whiny way, but there's always the sense that she craves having her family around her. Here, her mother Eve is ill, sicker than she believes; her father Bill is his usual selfish abandoning self (have I mentioned yet how much I despise Bill?); Caddy is missing, and Saffy and Indigo are caught up in their own concerns. Yet this is still an intact family, and if Rose is not exactly the glue that holds them together, it's her needs that bring them all back into one place.
In addition to the typically well-realized Casson clan, Rose interacts with three other people: her friends Kiran and Molly (Kiran having changed somewhat from when we last saw her in Permanent Rose), and Indigo's friend David, previously a hoodlum and now a great lurking lump of a fellow who's sort of a wet hen. Rose resents David's presence in her life, as he takes up space she would rather her family fill and is the sort of person whose needs for friendship and a home make her uncomfortable. I like that this secondary plot, in which David goes from being a slightly unwelcome guest to being a part of the clan, changes Rose in a way I don't think she realizes.
But I like even better the central plot, in which Molly ("boring" Molly) drags Rose and Kiran into her plan to spend the night in the Zoo. It spans the length of the novel, and it's not hard for a reader to figure out that their experience is going to be vastly different from what the three expect. Then McKay gives it a twist that makes it clear that the book really is about Rose's family and gives the ending real power. And that's not even the climax, or if it is, we get one last surprise that always makes me tear up a little:
If I were to ask Hilary McKay for another Casson novel, it would be one about Rose, no question.
In addition to the typically well-realized Casson clan, Rose interacts with three other people: her friends Kiran and Molly (Kiran having changed somewhat from when we last saw her in Permanent Rose), and Indigo's friend David, previously a hoodlum and now a great lurking lump of a fellow who's sort of a wet hen. Rose resents David's presence in her life, as he takes up space she would rather her family fill and is the sort of person whose needs for friendship and a home make her uncomfortable. I like that this secondary plot, in which David goes from being a slightly unwelcome guest to being a part of the clan, changes Rose in a way I don't think she realizes.
But I like even better the central plot, in which Molly ("boring" Molly) drags Rose and Kiran into her plan to spend the night in the Zoo. It spans the length of the novel, and it's not hard for a reader to figure out that their experience is going to be vastly different from what the three expect. Then McKay gives it a twist that makes it clear that the book really is about Rose's family and gives the ending real power. And that's not even the climax, or if it is, we get one last surprise that always makes me tear up a little:
If I were to ask Hilary McKay for another Casson novel, it would be one about Rose, no question.
December 22, 2011
I love the Casson family. They are like cousins to me. I know my way around their house. My dad and Bill meet up for coffee sometimes in London, they are friends but at the same time they don't really get along. Caddy, Saffy, Indigo and Rose are my cousins who live a few hours away from us, so we visit them a lot. I spend time with Indigo and Saffy, while my brother plays with Rose. The two of them share their hatred for reading, unlike me. My mum and Eve are always talking on the phone together, exchanging stories of their jobs (who bought paintings from Eve, who accepted books from my mum) and their absentmindedness. My family shares their inside jokes and their love of small, furry animals. With all this in mind, here is my review of Forever Rose:
We went to visit the Cassons just after New Year, and Caddy and Michael were there, and Tom, and Caddy had some amazing news and an unexpected guest with her. I haven't seen Tom in ages, and I know how much Rose has missed him. She was in a surprisingly good mood, and introduced me to 'Buttercup', Caddy's son.
"I named him," she told me proudly.
"That's not his REAL name though," I said.
"Yes, it is. So."
And she told me how Caddy and Michael are engaged now. Again.
And then all of my cousins' friends started arriving. Molly and Kiran turned up first, but were soon shooed away by Caddy to avoid planning for another zoo sleepover (don’t ask). Sarah came over for lunch, bringing a few books for Rose (she passed them on to my brother, who subsequently handed them to me). Saffy and Sarah groaned when David came to see Indigo, and left for Sarah’s house. David insisted on giving us a show with his drums, which was… interesting. And his drums were in Saffy’s room, which explains the huge cut on her forehead, considering her room is so small. I was really sad when our visit was finished, as we probably won’t see the Cassons very often nowadays.
Hilary McKay is my favorite author, I love all of her books but especially the Casson ones. She writes in a way that makes the characters seem alive. Does anyone ever compare the character in Harry Potter to their own family? I think not.
