Secret Songs

by Jane Stemp

On holiday in Scotland, Ceri discovers that there are secrets in her family about which she knows nothing. Her father left a long time ago. Why is her mother still afraid? Why is her half-sister running away, and who is her mysterious boyfriend?

199 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Exillior · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as a teenager (on a small tropical island) and since then I must have read it hundreds of times - at one point I could recite parts of it. I am now working in Scotland and have actually been to some of the places mentioned in the novel.

This novel is magical. Not just because it delves into Scottish folklore, but because of its convincing approach to all the issues that come up during the narrative. Ceri, the protagonist, is full of all the emotional tangles and powerful longings of a teenager, and at the same time the fact that she is hard of hearing adds to the conflicts. The complicated family dynamics are also explored convincingly.

At the end of the day, it is not a perfect book. Many situations are idealised, and many realities are glossed over. The brilliance of this novel, however, is all the little things that Jane Stemp introduces into the story that, on a second and third reading, you pick up on, which actually lead you to speculate about a scene which previously seemed very straightforward.

(For example, the scene where Ceri laughs at Fergal, and he gets upset that she's laughing at him and snaps at her, "I wish you would - oh never mind-" There are many ways to interpret what really went on there. There is also Euan's story about his father and his stepfather, and the moment at which Jane Stemp chooses to cut off that narrative. Overall, the half-voiced out thoughts and the little slips here and there make this seemingly straightforward story a lot more complex.)

This book has so very few reviews that the comparisons have not been made, but this novel is very similar to Alan Garner's The Owl Service in some respects. To me, however, this is by far the better of the two novels. It seems regrettable to me that The Owl Service is upheld as a solid example of classic teenage fiction, while Secret Songs passes unnoticed.

Not a moment passes, in the aftermath of reading this story, that the characters aren't dwelling on my mind. I constantly feel as if, should I open the book, the story will continue again, and I will read more about Ceri and Fergal and Euan and Ruth. Sometimes I feel as if, opening my door, that I might come across them. Jane Stemp has created tangible characters who will stay with you long after you close the book.

[Emma Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book. It's a warming blend of drama, fantasy and mystery that I've adored since childhood

[Ashika · Rating 4 out of 5]

(warning: potential spoilers ahead)

I first encountered this book in primary school, as I was a new free reader and had to pick a novel among several in my classroom bookshelf. For some reason, my eyes caught sight of this one and so began a new adventure.

Secret Songs is a tale about a deaf girl Ceri (which I believe is pronounced "KEH-RI"), who goes on a little family holiday with her mother and step-brother to Scotland. While there, she meets her half-sister Ruth, who seems to hold secrets and Euan, Ruth's mysterious boyfriend who allows Ceri to witness the wonder of seals.

I guess after I read it the second time, I grasped the faint fantasy elements provided by Jane Stemp. The world of Selkies, a fascinating species in Scottish/Irish folklore is presented magically without being too obvious. But there are some enigmas present in the novel such as the existence of Selkies and whether Euan's relevance is one of moral support or escapism. The novel may not be for die-hard fantasy fans but it is a nice and refreshing read.

Also, for some reason, I love to think of this book as similar to Enya's "Orinoco Flow" since they both deliver the same magical feeling.