We went to visit the Cassons just after New Year, and Caddy and Michael were there, and Tom, and Caddy had some amazing news and an unexpected guest with her. I haven't seen Tom in ages, and I know how much Rose has missed him. She was in a surprisingly good mood, and introduced me to 'Buttercup', Caddy's son.
"I named him," she told me proudly.
"That's not his REAL name though," I said.
"Yes, it is. So."
And she told me how Caddy and Michael are engaged now. Again.
And then all of my cousins' friends started arriving. Molly and Kiran turned up first, but were soon shooed away by Caddy to avoid planning for another zoo sleepover (don’t ask). Sarah came over for lunch, bringing a few books for Rose (she passed them on to my brother, who subsequently handed them to me). Saffy and Sarah groaned when David came to see Indigo, and left for Sarah’s house. David insisted on giving us a show with his drums, which was… interesting. And his drums were in Saffy’s room, which explains the huge cut on her forehead, considering her room is so small. I was really sad when our visit was finished, as we probably won’t see the Cassons very often nowadays.
Hilary McKay is my favorite author, I love all of her books but especially the Casson ones. She writes in a way that makes the characters seem alive. Does anyone ever compare the character in Harry Potter to their own family? I think not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2008
Thank goodness for British children’s books! There is something about a book in which characters say “shan’t” and use mysterious objects called spongebags and occasionally talk in Capital Letters that warms my heart like a spot of tea and some beans on toast.
Forever Rose by Hilary McKay (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2008) is the fifth and last in the series that started with Saffy’s Angel in 2002. As fans of the Casson Family series know, there are four children (each named after a color), an absent-minded and impractical but loving artist Mum, and a Dad who is an Important Artist and lives in London. That the family members are eccentric and unpredictable is only part of this series’ charm – it’s the warmly affectionate and usually understanding (if occasionally disparaging or scornful) way the Cassons treat each other that is so enticing. Oh, and the deft way McKay has with words, letting her address significant issues with a lovely lightness (somewhat reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson and Sylvia Waugh). And don’t forget those capital letters! Yes, everything and everyone comes together at the end of this book and it is Very Slightly Soppy, but oh so satisfying. I wish there would be more!
Forever Rose by Hilary McKay (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2008) is the fifth and last in the series that started with Saffy’s Angel in 2002. As fans of the Casson Family series know, there are four children (each named after a color), an absent-minded and impractical but loving artist Mum, and a Dad who is an Important Artist and lives in London. That the family members are eccentric and unpredictable is only part of this series’ charm – it’s the warmly affectionate and usually understanding (if occasionally disparaging or scornful) way the Cassons treat each other that is so enticing. Oh, and the deft way McKay has with words, letting her address significant issues with a lovely lightness (somewhat reminiscent of Eva Ibbotson and Sylvia Waugh). And don’t forget those capital letters! Yes, everything and everyone comes together at the end of this book and it is Very Slightly Soppy, but oh so satisfying. I wish there would be more!
June 24, 2022
Such a wonderful series! ❤️
April 13, 2014
I actually enjoyed Forever Rose more than the last two, for all that I thought the plot ridiculous: too many people running away to unsuitable places, and too many adults behaving appallingly.
Appallingly. Someone needs to contact the police about David's mother.
And really, Eve as a parent is shocking, and Bill as a human being more shocking still.
And what happened to the scattered-but-wise-in-her-own-way Caddy? I know the story is told from Rose's perspective - which has all the failings of the last two books - but her decisions don't make much sense here. Was she hiding from Michael? She'd obviously seen him recently. Did she think her family would turn unaccepting? Did she and Michael part on bad terms? There's potential for such a great story there (though I guess it's possible this book would cease to be a children's book, in that case?) - but that story remains completely untold, and I think it weakens the story that is told.
Overall, I think this series is weaker when read back to back, and all the novels not as rich and humorous and unique as the first, fabulous Saffy's Angel.
Appallingly. Someone needs to contact the police about David's mother.
And really, Eve as a parent is shocking, and Bill as a human being more shocking still.
And what happened to the scattered-but-wise-in-her-own-way Caddy? I know the story is told from Rose's perspective - which has all the failings of the last two books - but her decisions don't make much sense here. Was she hiding from Michael? She'd obviously seen him recently. Did she think her family would turn unaccepting? Did she and Michael part on bad terms? There's potential for such a great story there (though I guess it's possible this book would cease to be a children's book, in that case?) - but that story remains completely untold, and I think it weakens the story that is told.
Overall, I think this series is weaker when read back to back, and all the novels not as rich and humorous and unique as the first, fabulous Saffy's Angel.
June 18, 2019
Heaven is just more stories of this family forever.
October 27, 2015
What I liked: This was a lovely end to the Casson family stories (if it is indeed the end). The stories are always fun, funny, and have a lot of heart. This final book had plenty of twists that were just delightful. McKay is one of the few authors who can make me actually laugh out loud.
What I didn't like: Unfortunately this book is one of the worst examples of the diary format. I never like this format. There are very few books written in it that I felt worked (A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32 is the only one I can think of that worked). When I like a book written in that format it's despite the format, not because of it!
Why I Hate the Diary Format
1.) We must believe the main character would be the sort of person who would keep a diary
2.) We must believe the main character would be the sort of person who would be disciplined enough to write in it regularly
3.) We must believe the main character would be skilled enough to write this book:
a.) be able to balance, dialogue, exposition and description
b.) be able to "show" not "tell" in her/his writing
c.) ...
4.) The diary has to avoid excessive foresight. We don't know what is important from one day to another. Sometimes only weeks later do we see that something that happen in the past that we barely noticed would become important later.
In most cases I'm willing to give most "diary" books a pass on #4 and chock it up to dramatic license, but sometimes the offense is too great and I just can't get past it. That was the case here. How on earth does Rose know to write about how she wasn't listening to what Molly was saying? Or all the slight references early on to David's drum set? It just got to be too much.
And while I could believe Rose capable of #1 and #2, I could not believe her capable of #3. This is a girl who says that she has never read a book! How on earth does she perfectly reproduce dramatic prose in her diary?
That sounds a little harsher than I meant it. I really do enjoy this series, but the diary format has long been a pet peeve of mine. So don't misunderstand me, I still heartily recommend this series.
What I didn't like: Unfortunately this book is one of the worst examples of the diary format. I never like this format. There are very few books written in it that I felt worked (A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32 is the only one I can think of that worked). When I like a book written in that format it's despite the format, not because of it!
Why I Hate the Diary Format
1.) We must believe the main character would be the sort of person who would keep a diary
2.) We must believe the main character would be the sort of person who would be disciplined enough to write in it regularly
3.) We must believe the main character would be skilled enough to write this book:
a.) be able to balance, dialogue, exposition and description
b.) be able to "show" not "tell" in her/his writing
c.) ...
4.) The diary has to avoid excessive foresight. We don't know what is important from one day to another. Sometimes only weeks later do we see that something that happen in the past that we barely noticed would become important later.
In most cases I'm willing to give most "diary" books a pass on #4 and chock it up to dramatic license, but sometimes the offense is too great and I just can't get past it. That was the case here. How on earth does Rose know to write about how she wasn't listening to what Molly was saying? Or all the slight references early on to David's drum set? It just got to be too much.
And while I could believe Rose capable of #1 and #2, I could not believe her capable of #3. This is a girl who says that she has never read a book! How on earth does she perfectly reproduce dramatic prose in her diary?
That sounds a little harsher than I meant it. I really do enjoy this series, but the diary format has long been a pet peeve of mine. So don't misunderstand me, I still heartily recommend this series.
June 4, 2011
So this might be mainly due to my reading the last three of these in one day, but I was pretty much over Rose by this point. This book is told first person by her so there was no escaping her. I really like how McKay has developed her character through the course of the books. In many ways she has grown and changed, in some ways I felt like she regressed to the Rose of Indigo's Star in this volume. Which is understandable as her family is changing in major ways. Her siblings are all grown up and she is often on her own. I may have liked it more if it had been third person like the other ones. Also, Indigo and Saffy are my favorites and I missed them. I realize they are older in this one but I feel cheated. Also I still hate (yes, the bold is necessary) Bill and everything he stands for and think he got off waaaay to lightly.
July 14, 2020
If I could join one fictional family, it might just be Hilary McKay's Casson clan. I love them all, from Eve, the scatty but loving mom down to Rose, an artist to her fingertips. Such a cosy and wonderful series!
August 21, 2021
4.5 stars
November 17, 2020
I recently read the entire Casson family series but didn't review any of the others. I found the series when I was nine or so and return to them whenever I need something safe. They are warm and comforting and still hold that childhood magic.And yet reading them as an adult is different. They still make me laugh, but I see things I didn't see before. Small kindnesses or quiet, sad moments. They perfectly capture the complexity of family, with characters that are not all good or all bad, but who are chaotic and somewhere in between.
I always like Rose's perspective, but I did miss getting to see the others. I especially missed Indigo who has always been a reliable presence in Rose's life. He has always been kind to her and understanding and there were some moments throughout the book that really captured this.
I would love another Casson book, getting to see all of the family again and where they ended up. Hilary McKay has such a gift for writing books for children that are still genuinely enjoyable to read as an adult.
I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends I have known for a long time when I finished this book. As though they were leaving, and I wished I could keep them for just a minute more.
I am so glad I found this series so long ago, and that I am able to come back to it whenever I need to.
I always like Rose's perspective, but I did miss getting to see the others. I especially missed Indigo who has always been a reliable presence in Rose's life. He has always been kind to her and understanding and there were some moments throughout the book that really captured this.
I would love another Casson book, getting to see all of the family again and where they ended up. Hilary McKay has such a gift for writing books for children that are still genuinely enjoyable to read as an adult.
I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends I have known for a long time when I finished this book. As though they were leaving, and I wished I could keep them for just a minute more.
I am so glad I found this series so long ago, and that I am able to come back to it whenever I need to.
January 28, 2009
Charming, lovely, and funny--just like the previous four books detailing life with the eccentric, artistic, never predictable Casson family. Start with Saffy's Angel (the first and my favorite) and you'll want to read them all.
I started out giving this particular title four stars but it feels far too stingy when I think of how lovely it's been watching Caddy, Saffy, Indigo, and Rose grow up (along with assorted friends and pets).
Make a cup of tea, maybe a toasted curry sandwich with bananas and curl up for a fun read about this charming British family.
I started out giving this particular title four stars but it feels far too stingy when I think of how lovely it's been watching Caddy, Saffy, Indigo, and Rose grow up (along with assorted friends and pets).
Make a cup of tea, maybe a toasted curry sandwich with bananas and curl up for a fun read about this charming British family.
June 13, 2008
It is so quirky - but I can see that many young readers will still be able to relate to Rose's many feelings and statements. I laughed out loud many many times and found the characters highly entertaining -- even those Rose only sees very flatly, such as Mr. Spencer.
Note to self:
p. 11 - the funny bits about what Kiran does when she's bored.
p. 104 - "I should have loved to see Mr. Spencer onstage in colored wellies and a rain hat and a Teletubby bib..."
Note to self:
p. 11 - the funny bits about what Kiran does when she's bored.
p. 104 - "I should have loved to see Mr. Spencer onstage in colored wellies and a rain hat and a Teletubby bib..."
July 23, 2016
Rose still sounds and thinks like a precocious 8-year-old rather than a middle schooler, but she didn't annoy me as much this time, maybe because her emotions seemed more in proportion to the life stress occurring. I don't think I'd want her for a friend, though.
I would've liked to hear more about what happened with Caddy on her travels.
I would've liked to hear more about what happened with Caddy on her travels.
January 7, 2008
It's lovely.
I am sorry to see this series end, but McKay has thrown a definite knot of finality over it, and they all lived happily ever after.
I am sorry to see this series end, but McKay has thrown a definite knot of finality over it, and they all lived happily ever after.
October 28, 2025
I love this series! (I have read it several times). Such a beautiful finish to this five book series.
February 16, 2025
3.5 stars. The first three Casson family books remain my favourites, with this book and the previous feeling a little watery in comparison.
June 5, 2022
ok so once again i feel the need to make it clear that under usual circumstances (meaning, not this shitty first-person style of writing) i adore the casson family. saffy’s angel and indigo’s star are two of my favourite books ever. that being said, the series went downhill immensely right after those two.
the story itself wasn’t dreadful, and would’ve worked better in the usual style. i am glad that caddy and michael ended up together and the baby was a sweet edition. i also liked how david ended up living with the cassons in their attic room. i think the point that not all mothers love their kids was necessary to make, coming from someone in a similar situation - and i just wish i could find the sort of family that “uncle davy” has.
i wasn’t exactly happy with the decision to kill david’s granddad, considering he was like the sweetest guy in the world and the only person david’s ever been able to rely on. but i guess it was kind of integral to the moving-on of the story and david got his happy ending after all.
i do think that a more interesting plot might have entailed the aging-up of all the characters. i understand they do grow up by a couple of years or so between each book, but i think it would be far more exciting to read about their future exploits - what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same. i think rose could be a brilliant tattoo artist. i wouldn’t have minded a book from her perspective if it was as interesting as all that could’ve been.
in conclusion, this book was bearable, but i did have to stop halfway through and read 4 other books in order to regain my will to finish it. i love you, casson family - i just love you more in third-person.
the story itself wasn’t dreadful, and would’ve worked better in the usual style. i am glad that caddy and michael ended up together and the baby was a sweet edition. i also liked how david ended up living with the cassons in their attic room. i think the point that not all mothers love their kids was necessary to make, coming from someone in a similar situation - and i just wish i could find the sort of family that “uncle davy” has.
i wasn’t exactly happy with the decision to kill david’s granddad, considering he was like the sweetest guy in the world and the only person david’s ever been able to rely on. but i guess it was kind of integral to the moving-on of the story and david got his happy ending after all.
i do think that a more interesting plot might have entailed the aging-up of all the characters. i understand they do grow up by a couple of years or so between each book, but i think it would be far more exciting to read about their future exploits - what’s changed, and what’s stayed the same. i think rose could be a brilliant tattoo artist. i wouldn’t have minded a book from her perspective if it was as interesting as all that could’ve been.
in conclusion, this book was bearable, but i did have to stop halfway through and read 4 other books in order to regain my will to finish it. i love you, casson family - i just love you more in third-person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Ok, I can deal with the first-person change if it's just one character.
What I cannot deal with is the cover, but I guess that doesn't matter much...
The later books of the series get a little more content-y, *large spoiler alert*
All in all, I wasn't expecting content like that in this book, although it is handled really well, with characters showing remorse, etc. And I still highly recommend them if you love a witty, lovable narrator.
What I cannot deal with is the cover, but I guess that doesn't matter much...
The later books of the series get a little more content-y, *large spoiler alert*
All in all, I wasn't expecting content like that in this book, although it is handled really well, with characters showing remorse, etc. And I still highly recommend them if you love a witty, lovable narrator.
January 7, 2018
McKay, Hilary Forever Rose, 291p. McElderry Books, Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G-
Rose Casson has the strangest family. Her father is in London, Caddy, her sister, is in her hometown, but won't come home. All she really wants is her family to be back together. All she has to comfort her now is her friends. But when they make her do something stupid, she doesn't know what to do. Will her family start leading a normal life?
This book was really cute and charming. The way the Casson's are so odd made this a book one that I just had to read. The last book in the Casson Series.
MS, HS- ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: CW
Rose Casson has the strangest family. Her father is in London, Caddy, her sister, is in her hometown, but won't come home. All she really wants is her family to be back together. All she has to comfort her now is her friends. But when they make her do something stupid, she doesn't know what to do. Will her family start leading a normal life?
This book was really cute and charming. The way the Casson's are so odd made this a book one that I just had to read. The last book in the Casson Series.
MS, HS- ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: CW
May 27, 2021
Permanent Rose is my favorite character in the Carson family novels of Hillary McKay. This book appears to be the last in the series and I appreciate that it was written in the voice of Rose. As with the others, I highly recommend this to everyone.
October 13, 2017
I like this book because of rose Casson she is my favorite character because she is fun
October 23, 2017
Upgrading to 5 stars because I've enjoyed this series so much!
November 24, 2017
10 stars! I love rose. and rose's crazy slightly irregular very fun family!
November 12, 2018
A grand finale and final act, the last book of the series. Probably the coziest and happiest one. Christmasy, too!
G
G
February 4, 2019
So delightful! I loved this...
Read
July 31, 2019iconic
August 13, 2019
Not a big fan. I kind of got bored part way through. It needed more excitement
January 9, 2020
I love these books - I've read them in the wrong order but I did manage to read the first one first so it all fit together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews